When Congress returns from recess after Labor Day, a Conference Committee comprised of nine Senators and 47 Representatives will reconcile the Senate and House Farm Bills into a final Farm Bill that will shape US agricultural policy and USDA program funding for the next five years. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has provided a list of Conferees at http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/farm-bill-conference-committee/. Here in Virginia, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) serves on the Conference.
What you can do during the Congressional Recess (through Labor Day weekend):
Sign the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) petition to the Farm Bill Conferees. This is a quick and effective action that you can take – and it will require only a minute or two of your time! This will be delivered to the farm bill conference committee in a few short weeks! Act Now!
SIGN HERE (with this link)
https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5735/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13449
Contact your Representative and your Senators at their district offices closest to you, and urge them to support the above provisions in the final Farm Bill. Note that if you have used or applied for any of these programs, tell your story and why the program(s) have been important to your farming operation, community, or family. First-hand stories from constituents are the most effective form of advocacy.
- Note that Representative Bob Goodlatte’s district (6th VA) serves on the Farm Bill Conference, thus if you are in his district your input is especially important.
- If your Representative is not a Conferee, ask them to contact Conferees to let them know how important these farm bill provisions are to constituents.
- Same for Senators – Virginia’s Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner are not Conferees, but they care about conservation, local foods, and beginning farmers.
If your Representative or Senator (or their staff) holds a Town Hall or other public event during the August recess, this is an opportunity to deliver your message in person. Check with their local district office to find out when events are scheduled.
Watch for updates and on the NSAC blog, http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/, which is updated almost daily as events unfold. Also, look for update and new action items in the September, 2018 issue of the VABF e-Newsletter.
