farm policy
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For once, developments in Washington could make things better on the farm
The outlook for small farms could be getting a bit sunnier.Photo: andyrobeI write on Grist about my small farm, but my day job is different. I’m an organizer for the Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA). One of the things we do at CFRA is try to tweak federal farm policies in ways that help […]
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How the next farm bill could plant a new crop of farmers
Microloans could encourage young people to become farmers.Photo: Chewonki Semester SchoolUSDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently called for 100,000 new farmers — a recognition that the U.S. farm population is aging rapidly. To create a revitalized, sustainable, and socially just food system, we need to cultivate a new generation of farmers — and quickly. But starting […]
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With food-system reform slowed to a crawl, local initiatives come to fore
Food-policy reform at the national level isn't getting anywhere fast. But don't get depressed; organize at the local level!
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What the midterms mean for federal ag-policy reform
That two-headed beast known as the Congressional Ag Committees got a major blood transfusion from voters Tuesday. Here's how it shook out -- and what to expect going forward.
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Senate ag committee chair is opening up. Who's in line?
Blanche Lincoln, chair of the Senate agriculture committee, is headed for defeat. You won't catch me shedding tears over her exit, but who will replace her in this key role? A Big Ag politician, or one who might support Farm Bill reform?