Advocacy “To live, we must daily break the bread and shed the blood of creation. The point is, when we do this knowingly, lovingly, skillfully, reverently, it is a sacrament; when we do it ignorantly, greedily, clumsily, destructively, it is a desecration…in such desecration, we condemn ourselves to spiritual and moral loneliness and others to want.” Wendell Berry Talking Points for a Better Farm Bill Conservation must continue to be an important part of the farm bill, and it must be fully funded Every farmer who wants to participate in conservation programs should have the opportunity U.S. taxpayer dollars should go to supporting small family farms, not corporate agriculture Strong rural communities are critical to a strong America Introduced Policy Proposals The Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006 (H.R. 6064) was introduced by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) to be a conversation starter on farm conservation issues. Among other things, the bill would increase funding for renewable energy production on farms, double incentives for private landownders to protect drinking water sources and make other environmental improvements, restore wetlands, and protect farm and ranchland from sprawl. One page summary of the bill Section by section overview Check back for new policy proposals - the White House is expected to release their full proposal for the farm bill after the State of the Union Address. Progressive Visions for a New Farm Bill National Catholic Rural Life Conference - the winter 2005 issue of "Rural Life," the NCRLC's magazine lays out their vision for a new farm bill. All articles are available online including "A Vision for Agriculture in the Jubiiee Spirit," by Robert Gronski and "Joy and the Politics of Eating," by Allen Hance, and "An Agroecological Vision for Socially Just Agriculture," by Miguel Altieri American Farmland Trust Agenda 2007 - calls for a real financial safety net for farmers, rewards for enviornmnetal stewardship, and new market opportunities. Environmental Defense's farm bill vision calls for rewards for environmental stewardship, increased energy production, developing new markets, producing healthy food for all, and stronger rural communities. Advocacy Tips Interacting with Your Elected Representative - Visiting, Writing, and Phoning Writing Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds