June 06, 2022

A Discussion of the Farm Bill and Its Impact on Small and Regenerative Farms

55 minutes

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" features a discussion with Laura Thomas, Communications and Partnerships Manager at GC Resolve, and Graeme Christensen, a fifth-generation farmer and advocate for regenerative agriculture. The conversation centers on the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, its historical bias towards commodity crops, and potential changes that could support the growth of small, diverse, and regenerative farming operations.

The Farm Bill's Impact on Small Farmers

The episode highlights the limitations of the Farm Bill in its current form, particularly its focus on commodity crops and its failure to adequately support small and diverse farming operations. Christensen points out that the crop insurance program, a significant component of the Farm Bill, is designed in a way that disadvantages small farmers and even penalizes those who adopt certain regenerative practices. This bias towards commodity crops, he argues, has contributed to a food system where even agriculturally rich states like Nebraska import the majority of their food.

Opportunities for Reform in the 2023 Farm Bill

The discussion emphasizes the 2023 Farm Bill as a crucial opportunity for reform, advocating for changes that could make farming more accessible to younger generations and support a transition towards more sustainable and regenerative practices.

Key proposals discussed include:

A Regenerative Transition Program (RTP): This program would provide financial and technical assistance to farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, helping them overcome the economic barriers and knowledge gaps often associated with such a shift.

Strengthened Technical Assistance: The episode calls for improvements to the technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), advocating for increased training in regenerative agriculture principles and the creation of culturally appropriate resources for diverse farming communities, including urban, tribal, and immigrant populations.

A Government Land Bank: Christensen proposes the creation of a government-managed land bank where retiring farmers could receive a retirement stipend in exchange for transitioning their land into a holding area for aspiring young farmers. Participants in this program would receive training in regenerative agriculture and business management, ensuring the land is cared for sustainably and passed on to a new generation of farmers.

The Need for Consumer Demand and Market Transparency

The episode emphasizes the need for increased consumer demand for diverse, locally-produced, and regeneratively grown food. Thomas and Christensen argue that a shift in consumer preferences, coupled with greater transparency in the food system, could drive significant change.

They suggest that technology could play a key role in connecting consumers with farmers, allowing them to make informed choices about where their food comes from and supporting those who align with their values. Christensen envisions a future where consumers can easily access information about a farm's practices, environmental impact, and social responsibility, empowering them to make purchasing decisions that support a more just and sustainable food system.

Addressing "Regenerative Greenwashing"

The episode acknowledges the growing trend of "greenwashing" within the regenerative agriculture movement, with large corporations potentially co-opting the term for marketing purposes without making genuine changes to their practices.

To counter this, Christensen stresses the importance of establishing clear principles and definitions for regenerative agriculture, grounded in indigenous wisdom and a deep understanding of soil health. He believes that a unified front against greenwashing, rooted in a commitment to genuine ecological restoration, can prevent the movement from being diluted and ensure its long-term impact.

A Call to Action for Listeners

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners, urging them to:

Engage with the Farm Bill: Learn about the upcoming Farm Bill, participate in advocacy efforts, and contact elected officials to voice support for policies that promote small, diverse, and regenerative farming operations.

Make Conscious Food Choices: Pay attention to where your food comes from, prioritize ethically produced and regeneratively grown products, and support local farmers whenever possible.

Become an Advocate: Speak up about the importance of regenerative agriculture, share information with others, and participate in local and national conversations about food systems change.

The episode emphasizes that individual actions, when combined with collective efforts to influence policy and shift market demand, can create a powerful force for positive change in the food system.

Check out GC Resolve at: https://www.gcresolve.com/

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

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