Urgent Action Alert: Speak Up for a Fair & Equitable Farm Bill (May 20, 2013)
The Farm Bill established the policies and federal funding levels for agriculture, agricultural research, nutrition programs, rural economic development program, and more. In 2012, Congress failed to pass a bill to replace the 2008 Farm Bill. A few weeks ago, Congress began the process of attempting to pass a 2013 Farm Bill. A lot is at stake and your voice does make a difference.
Click here to take action now.
Ask Congress to Reinvigorate Classical Breeding!
Montana Senator Jon Tester has introduced an amendment (#972) to the 2013 Farm Bill that aims to reinvigorate classical plant breeding and public cultivar development. This amendment would clarify and hone the definition of classical/conventional seed breeding to remove the hurdles that have hindered USDA’s efforts in funding and supporting classical breeding projects. Read our recent press release regarding this amendment: More than 100 groups urge Congress to support Tester Amendment in 2013 Farm Bill.
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Oppose Senate Bill 76 : Fracking in North Carolina
Senate Bill 76, a proposal to quickly lift the statewide moratorium on “fracking” was introduced Feb. 11, 2013 in the North Carolina Senate. Senate Bill 76 passed by a 38-10 vote on Feb. 27, 2013 in the Senate. North Carolina residents are urged to contact NC legislators now. The NC House will be voting on this bill soon.
Click here to take action via email using our online form.
Expired Action Alerts
GIPSA Rider Action Alert (March 2013)
This action alert was issued in response to a harmful riders included in the Continuing Resolution. The rider eliminates the GIPSA rule, a provision that provides contract growers access to fair contracts. Update: Unfortunately, on March 19, 2013, the Senate voted to move forward on the Continuing Resolution without allowing a vote on the two Tester amendments that would strike the GIPSA and biotech riders. This “cloture vote” means the Continuing Resolution will move forward for a vote WITHOUT the Tester amendments and WITH biotech riders and GIPSA riders included. We remain hopeful that an amendment to the 2013 Farm Bill will be filed in response.
Last updated May 20, 2013.
