With National Farmers’ Market Week just around the corner, it seems like a good time to highlight some ways the Farm Bill can better support vibrant local food systems. And what you can do to get involved!
First, a quick Farm Bill primer: The Farm Bill shapes virtually every aspect of the U.S. food and agricultural system—what kind of food farmers grow, how it is grown, how much it costs, who has access to land and resources to farm, and what kind of farms are likely to succeed.
The current Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30, 2023. This means the coming months are critical, and provide our single greatest opportunity to realize a vision of a food system that is just, equitable, nourishing, and sustainable. Here are two policy proposals that would directly benefit market farmers and the customers we serve:
- Local Farms and Food Act: If you’ve been to a farmers’ market in the past five years, it’s likely your experience has been influenced by programs that fall under the umbrella of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). This USDA program supports the development, coordination, and expansion of farmer-to-consumer sales AND strengthens local and regional food systems. If it’s incorporated into the 2023 Farm Bill, the Local Farms and Food Act (LFFA) will improve LAMP, making our regional food systems and local farmers’ markets even better.
- Farmers’ Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act: Championed by Pennsylvania’s own Representative Dwight Evans (PA-03), the Farmers’ Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2023 would support connections between farmers’ markets and the communities they serve. Not only would the bill increase funding for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which provides coupons to eligible families and seniors to purchase locally-grown food, but it would also establish a pilot program to help food banks procure food from local farmers.
And that’s just a small sample of the potential this legislation holds. So, are you ready to make your voice heard? The Farm Bill is set to expire at the end of September, so now is the time to make sure your elected officials know how it can best support you and your community.
Explore introduced marker bills on action.oeffa.org/marker-bill-tracker
Consider what YOU want to see in the 2023 Farm Bill (i.e., sustainability, improved food access, support for beginning farmers)
Spread the word on social media: “[@ YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL], our community is stronger because of organic and sustainable farmers, like @rootmassfarm [or other cool farm]. We need your help to create a future where these farmers thrive and are rewarded for growing nutritious food that protects our environment. This fall, please fight for a more just, equitable, and regenerative Farm Bill!”
Call your member of Congress to boost your favorite marker bills: Call the switchboard for the U.S. House of Representatives at (202) 225-3121 or the U.S. Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Ask to be transferred to your representative or senator’s office.
Meet in-district with your member of Congress
Sign up for Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s action alert list.
Questions? Reach out to me through the normal channels or through my off-farm email: lindsey@pasafarming.org. And thanks for supporting farms like ours!