While the deadline for the Joint Reduction on Deficit Commission ("super-committee") draws near, we have just learned that members of the Agriculture Committees are trying to write a secret Farm Bill into the super-committee agreement. The legislation would ensure that livestock and feed agribusinesses remain subsidized by U.S. taxpayers, continuing government handouts to the producers of foods that cause obesity, diabetes, and cancer. This is clearly the work of giant agribusiness and the fast-food industry. In circumventing the normal committee process, they hope to prevent a public debate on the merits of those programs from taking place. We urge you to contact your members of Congress and ask them to let the super-committee know that the Farm Bill programs should not be included in any final agreement. The Farm Bill is multiyear legislation that authorizes all commodity programs, farm subsidies, and nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Since the Farm Bill authorizes and funds these programs for the next five years, it is crucial that we have an open and transparent debate on these issues. In the coming months, PCRM will debut its policy proposals for the next Farm Bill and will be working with our friends in Congress to change the way government addresses farming and nutrition programs. But we won't have that opportunity if giant agribusinesses gets their way. Please contact your members of Congress today, and tell them that we need an open and transparent discussion on agriculture and nutrition issues, not a secret Farm Bill. Best regards, |
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