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New York University: Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health
ADVANCED TOPICS IN FOOD STUDIES: FOOD SOCIOLOGY: THE FARM BILL, Fall 2011
FOOD-GE.2244.1.001 (Revised 9-12-11)
Mondays 4:55-6:35 p.m., 3 credits, @Silver 520
Marion Nestle, Instructor, marion.nestle@nyu.edu, blog www.foodpolitics.com, @marionnestle
Office hours: Mondays 2:00-4:00 p.m. or by appointment 35 West 4th Street, 12th Floor
Michael Bulger, Teaching Assistant, mb3896@nyu.edu, @MichaelBulger
Office hours: Thursdays 2:00-4:00 p.m., Think Coffee, NYU Bookstore, 726 Broadway
Eleanor Talbot West, Course Assistant, el.t.west@gmail.com, @Eleanor_West
This is a new course offered to coincide with congressional debate about the 2012 farm bill, a
massive piece of legislation that governs USDA programs spanning agriculture, nutrition, and public
health. Farm bill provisions deal with agricultural supports, food assistance programs, international
food trade, biofuels, organic food production, livestock production, commodity speculation, and
conservation of natural resources (including water)--all of which directly affect or have implications
for social welfare and public health. As an outgrowth of the burgeoning food movement, advocacy
organizations are mobilizing to improve the farm bill in ways that better align agricultural policy
with health and environmental policy.
Students will review the history, sociology, and politics of farm bill legislation in the United States,
read about the 2008 version, follow current discussions of farm bill issues, and develop strategies
for revising specific sections to make them more compatible with goals for improving the health of
the public, especially low-income groups, farmers (small and large), farm workers, farm animals,
farmland, rural America, and the environment. The course focuses on advocacy: methods for
getting involved and taking action, organizations and stakeholder groups, lobbyists and lobbying, and
the nuts and bolts of how senators, congressional representatives, the relevant congressional
committees, and the White House deal with food and nutrition legislation and funding.
Course objectives:
 Identify the goals of an ideal food system and the role of various stakeholders—
government, industry, the public—in achieving that system.
 Describe the historical, social, and political context of agricultural policy in the U.S.
 Describe the issues addressed by the various titles of the farm bill that affect nutrition,
food, and health policy.
 Identify the primary stakeholders in farm bill policy areas, and the strategies by which
they attempt to achieve their goals.
 Explain the processes by which Congress revises farm bill policies.
 Identify advocacy groups working to align aspects of farm policy with health policy.
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FARM BILL CLASS SCHEDULE, FALL 2011
DATE
FARM BILL TOPIC
ASSIGNMENTS
Readings should be completed and ready to discuss by the
indicated class date. All readings without URLs are on
Blackboard. Most are also available online, searchable by
title.
Sept 12
Introduction
1. The 2008 farm bill : read through the Table of Contents,
pp. 1-14, on Blackboard or at
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ
246.pdf
2. Pick any section of the bill that interests you. Search for
and find that section. Read two or three pages of the bill
beginning with that section.
3. View: Cook K. Video of TED talk on farm bill, April 3, 2011,
at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6T37m4r3yo (~14
minutes)
Sept 19
Context: Society
1. National Research Council. Pivotal time in agriculture. In:
Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21 st
Century, 2010: 43-75.
2. Dimitri C, et al. The 20th Century transformation of U.S.
agriculture and farm policy. USDA/ERS, June 2005.
3. Vilsack T. Briefing on the status of rural America (slide
show), undated.
4. Mercier S. External factors that will drive the next farm
bill debate. Choices 2011:26(2).
5. Coleman-Jenson A, et al. Household food security in the
United States, 2010. USDA, September 2011. Read
Summary and first chapter, pp. 1-18.
6. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Food without
Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes to Obesity,
2006
7. Masey R, Ulmer A. Agriculture and greenhouse gas
emissions. University of Missouri Extension, 2010.
Sept 26
Context: Agriculture
1. National Research Council. Public policy as a contextual
factor. In: Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in
the 21st Century, 2010: 291-307, 323-326, 333-336.
2. Shields DA, et al. Farm Safety Net Programs: Issues for
the Next Farm Bill. CRS 2010.
3. Johnson R, Monke J. What is the “farm bill”? CRS, 2010.
Note: percent shares in table 1 are in error. Nutrition
3
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Oct 3
Context: Politics
should be 67%, Commodities 15%, Conservation 9%, Crop
Insurance 8%.
Hayes MA. Getting what we pay for (and other unintended
consequences): An overview of federal agricultural policy.
Maine Policy Review Winter/Spring 2011.
Goodwin BK, et all. American boondoggle: fixing the 2012
farm bill. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
Monke J, Johnson R. Actual farm bill spending and cost
estimates. CRS, 2010.
Monke J. Previewing the next farm bill: unfunded and
early-expiring provisions. CRS, 2010.
USDA/ERS 2008 farm bill summary of provisions and links
to specific sections. Browse so you know how and where to
find sections of interest.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FarmPolicy/ProgramProvi
sions.htm
1. Syllabus pp. 13-14 on how bills get passed.
2. Monke J. Agriculture and related agencies: FY2010
appropriations. CRS 2010. Read to page 23; focus on
process, not numbers.
3. Dunlea M, Yowell E. Farm bill 1.05. Food Systems
Network, July 2011.
4. Kopperud S. Are we now racing for a 2011 farm bill?
Brownfield Ag News, August 5, 2011, at
http://brownfieldagnews.com/2011/08/05/are-we-nowracing-for-a-2011-farm-bill/
5. Cogan M, Raju M. The GOP’s supercommittee picks.
Politico, August 10, 2011, at
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61028.html
6. Super disclose them (editorial). New York Times, August
22, 2011, at
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/opinion/superdisclose-them.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
7. Outlaw JL, et al. Farm bill stakeholders: competitors or
collaborators? Choices 2011;26(2).
8. Yowell E, Estrow FG. Farm bill 1.02. Food Systems
Network, NYC, 2011.
9. Porter R. Ag industry develops tools to tell its story,
March 20, 2011, at
http://www.myplainview.com/news/article_0d00b36e5242-11e0-b872-001cc4c03286.html?photo=1.
10. Morgan D. The farm bill and beyond. German Marshall
Fund, 2009.
Begin choosing issues and groups
DUE: Short paper #1
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Oct 10
Columbus Day Holiday
Oct 17
Title 1: Commodities
1. Goodwin BK. We’re not in Kansas anymore: Is there any
case for ag subsidies? American Enterprise Institute,
2011.
2. Babcock BA. Something for nothing? Direct payments and
Title I farm programs. American Enterprise Institute,
2011.
3. Environmental Working Group database and research on
where and to whom subsidies go: http://farm.ewg.org/
4. Food and Agriculture Policy Institute (FAPRI), U. Missouri.
Potential impacts of eliminating direct payments. June
2011.
5. Ellis S. Farm payments: what happens if they disappear?
FarmGateBlog.com, July 5, 2011, at
http://www.farmgateblog.com/article/direct-paymentswhat-happens-if-they-disappear...
6. Caldwell J. Bad Seeds: A Plan to Phase out the $5 Billion in
“Direct Payment” Agricultural Subsidies. Center for
American Progress, 2011.
7. Goodwin BK, et al. The buck stops where? The
distribution of agricultural subsidies. National Bureau of
Economic Research, January 2011. Read the text and
conclusion but OK to skip the economic model.
DUE: Short paper #2
Oct 24
Title 12: Crop Insurance
& Disaster Aid
Title 5: Credit
1. Chite RM, Schnepf R. Crop insurance and disaster
assistance in the 2008 farm bill. CRS, January 28, 2009.
2. Shields DA. Federal crop insurance: background and
issues. CRS, December 13, 2010.
3. Smith VH. Premium payments: why crop insurance costs
too much. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
4. Watts M, Bekkerman A. Agricultural disaster aid
programs: A SURE invitation to wasteful spending.
American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
5. Monke J. Agricultural credit: institutions and issues. CRS,
November 26, 2010.
Oct 31
Title 1: Peanuts, Dairy,
Sugar
Title 9: Energy
1. Dohlman E, et al. The post-buyout experience: peanut and
tobacco sectors adapt to policy reform. USDA/ERS,
November 2009. Read to p. 24, then 34-35, 44-45.
2. Shields DA. Previewing dairy policy options for the next
farm bill. CRS, December 17, 2010.
3. Balagtas JV. Milking consumers and taxpayers. American
Enterprise Institute, 2011.
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Nov 7
Title 4: Nutrition
Nov 14
Title 10: Horticulture &
Organic
Title 6 Rural
Development
Title 2. Conservation
4. International Dairy Foods Association. IDFA dairy policy
recommendations: providing a path to growth and
opportunity, April 22, 2011, at
http://www.idfa.org/files/documents/147_IDFA_Dairy_Po
licy_Recommendations_0422.pdf
5. Jurenas R. Sugar market developments and policy issues.
CRS May 11, 2010.
6. Wohlgenant MK. Sweets for the sweet: the costly
benefits of the US sugar program. American Enterprise
Institute, 2011.
7. Knittel CR. Corn Belt Moonshine: The Costs and Benefits
of US Ethanol Subsidies. American Enterprise Institute,
2011.
8. Cooper J. Agricultural Commodity Support and Biofuels
Policy. Resources for the Future, July 18, 2011.
Due: group project proposals (title, members)
1. Schumacher G, et al. Healthy food access and
affordability. Maine Policy Review
2011;Winter/Spring:124-139.
2. Center for Mississippi Health Policy. From Field to
Fitness: Aligning Farm Policy with Health Policy to Improve
Nutrition & Health. September 2010.
3. Paggi MS. Food and nutrition programs in the next farm
bill. Choices 2011;26(2).
4. Richardson J, et al. Reducing SNAP (food stamp) benefits
provided by the ARRA: PL 111-226 & S. 3307. CRS, Aug 20,
2010.
5. Crupain M, Yowell E. Farm bill 1.06. Food Systems
Network, NYC, August 2011.
6. Hobart T, et al. Farm bill 1.04. Food Systems Network,
NYC, June 2011.
1. Pegg R, Bech R. Statement before the Subcommittee on
Nutrition and Horticulture, House Ag Committee, July 7,
2011.
2. Johnson R. Organic agriculture in the United States:
program and policy issues. CRS, Nov 25, 2008.
3. Farmers’ Legal Action Group. Planting the Seeds for Public
Health: How the Farm Bill Can Help Farmers to Produce
and Distribute Healthy Foods. Feb 2010.
4. USDA Rural Development at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.html. Browse site and
Rural Development 2010 Progress Report at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/supportdocuments/ProgReport
2010.pdf
5. O’Hara JK. Market Forces. Union of Concerned
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Scientists, August 2011.
6. Stubbs M. Agricultural conservation issues in the 111 th
Congress. CRS, September 21, 2010.
7. Vukina T. Conserving Our Future: How to reform Title II
of the Farm Bill. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
8. USDA/ERS Briefing Room: Conservation policy at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/ConservationPolicy/index
.htm
DUE: Short paper #3
Nov 21
Title 3: Trade & Aid
Title 13: Commodity
futures
1. Ho MD, Hanrahan CE. International food aid programs:
background and issues. CRS, Feb 3, 2010.
2. Josling T. Stuck in the Mud: How farm policy undermines
free trade. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
3. Summer DA. Picking on the poor: how US agricultural
policy hurts the developing world. American Enterprise
Institute, 2011.
4. Johnson R, et al. Comparing US and EU program support
for farm commodities and conservation. CRS, 2010.
5. World Bank. Rising Global Interest in Farmland: Can it
Yield Sustainable and Equitable Benefits? 2010. Read the
Preface and Overview.
6. Trostle R, et al. Why have food commodity prices risen
again? USDA, June 2011.
7. FAO. Price surges in food markets: how should organized
futures markets be regulated? June 2010.
8. FAPRI Briefing Book: Projections for agricultural and
biofuel markets, March 2011.
Nov 28
Title 8: Forestry
Title 11: Livestock
(safety)
1. Gorte RW. Forestry in the next farm bill. CRS, April 29,
2010.
2. Becker GS. Animal agriculture: selected issues for
Congress. CRS, March 15, 2007.
3. Food and Water Watch interactive map of factory farms
http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/
4. Noble M. Paying the polluters. CAFO Reader, 2010.
5. Johnson R. Food safety issues for the 112th Congress.
CRS, Feb 10, 2011.
Dec 5
Title 7: Research
Title 14: Miscellaneous
(social justice, security)
Title 15: Trade and Tax
1. Ho M. Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension:
Issues and Background. CRS, January 3, 2011.
2. Pardey PG, Alston JM. For Want of A Nail: The Case for
Increased Agricultural R&D Spending. American
Enterprise Institute, 2011.
3. USDA social justice issues:
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http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_cente
r=2&tax_level=3&tax_subject=301&topic_id=1446&level3_
id=5427
4. USDA minority assistance:
http://www.apfo.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=about&subjec
t=landing&topic=sao-oa-cr-ma
5. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture:
food and agriculture security
http://www.nasda.org/cms/7196/7349.aspx
Dec 12
Group reports
Dec 19
5:00 p.m.
DUE: ADVOCACY PORTFOLIO
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ASSIGNMENTS
SHORT PAPERS
These are designed to get you to explore one small aspect of the farm bill in greater depth on your
own. The papers are to be no longer than two pages, double-spaced, reasonably sized font. Tables,
figures, references, and any other supporting materials can be attached as additional pages. Note:
Grading will be by code, not name (the process for acquiring a code will be explained in class).
#1: The Budget
DUE October 3
Cutting the federal budget has become an overriding consideration in American politics and it seems
likely that the overall budget will be reduced. Funding for several programs expires in 2012,
meaning that they will end if funds are not reauthorized. Here is your chance to say how you would
deploy the farm bill budget. Use the table as a starting point. Note that the New York Times did
something like this for the entire federal budget earlier this year. See
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficitsgraphic.html?scp=3&sq=federal%20budget&st=cse).
Cost of the 2008 farm bill from 2008-2012*
TITLE POLICY ISSUE
5-YEAR COST
%
YOUR
PROPOSAL
RATIONALE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Commodities
41,628,000,000
15
Conservation
24,112,000,000
9
Trade, Food Aid
1,853,000
<1
Nutrition
188,902,000,000
67
Credit
0
-Rural Development
194,000,000
<1
Research
321,000,000
<1
Forestry
38,000,000
<<1
Energy
643,000,000
<1
Horticulture, Organic
402,000,000
<1
Livestock
1,000,000
<<1
Crop Insurance
21,858,000,000
8
Commodity Futures
0
-Miscellaneous
6,382,000,000
2
Disaster Assistance
3,807,000,000
1
TOTAL
283,921,000,000
*Source: from http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/R41195.pdf
Although you must assume that no additional funds are available and some cuts may be necessary,
propose what you would consider an ideal allocation of funds. Explain the effects you would expect
from your proposed changes and why you think they are desirable. Comment on the feasibility of
your proposal and political barriers, if any.
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#2: The History
DUE: October 17
Some programs included in the 2008 farm bill have been evolving since the 1930s. Others have
been introduced more recently. Pick a farm bill program that concerns you and trace its evolution.
 When and why was the program introduced?
 How and why has it evolved?
The purpose of this assignment is to get you to examine the history of the farm bill and to think
about the rationale for changes in it over time.
The bills and other relevant documents are available at
http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/farmbills/. Also see Resources at the end of the syllabus.
Cite whatever references you consulted. Summarize in a timeline if one is appropriate.
#3: The Politics
DUE: November 14
Each member of the Senate and House agriculture committees represents a unique constituency
and brings a personal viewpoint to farm bill debates. Special interests that are close to one
politician might be less important to another. Committee members might represent constituencies
that are largely urban or rural. For this assignment, pick one agriculture committee member (either
House or Senate), and explain the particular perspective he or she brings to farm bill issues. Who
are likely to be the most influential stakeholders in the member’s district? What position is the
member likely to take on key farm bill issues—subsidies, conservation, and nutrition, for example—
and why? To get started, see “How to Advocate.” Cite the resources you consulted as an
attachment.
FINAL PROJECT: GROUP ADVOCACY PORTFOLIO
You and other members of your advocacy group will pick a farm bill issue that you would like to see
changed and develop a portfolio of documents aimed at convincing members of the House or Senate
agriculture committee and their staff to adopt the position you advocate. You may advocate for
any change or position, including defending, strengthening, or eliminating a program or provision.
The American Enterprise Institute issue summaries are examples of how stakeholder groups can
make compelling arguments for their positions. Formation of groups will be arranged in class.
As a minimum, your group should produce:
 A SUMMARY of the issue and the position. This should be titled and should identify all
members of the group. One page.
 A BACKGROUND PAPER that explains the issue, the proposed change, the rationale for the
change, the expected effects of the change, including cost considerations. It should
identify groups that support the change and explain why they do. It should also identify
groups likely to oppose the change, summarize their reasons for opposition, and provide
counter-arguments. This discussion should be designed to be read easily by a busy
congressional staff person. It should be supported by references, tables, figures,
photographs, relevant documents, or reports of interviews that help to strengthen the
argument. Up to 10 pages of text, double spaced, plus supporting documents.
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






A LETTER TO CONGRESS urging members of key House and Senate committees to vote
for your position. Address the letter to one member. Choice of committee and member
should depend on what is happening at the time the letter is prepared.
An OP-ED prepared for the New York Times or other national newspaper aimed at
convincing readers to write their congressional representatives to support your position
(follow word-limit instructions given by the newspaper for preparing op-ed pieces. The
Times’ limits op-eds to 750 words, for example. See:
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/opedsubmit.html
A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of a national newspaper to inform readers of the importance
of your proposal and to encourage action. Length and format must meet word limitations
and editorial requirements of that publication, but these are usually very short (for the
New York Times, see
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html).
A LETTER TO AN ADVOCACY GROUP working on your issue either to enlist support for
your proposed change or to offer assistance.
A BLOG POST for the Huffington Post, Atlantic Life, or some other site read widely by the
intended audience. Check the site for guidelines on length and format.
A TWEET designed to elicit action on your issue. This must be no longer than 120
characters, including spaces and a TinyURL link, to leave room for retweeting.
An ANNOTATED REFERENCE LIST of key print and web sources related to your issue.
Your list can include the most useful background references and those related to positions
on your issue from various stakeholders (2 to 4, each). For websites, your short annotation
(a sentence or two) should say who runs the site, what position it represents, and, if
relevant, who funds it.
You may also add ANYTHING ELSE your group thinks might help advocate for your position.
It should be evident from this list that there is substantial overlap among the pieces. Most of the
group effort—by far--should go into creating a strong, compelling background paper that serves as
the basis for the other pieces and can be attached to them as a supporting document.
By the due date, these items should be completely ready to send off to their intended recipients.
Groups should feel free to do that at any time.
Grading: Each member of the group will receive the same grade on the portfolio. In addition, group
members will evaluate each other’s contribution (these will be turned in separately on a form given
out in class).
DUE: December 19, 5:00 p.m.
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EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING
Current events
Because the farm bill is up for consideration by Congress this term, the press is likely to be
covering the debates on an ongoing basis. As part of the work in the class, you should keep your eye
on accounts in daily newspapers (in print or online) and electronic media, and pay special attention to
stakeholder positions and lobbying and advocacy strategies on the various issues. Current events
will be an important part of class discussion.
Evaluation
Attendance and participation
Short paper #1
Short paper #2
Short paper #3
Policy advocacy portfolio
Expected
15%
15%
15%
55%
Grading will be based on adherence to requirements, depth of thought and research, cogency and
quality of argument, quality of the writing, and other such matters.
Written work: All work must be typed, double-spaced, on one side of paper leaving one-inch
margins, clearly marked with your name (or code), titled with the issue you are discussing, and
presented in a readable font (if you are using anything smaller than 12-point, you must clear it with
the instructor). Do not exceed space or word limits. Work must be written clearly. Use grammar
and spell checks. Do not use right justification.
Other expectations
Inform teaching assistant in advance by e-mail if you are not going to be in class.
Class begins on time: arrive on time.
Please do not sit in the last two rows of seat (too far away).
Inform instructor in advance if you need to leave early.
Turn cell phones off and put them away during class.
Complete assigned work on time; there will be penalties for late work.
Plan ahead: no incomplete grades are given (except in dire, documented emergencies).
Your voice matters: participate!
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Agriculture policy
Timeline Ag policy http://www.agclassroom.org/gan/timeline/gov.htm
USDA/ERS: Farm and commodity policy glossary
http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/farmpolicy/glossary.htm
USDA/ERS Briefing Room: Farm and commodity policy at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FarmPolicy/
USDA/ERS: Farm and commodity policy: Government payments and the farm sector at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FarmPolicy/Gov-Pay.htm
Additional USDAlinks: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FarmPolicy/links.htm
AGree news feed: http://www.foodandagpolicy.org/
FarmPolicy.com http://farmpolicy.com/
Agri-Pulse: http://www.agri-pulse.com/
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition blog http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog
Farm bill basics
USDA/ERS 2008 farm bill summary
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FarmPolicy/ProgramProvisions.htm
Previous farm bill s and additional resources, 1933 – 2008.
http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/farmbills/
Congressional Research Service (CRS) report: The 2008 farm bill: major provisions and legislative
action, November 6, 2008, at http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL34696.pdf. This
summarizes provisions, and compares the House and Senate versions of the bill to previous
legislation in a lengthy (121-page) table.
Congressional Research Service reports on farm bill issues, at the National Law Center at
http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/crs/index.phtml#farmpolicy
USDA nutrition programs
USDA food assistance
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Browse/view.aspx?subject=FoodNutritionAssistance
Timeline SNAP history http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Legislation/timeline.pdf
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FARM BILL POLITICS: INTERVENTION POINTS
HOW BILLS GET PASSED
 The legislative process: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/legprocess.htm
 How laws are made: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/lawsmade.toc.html
 How to track the status of a bill making its way through Congress:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php
Legislative committees responsible for the farm bill
 The House and Senate Committees write the farm bill .
 The Budget Committees set funding levels.
 The Appropriations Committees write legislation allocating federal funds to USDA within
levels set by the Budget Committees.
House committees
House Committee on Agriculture: http://agriculture.house.gov/
House Appropriations Committee: http://appropriations.house.gov/
House Budget Committee: http://budget.house.gov/
 FY 2012 House Agriculture Appropriations Summary:
http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/6.13.11_FY_12_Agriculture_Conference_Su
mmary.pdf
 H.R. 2112 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-2112
 USDA’s response: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-8d534
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Senate committees
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: http://ag.senate.gov/site/
Senate Committee on Appropriations: http://appropriations.senate.gov/sc-agriculture.cfm
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies: http://appropriations.senate.gov/sc-agriculture.cfm
Senate Budget Committee: http://budget.senate.gov/
HOW TO ADVOCATE
Contact the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Contact members of Congress http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt
 Communicate with members: http://www.congress.org/communicate
 Meet with members: http://www.congress.org/visiting
 Meet with staff: http://www.congress.org/congressional_staff
Contact state officials: http://www.congress.org/legislative_protocol;
New York state officials:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/statedir.tt?lvl=state&state=NY
Write to local media: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
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ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING ON FARM BILL ISSUES: EXAMPLES
ORGANIZATION
GOALS
URL
National Sustainable
Agriculture Coalition
Promotes healthier and more sustainable
systems for small- and medium-size farms,
farming opportunities, fair competition.
Published Grassroots Guide to the 2008
farm bill , October 2008
http://sustainableagriculture.net/wpcontent/uploads/2008/11/sac-farm-billguide.pdf
Farm bill Implementation Campaign
http://sustainableagriculture.net/ourwork/fbcampaign/farm-billimplementation/
http://sustainableagriculture.net/
our-work/fbcampaign/
Food and Water
Watch
Bring agricultural policy in line with health
and environmental policy
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.
org/p/dia/action/public/?action_
KEY=2535
Institute for
Agriculture and
Trade Policy
Organic Trade
Association (OTA)
Environmental
Working Group
Public policies for food and farming
http://www.iatp.org/healthyfoodb
ill/
Supports organic food production, large
and small
Exposes inequities in food subsidies;
provides data on who gets what
PolicyLink
Working to get Healthy Food Financing
Initiative into the next farm bill
http://www.ota.com/about/accom
plishments.html
http://www.ewg.org/farmtofood/
http://farm.ewg.org/
http://www.policylink.org/
National Family
Farm Coalition
Advocates for policies promoting
sustainable family farms
http://www.nffc.net/
Food Research and
Action Center
(FRAC)
Community Food
Security Coalition
Protect and expand food assistance
programs
http://frac.org/leg-actcenter/farm-bill-2012/
More than 300 organizations working to
build sustainable, self-reliant, local and
regional food systems, and promote a
healthier farm bill.
http://www.foodsecurity.org/