Killing our Small Farms and Farmers Markets
Posted by Michelle Mahoney, Corvallis, March 29, 2009 8:00PM
I am appalled by these bills, and the lack of publicity they are receiving. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn) introduced House Resolution 875. Her husband, incidentally, works for Monsanto - the largest manufacturer of herbicides and genetically-engineered seeds.
They also seem to be one of the biggest benefiters of these bills. The bills, or "Food Safety Modernization Act," would have far-reaching consequences for small growers, organic farmers, and farmers' markets. All seeds would have to be purchased from "approved providers" (such as Monsanto), which will almost completely eliminate heirloom seeds, and greatly reduce the number of organic seeds.
Crop diversity will become virtually non-existent. Seed shares will become illegal. Even giving away food to family and friends is not allowed. There are absolutely no caveats in these bills for small farms or growing your own food on your own property.
If these bills pass, not only will they make sweeping changes to the FDA, but a new oversight entity will be established, costing an estimated $40 million dollars over the next few years.
Most food issues, such as salmonella outbreaks and toxins in food, have occurred at the source of the manufacturer - most often in foreign countries such as China. These bills do little to address any real issues, while making it almost impossible for people to grow their own food or purchase it locally.
Please spread the word and contact local representatives to stop these bills. This should be front-page news, in my opinion.
