Moving forward: US policy on Agriculture
I've been doing a lot of research on ag policy and time after time I see there is so much that needs to be done. Our lack of control over policy in the agriculture sector should leave many of you worried. USDA and FDA are two of the main government instiutions in control of regulation. Do a little research and see what you think. (I'm pro small Farm/Organics so know that this explanation and it's links are going to be biased in those regards) Most importantly the appointment of Vilsack to the head of agriculture is concerning. (He has many ties to a very questionable company: Monsanto) The main worry of many following the organic/sustainability movement and pro-rural/small farms is that Vilsack is pro Genetic modified crops and Large corporate ag business.
The point of this debate is to education the createdebate demographic on issues that relate to food supply and food from an agricultural perspective. There are two very obvious sides in the national debate on agriculture. (listed above are the parties concerned )
I started up a little blog about this issue with many links. Feel free to get the info there.
Small Farm/Organics is future
Side Score: 7
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GM and Big Ag is the future
Side Score: 1
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This is the way we need to set the policy towards. Big Ag claims many things such as higher yields and bigger and meatier cattle but the truth is that much of their claims are just that, claims. Much research has arisen showing how much of the hormonal fed meat is dangerous, organic farms have had just as much if not more success with crop yields than the big gm ag fields. I really can go on and on and on but I'd rather have some people voice their opinions and arguments to see what the mass populace thinks... If you think this doesn't concern you, think again. The amount of GM food in the market place is over 50% and they don't even have to label it. You don't know what you're putting into your body. Policy change is a must! Side: Small Farm/Organics is future
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I favor the concept of small, local farms, especially if cities had something like a farm tower. Food would be fresher, cheaper, and safer for everyone to eat. These small farms would be easier on the environment because food wouldn't have to be transported far, if at all. The power needed to light the growing plants could be powered by renewable resources. They would be economically better because these farms would employ more people than large, automated farms. I am hoping that these farms will begin to pop up over the country, but I am doubtful that things will change until something big happens. Side: Small Farm/Organics is future
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This is insane. Written over ten years ago and still spot on! http://findarticles.com/p/articles/ Side: Small Farm/Organics is future
You are absolutely right. I haven't done nearly as much research as yourself on the issue, but smaller local farms make more sense, 1. fresher food, 2. less need for preservatives which are believed to be linked to many health issues later in life. 3. less need for other questionable methods large farms use to enhance and increase their yield. 4. less chance of food shortages as the food sources are spread out and not concentrated in a single part of the country. 5. more jobs, and more local jobs. Here are the farm towers french mentioned, very cool, and very possible. And here's why it's so hard to implement this sensible approach to growing and raising our food. Lobbyists. Big farmers and food distributors poor millions of dollars into lobbyists and PR to keep the status quo. There is tons of money to be lost by these very powerful groups if we were to adopt more sensible approaches. And all they have to do to kill any bill that would encourage something like farm towers, is show some old dude in overalls, hoeing his field on TV commercials talking about what a bad idea it is. But that dude doesn't really exist, it's all machines, chemicals, and big money. So good luck with your blog, and I hope it opens some people's eyes. Side: Small Farm/Organics is future
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Totally, if people only knew the truth. The reason I got into this is because you don't mess with my food. I want to pass on great genetics and not have to worry about mutations due to being served hormone driven meats, or plants that have genetically manipulated attributes that haven't been accurately measured. The usda is a joke. Side: Small Farm/Organics is future
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There have been countless studies on GMOs to ensure their safety for public consumption. The FDA, USDA, and EPA conduct 13 years of research and testing before ever allowing the food to touch the shelves. If it wasn't safe they wouldn't release it that's the law and if they don't do their job and someone gets sick or mutated by food they didn't check, they get fired, fined, and even jailed. Scientists and researchers confirmed that genetically modified salmon are completely safe to eat and that was back in 2003. It still hasn't hit the shelves because store owners know people want organic and are scared of GMO's no matter how many professionals tell them it's ok. We have never eaten a genetically modified animal before because the people who would sell them don't want to lose money off the risk that the fearful and uneducated public will refuse to buy genetically modified meat. It's ridiculous that anyone would believe their offspring will be mutated due to them eating a fish that grew faster than its brother. Side: GM and Big Ag is the future
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