NFFC Sees Wins and Losses in Reported Farm Bill

[Heather Day]

CAGJ is a member of National Family Farm Coalition, and shares this press release on this important issue - The Farm Bill!

Heather

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lisa Griffith <li...@nffc.net>

Date: January 28, 2014 3:20:25 PM PST

To: Kathy Ozer <ko...@nffc.net>

Bcc: hred...@gmail.com

Subject: NFFC Sees Wins and Losses in Reported Farm Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contacts:

Ben Burkett mobile:  (601) 310-5223

Katherine Ozer office:  (202) 543-5675

 

                                

Washington D.C. (January 28, 2014) - The National Family Farm Coalition sees numerous losses and several wins in the 2014 farm bill reported by the conference committee yesterday. Major losses include no requirement for USDA to hold hearings for a new milk pricing formula; the $8 billion cut to SNAP benefits; annual funds for Minority Outreach and Education Programs slashed from $20 million to $10 million; and diminished support for conservation programs. Wins are noted in the retention of COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) laws and GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration) protections; $4 billion allotted for livestock disaster funds; crop insurance payments linked to conservation compliance; and renewed funding for local and regional food systems.

 

Stated NFFC board president Ben Burkett, “At least family farmers and ranchers are not wondering about the status of key programs, but many of the policies will continue to benefit corporate, export-driven agriculture. 2014 is designated as the International Year of the Family Farmer, and we must keep in mind who real family farmers are and what they really need.”

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Lisa Griffith, Outreach Coordinator