Por Cora Fox, ex empleada.
La semana pasada, el senador Sherrod Brown (demócrata por Ohio) y los representantes Chellie Pingree (demócrata por Maine), Sean Patrick Maloney (demócrata por Nueva York) y Jeff Fortenberry (republicano por Nebraska) presentaron en el Congreso la Ley de Suministro de Alimentos Locales y Mercados Regionales (Ley Local FARMS).
Through an investment in programs and policies that spur economic development, the act prioritizes the development of new markets for farmers and expanded healthy food access for American families.
The Center for Rural Affairs has long supported local foods as an economic development tool in rural communities, working with community leaders to build healthy, sustainable, local food systems. We support the Local FARMS Act.
Where our food comes from matters – for our health, for the vitality of our communities, for our wallets, and for the environment. One of our goals is to connect the local people who grow and make food with the local people who eat it.
We work to connect farmers and consumers through community food systems and farm to school projects, providing workshops, webinars, and technical support.
The 2018 farm bill should include programs and resources to support producers who want to diversify their operations by connecting them with growing opportunities in local and regional marketplaces. Investment in infrastructure and support for local farmers boosts rural economies.
Los resultados del Censo Agrícola de 2007 y 2012 muestran que los agricultores que comercializan alimentos directamente a los consumidores tienen más probabilidades de mantenerse en el negocio que las explotaciones agrícolas de tamaño similar que comercializan a través de los canales tradicionales.
En 2015, más de 167 000 granjas estadounidenses produjeron y vendieron alimentos localmente a través de centros de distribución y otros intermediarios, mediante la venta directa del agricultor al consumidor o directamente de la granja al minorista. Estas ventas generaron 8700 millones de dólares en ingresos para los productores locales.
We stand with the Congressional sponsors of this legislation in calling for this critical investment in our food and farm future. The Local FARMS Act should be included in the 2018 farm bill.
Want to show your support for local foods in rural communities? Here’s how you can get involved:
A quick call to your representative expressing your support for this bill will make a big impact! Call the Congressional Switchboard at 202.224.3121.
Not sure what to say? Here is an example: “Hello, my name is _________, and I live in [town where you live, so they know you are a member of their district]. I’m calling to let Representative/Senator _________ know I support the Local FARMS Act. I support local farmers, and I want good food in my community. Thank you!”
Did you call? Let us know! Contact us at [email protected] o 402.687.2100.
