The government looks the other way as a small group of agribusinesses dominate every aspect of food production and consumption. Left unchecked, these monopolies will continue their dubious practices which, ultimately, end in negative results. The consumer pays more, the farmer receives less, quantity over quality reigns, pollution escalates, and animal abuse becomes intolerable.
The marriage between big business and factory farming has no regard for the family farmer, public health or the welfare of animals. Farming is, simply, a business with no consideration given to ethics. The controlling agribusinesses seem to have free reign on their practices with little or no scrutiny by the government. While the demand for more continually increases the deterimental consequences are ignored, and the consumer pays with more than their dollar. We pay by being at risk for antibiotic resistance, ingesting numerous toxins, air and water contamination, and abandoning our moral obligation to animal rights.
There are four top firms which control nearly every aspect of food production. They control the factory farms on every level and dictate how the farms produce. Negative consequences have even been given to those who have spoken out about, for example, abuses in poultry farming. The Fair Farm Bill will help to eliminate these "strong arm" tactics.The Fair Farm Bill will assist in leveling the playing field making it possible for the family farmer to survive and, in fact , thrive. We, the consumer, will benefit in numerous ways. We will have increased choices in what we purchase and from whom, and prices will become more stabilized. We will be able to support local farms, and purchase healthier foods when these farms are free of big business constraints. Our environment will definitely benefit as the size of factory farms will eventually lessen. Smaller farms mean less pollution - pollution now created by the massive amounts of waste and other toxins seeping into our air and water supply. A family run farm - a farm not under durress or bombarded with the need to produce seemingly unattainable quantities - should result in better conditions for the animals as well. Realizing that many consumers want to see the end of meat production and factory farming, at least, for now, we can hope for more humane treatment of animals and food more in compliance with our demands and standards.
The Food and Water Watch, a grassroots environmental movement, is working ardently to pass this bill within the next three months. They are employing many strategies, and need your help beginning this Tuesday, Jan. 24th. This day is a "call in" day to Senator Brown's office - a tactic that has proven to be very effective for many other organizations. The event will be at:
The Galleria at Erie View FOOD COURT 1301 East Ninth Street, Cleveland
Also visit http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/fair-farm contact:.http://tia@greencorps.org
For helpful information on local farming, and ways YOU can get started, visit: http://www.cityrisingfarm.com
Peace
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