Care2.com, July 25, 2007
Straight to the Source
We have just 24 hours to urge Congress to stop subsidizing mega-farms to drive small family farms out of business. Here's what's happening: Last week the House Agriculture Committee struck a major blow against family farmers. The Committee approved a bill that will continue multi-million dollar subsidy checks to mega-farms and actually result in even bigger subsidies to many of the nation's largest farms.
Here's what you can do: Tomorrow, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will bring an amendment to the House floor during debate on the Farm Bill that will reverse this move - and we need you to write to your congressperson today to support Rep. Ryan's reform amendment.
The House Ag. Committee's proposal is not the farm reform we've been calling for - not even close. But Rep. Ryan's amendment is real reform - this amendment would limit farm subsidies to mega-farms and close the loopholes that hurt America's family farms.
The Farm Bill is about much more than farms. Quite frankly, the Farm Bill is the single most important piece of legislation affecting all of rural America and will directly influence all of America. Farm policy affects the food you eat, the water you drink, the places you live, and the taxes you pay. The time has come for real farm reform, and the deadline is tomorrow!
The House is scheduled to vote on this proposal Thursday, so please send your message now - urge your congressperson to support family farmers by voting "YES" on the Ryan Amendment.
Send your message here: http://go.care2.com/e/sBC_/lq10/Ot3R
Thank you for standing up for family farmers.