foodperson.com

Before the words “Farm Bill” get you snoring, remember two things about it:

1. It defines to a large extent what Americans eat and at what price.
2. We, collectively, can have an impact on it.

Case in point: Brownfield reports today that negative publicity about farm aid is having an effect on policymakers. (I have no idea how long that link will be good.) “Negative,” apparently, means news reports that oppose the status quo.

Why does it matter? The Brownfield report says, among other things, “That means the next farm bill is likely to shift funds from the commodity title to conservation programs and provide a greater array of risk management tools than the current version does.”

Put another way, it could mean our tax eggs are going in a greater number of baskets rather than serving primarily to subsidize giant industrial farms. It could mean more support for programs that allow poor and elderly people to use some government food dollars at Farmers Markets. Or programs that encourage putting local food in school cafeterias. Or programs to encourage soil conservation.

While you’re building your head of steam to contact your congresspeople, you might want to read Barry Estabrook’s blog at Gourmet. Today’s entry comments on the genetically modified rice about to be planted not too far west of where I live and the adulteration, shall we say, of organic standards now that organic has gone industrial. Our collective commentary can make a difference. Do it now.