Whelp, it’s that time of year… again! Farm Bill Time! Confused about this process? Check out the great infographic from the National Sustainable Ag Coalition:
The Senate is reviewing the Farm Bill today and if you have a minute to call our Montana Senators to let them know which amendments you want them to vote for, that would be AWESOME!
Sen. Max Baucus: (202) 224-2651
Sen. Jon Tester: (202) 224-2644
Ask them to support the following amendments:
- [Senators Coburn (D-IL) and Durbin (R-OK)] An amendment that takes a bold first step towards reforming ballooning crop insurance subsidies for wealthy mega-farms. It’s long past time to rein in these subsidies – this common-sense amendment will save taxpayers over $1.3 billion dollars and ensure maximum support goes only to those who need it, not a handful of mega-farms.
- [Senators Casey (D-PA) and Harkin (D-IA)] An amendment that authorizes a microloan program tailored for the needs of beginning and military veteran farmers and ranchers. New farmers need access to land, credit, and capital to get their hands in the dirt, and this amendment will help them better access their #1 biggest need – financial capital to launch and sustain their farm businesses.
- [Senator Grassley (R-IA)] An amendment that will help level the playing field between independent livestock producers and the large corporate packers and processors who have been trying to change the rules in favor of corporate interests at the expense of family farmers. The meat industry giants – just 4 corporations control over 80% of our nation’s beef, for example – have successfully blocked common-sense rules to give farmers a fair shake in the marketplace and are now moving to strip farmers of even the most basic legal protection against abuse at the hands of the large processors who dominate the industry. This amendment establishes a special counsel office at USDA dedicated to making sure that fair competition rules are enforced.
Our senators could make the difference on these votes – give them a call today!
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