USDA Disregards Congress and More News

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Taylor in Farming Resources, News, Policy, Politics, Sustainable Agriculture // 0 Comments

Here is all the latest news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) including a post about how the USDA Disregards Congress on relocation of research agencies, and news on the Kids Eat Local Act.

RESEARCH NEWS

COMMENT: USDA Disregards Congress, Plans to Relocate Research Agencies to Kansas City

Despite ongoing opposition from core stakeholders and multiple warnings from Congress not to proceed, USDA has chosen to act with unprecedented disregard for good governance. USDA charged forward with relocation of two key federal research agencies: ERS and NIFA, announcing its decision to relocate a majority of the agencies’ services and staff to Kansas City, MO. NSAC urges Senate to take a final stand against relocation of ERS and NIFA.

NUTRITION NEWS

RELEASE: Kids Eat Local Act Expands School Food Options, Opportunities for Farmers

The Kids Eat Local Act, introduced Thursday by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Josh Harder (D-CA), and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), would help to break down barriers between school food purchasers and family farmers by simplifying local purchasing guidelines for school meal programs. By including the Kids Eat Local Act in the next Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization, schools would be given a new, easier-to-use local product specification option.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities.