Family farm advocates are pushing for major changes in the new Farm Bill, including reduced subsidies for large factory farms, mandatory beef country-of-origin labels and measures to boost competition.
Proposals also include creating a meatpacking special investigator position at the USDA, and requiring meatpackers to purchase a set amount of livestock in cash markets.
Noah Earle, a member of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, a farmer and co-owner of Clovers Natural Markets, explained country-of-origin labeling for beef is not controversial among Missourians.
"Regardless of political affiliation, in Missouri you talk to cattle farmers or just citizens who consume beef, everyone agrees that we should have country-of-origin labeling for beef," Earle observed. "That's not controversial here on the ground."
Earle argued not labeling beef lets big meat companies sell foreign beef as American, harming local farmers and shoppers. Advocates want the Farm Bill to boost competition, help small farms and curb big corporations' control.
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved its Farm Bill version, but passing the full House is uncertain. Senate Democrats have outlined their version, while Senate Republicans have not yet. The current Farm Bill is an extension from 2018 and ends on Sept. 30. Differences persist in items such as SNAP funding and climate program funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Earle criticized the House bill for cutting funds for vital programs.
"The current version of the House farm bill that's been put forward is regressive," Earle contended. "One of the main ways that it's regressive is it's trying to take away funding to feed people that need to eat and the reason they need help with that is because of massive wealth extraction from their communities."
Earle added Congress has had ample time to work on the Farm Bill, yet family farm advocates feel the proposed measures do not go far enough. They called for meaningful changes to foster competition, reduce corporate control and address harmful agricultural practices. The status quo is not sufficient, and they urged Congress to take substantial steps toward a more equitable and sustainable food system.
The Missouri Public News Service is a partner with KRCU Public Radio.
