FARM BILL ACTION ITEM

The threat to our natural resources and food production systems have continued unabated over the past eighteen months. Deregulation and rollbacks have benefited the fossil-fuel industry and corporate interests ahead of environmental impact and those most affected by polluted environments. City, state, and federal climate rules, policies, programs, and offices are disappearing or being weakened across the US while attempts to discredit the scientific consensus on climate change remains an important part of these efforts.

WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO NOW? Increased funding for existing organic programs, development of new programs, and an emphasis on organic within all USDA programs can expand the economic opportunities of organic.

As we consider the next Farm Bill, we are looking to organic as a key tool for stimulating rural economic development. We can do this by focusing on loan and grant programs, entrepreneur assistance, community development, and removing barriers to investment.

We should also focus on programs that support organic transition, such as a transitional certification and resource conservation programs.

Let’s look to policies that can expand outreach efforts and facilitate network effects, which can create more organic hotspots and benefit local economies.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATES REPRESENTATIVES AND LET THEM KNOW YOUR INPUT ON ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND AQUAPONICS.

HERE IS A SAMPLE LETTER FOR AQUAPONICS INCLUSION IN THE FARM BILL:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN FUTURE AQUAPONICS POLICY ENGAGEMENT YOU CAN SIGN ON HERE .