Page 74 - Winter2009

Both bills also authorize the FDA to regulate how farmers grow “high an important alternative to the mainstream
risk crops.” This means that the FDA would be able to dictate how a farmer food supply that has seen so many food safety
growing a field of spinach or kale would have to design the field, what problems. Urge them to support an exemption
water to use, how to handle compost, how to harvest the crops, how to for farmers selling directly to consumers and
wash them, etc. Under the current bills, the regulations would apply even for local food processors, as well as protections
if the farmer is growing just a few vegetables for a local farmers market. to ensure that the FDA does not override state
There are very real problems with the mainstream food supply. But, laws and ban raw milk.
sadly, the bills will not solve those. The bills do not address the consoli-
dation of the food supply, which has led to centralized growing and pro- CONCLUSION
cessing of foods. And, ultimately, the bills create incentives for retailers If the local foods movement is to continue
to import more food from other countries. Not only do the bills burden growing, it needs passionate advocates speaking
family farms and small business, they also create dual standards because up in their local communities, state legislatures,
it will be impossible, in practical terms, to hold foreign food facilities to and Congress. As WAPF members, you already
the same standards and inspections. This will hurt both our food safety take extra time and effort to find and prepare
and our food security. healthy foods for yourself and your families.
The Senate is expected to vote on S 510 in January or February of 2010. Please also take the extra time and effort to edu-
So call your Senators today and ask to speak to the staffer who handles cate your communities and legislators, to protect
food safety. Talk with the staffer about the importance of local foods to the sustainable livestock farms that produce the
both farmers and consumers, stressing the fact that local foods provide nutrient-dense foods so critical to our health.

WISE TRADITIONS 2009 CLOSING CEREMONY

Inspiring advice from
Canadian raw milk
hero Michael Schmidt.

Parting words from
Geoffrey Morell, with
Sally Fallon Morell.

Tim Wightman with Carlie Wetzel and Judith Mudrak,
Participants in the children’s program winner of the Green Pasture drawing for a
sing a song about raw milk. free trip to Alaska.
72 Wise Traditions WINTER 2009