The US Farm Bill - Our Health on the Line!

The Farm Bill in the United States has been amended 10 times since it's inception in the 1960's. Agricultural legislation began on some level during the Great Depression to stimulate this sector of the economy. It's original intention was to provide subsidies to help farmers maintain profitability in a tough job. Unfortunately, what has transpired is a large percentage of subsidized farming to the top 10 largest agricultural businesses who are not in need of the subsidies to be successful. One of the biggest concerns is the support for some of the least healthful and most pesticide-laden crops. There are also a number of positive components to the bill that are very important which support nutrition programs to low-income families and seniors.

So once again, the Environmental Working Group has done their work. They have broken down some of the key points of the bill as we come into the year 2012 when it will be coming up for review and re-implementation. Please read the following information on the current bill to decide if you would like to add your name to petition congress for a healthier alternative in the upcoming years.