Agriculture & Food: Focus on 2012 Farm Bill

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference is asking for our support of a just and effective Farm Bill. They have shared the following information with us:

Call for a New Farm Bill

The current Farm Bill (2008-2012) is known as the “Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.”
Policy-makers are now preparing for the next farm bill, due for re-authorization by October 2012.

The Farm Bill is notable for maintaining a safety net for farmers; it also authorizes crucial conservation programs and essential nutrition and food assistance programs.

NCRLC is coordinating our advocacy efforts with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services in order to push for an equitable Food and Farm Bill.

NCRLC sees the Farm Bill as the opportunity to shape the health, equity, and long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the U.S. farm and food system. This requires grassroots awareness and participation in the policy-making process to make change happen.

——————————————————————————–

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
As many of our long-time members know, we also partner with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, which is a coalition of family farm and conservation groups from around the country.
Together we are striving to reform and construct policies and programs that truly support our small and mid-sized farms, protect and conserve our natural resources and environment, and breathe new life into our rural communities.

Taking Action

Many Christian leaders are urging Congress to form a “circle of protection” around programs that seve hungry, poor and vulnerable people.

The NCRLC asks to to tell our senators that our nation needs to feed the hungry, preserve God’s creation, support family farmers, and help rural America thrive.  You can call your senators at 1-702-577-2339.

 Jesus reminds  us  in the story of the Last Judgment  that one of the fundamental measures of our lives will be how we cared for people in need: “For I was hungry and you gave me food.” (Mt 25:35)