Mara Schechter explains Food and Water Watch’s Fair Farm Bill campaign

Food & Water Watch, a national consumer advocacy group, has launched a campaign for a better food system in Albany. Consumers need access to safe food from sustainable agricultural methods. Farmers who’ve farmed for generations are being forced to sell their farms or are struggling to compete against the big agribusinesses that have come to dominate the food system. This is not the way our food system has always been, and it is not the way it has to be.

Food & Water Watch’s Fair Farm Bill campaign is working to level the playing field to support small and mid-sized farmers so they can thrive for generations to come. The Farm Bill, the most important piece of national legislation that determines how food reaches our plates, is up for review. This happens every five years, and because New York’s US Senator Gillibrand is on the agriculture committee, she’s making decisions right now about what protections the bill will include for small farmers, consumers, and the environment.

All New Yorkers have a stake in this issue. Our ongoing campaign is showing Senator Gillibrand that across the state, New Yorkers want to see new policies to increase competition in the food system so that small farmers can compete. You can get involved with our call-in campaign. As a constituent of Senator Gillibrand, you can call today and show her that you want her to be a leader on this issue and a voice for change. We can create a healthy food system for everyone.

To make a call:

You can use either of these numbers: 518-431-0120 or 212-688-6262.

Here is a suggested script: "Hi. I'm __________, a constituent in ___________NY. I strongly believe that we need to level the playing field for all family farmers and consumers, so I'm calling to encourage Sen. Gillibrand to introduce a competition title, or section, in the upcoming farm bill, so smaller farmers can compete and are treated fairly. Thank you."

Here is a link to learn more: www.foodandwaterwatch.org/fairfarmbill