Urgent Farm Bill Action Alert – May 23, 2013
Our nation’s food & farm policy is on the wrong track.
You have the power to make a difference.
UPDATE: This action alert was cancelled on June 11, 2013, when the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill. On June 20, the House rejected its version of the Farm Bill, 234-195. See how your representative voted: https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll286.xml
The future of the Farm Bill remains uncertain. Stay tuned for more details from our blog.
Call your Senators today: (877) 757-6910
It’s time to get it right. The time is NOW. It takes less than 5 minutes to call and voice your opinion—and it does make a difference.
The 2013 Farm Bill debate is happening right this moment. While corporate interest groups have huge budgets to pay for lobbyists in DC, we must count on people like you to call and tell your elected officials what is needed.
Take Action
Step 1: Call the Congress switchboard at 877-757-6910. Ask to be connected with one of the two Senators representing your state.
Step 2: Once connected, state your name, city and state. Tell the person who answers that you would like to leave a message for the Senator’s agricultural staffer.
Suggested Message: I urge the Senator to take steps to ensure that the 2013 Farm Bill works for family farmers, consumers and the environment. Please ask the Senator to support the following amendments:
(Choose amendments based on your priorities and interests. Amendments that are core to RAFI’s current programs are highlighted in red.)
Amendments that protect family farmers from corporate abuses by the largest meat packers, poultry companies and other agribusinesses:
- Senator Rockefeller’s amendment to prohibit companies from retaliating against farmers that speak out about unfair treatment.
- Senator Grassley’s amendment #969 to create a USDA special counsel to monitor consolidation and strengthen antitrust enforcement in the farm and food sector.
- Senator Tester’s amendment requiring the USDA to issue annual reports on concentration in the food and agribusiness industries.
Amendments critical to future of sustainable agriculture:
- Senator Tester’s amendment #972 to support public classical plant breeding so farmers have access to the seeds and breeds they need to be successful.
- Senators Leahy Cowan and Collins’ amendment to remove the unfair EQIP payment limit on organic farmers.
Amendments that reform crop insurance:
- Senators Shaheen and Toomey’s amendment #926 to limit crop insurance payments to $50,000 annually to those who are actively engaged in farming.
- Senators Begich and Flake’s amendment #936 to ensure data transparency in crop insurance payments.
Step 3: Share with your friends!