The writing of a new U.S. Farm Bill can be messy and complicated. It can also be dangerous. Last month, the House Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry quietly tossed in a provision that would essentially prevent states from setting tougher consumer and environmental regulations on food than what has been established at the national level.
Over 40 organizations, including IATP, have written the House Agriculture Committee leadership explaining why this is a terrible idea.
In a separate analysis, the Center for Food Safety writes that the provision "appears to be aimed at several recently enacted state laws that restrict the planting of genetically engineered (GE) crops, but could also prohibit states from taking action when food contamination cases occur." Recently, California and Washington have passed bans on GE rice, Washington state placed restrictions on GE canola, and four counties in California banned GE crops all together.
But the provision would apply to much more than just GE crops. It would place a straightjacket on state agencies trying to get a handle on food safety outbreaks, such as e.coli contamination, or issue a warning on mercury levels in fish.
The language is based on legislation the food industry has been trying to pass in Congress for years called the National Uniformity for Food Act. That bill has been championed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Cargill, General Mills, Target, Hormel and other big food companies. And it's been shot down every time.
Now, they're trying to sneak it into the Farm Bill. In researching our Farm Bill series, it's clear there is a lot of support for healthier, more local food systems in the new Farm Bill. Increasing access to healthier food and supporting farmers who want to grow it is an appropriate role for the Farm Bill. An attack on states' rights to ensure their food is safe is not.
