January 09, 2009
UTNE READER

The 2007 Farm Bill

How the 2007 Farm Bill could make future farms smaller, healthier, and green

Article Tools

1. Conservation Security
Many conservation programs take land out of production; this one offers financial support to farmers who cultivate their fields in an environmentally sustainable manner.

2. Rural development
Too many farmers in atrophied rural communities rely on outside jobs. Programs in the Farm Bill could help them add small-scale, sustainable businesses to their spreads.

3. Rural energy
Farms consume a lot of energy. Alternative energy initiatives can save farmers money while they save the environment.

4. Urban-rural connections
More and more of us are working directly with those who grow our food. The Farm Bill can promote programs that connect us.

5. Conservation Reserve Program
An old favorite, the CRP invests in the quality of our waterways by paying farmers to create healthy wetlands.

6. Sustainable farming research
What if biodiversity got the same research budget as genetic engineering?

7. Antitrust laws
A tiny handful of businesses control the lion's share of the meat industry. It's time to make the system work for the farmers, not the suits.

8. Country of Origin Labeling
Is your food really local? Right now, you can't tell. Pressure is on to add labels that say exactly where that cow lived and died.

9. Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Manure is a major source of environmental contamination. Programs in the Farm Bill help farmers clean it up without causing a major stink.

Get Involved

Page: 1 | 2 | Next >>



Pay Now & Save $7.97!
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Province: *
Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
 

Want to gain a fresh perspective? Read stories that matter? Feel optimistic about the future? It's all here! Utne Reader offers provocative writing from diverse perspectives, insightful analysis of art and media, down-to-earth news and in-depth coverage of eye-opening issues that affect your life.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $7.97 and get 6 issues of Utne Reader for only $12.00 (USA only).

Or Bill Me Later and pay just $19.97 for 6 issues of Utne Reader!