Overview
The region’s relatively close proximity between dense urban areas and agricultural product regions define the region’s farm and food sector. The diversity of the region’s agricultural producers, as well as its consumers, has been a source of many innovative agricultural production and marketing practices, integrated approaches to resource conservation, food distribution, and food assistance initiatives.
The Institute takes a systems approach to farm and food policy. We actively research and develop policy recommendations that build links between producers and consumers. Our policy focuses are sustainable agriculture and water quality protection, development of markets which support sustainable practices and producer income, and investments in food distribution and retail food access so as to increase the availability of healthy foods in low-income urban, rural, and tribal areas. The goal of this work is to advance a more equitable and sustainable farm and food sector.
Federal Policy
The Institute works closely with Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, as well as Members of the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses, and the Northeast-Midwest Coalitions. During the 2008 Farm Bill process, the Institute served as coordinator of 3-year non-profit policy collaborative and advanced policies to facilitate the production and distribution of locally produced foods and improve the food retail environment in underserved communities nationwide.
Building Urban and Rural Linkages for a Healthy, Affordable Food Environment
At the heart of the movements for a more sustainable, local food system and for a healthier food retail options in historically marginalized communities is the desire for greater equity. Equity in a producer’s income potential, in a consumer’s choice, in a food worker’s treatment, in access and affordability of food for all.
Substantial policy interest in locally produced foods and food access culminated in the 2008 Farm Bill through a series of innovative policy options advanced by Members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees, as well as the House Congressional Black, Hispanic, and Asian Caucuses. These policies are a stepping stone for broader policy dialogue about equity in farm and food policy, including federal food assistance programs, farm support policies and participation, economic development in under-invested rural and urban communities, and social justice in historically marginalized communities.
NEW
Transition Team Recommendations - "How Farm Policy Can Develop New Farmers,
Improve Health in “Food Deserts,” Develop New Local and Regional Domestic Markets,
and
Increase USDA’s Public Value" (Released January 9, 2008)
Local & Regional Food Enterprise Loan Guarantees - A new USDA rule to be implemented January 16, 2009 will establish a priority for these businesses in the Rural Business and Industries Program. Summary.
Reference List on Retail Food Access - List of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and other references concerning the health issues associated with retail food access & food deserts. (Updated 12/18/08)
Local Food Access Legislation
“Local Foods Initiatives” in the 2008 Farm Bill
USDA Food Desert Study
Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center
Locally Produced Foods Priority in Rural Business & Industries Loan Guarantee Program (USDA)
USDA Farm Bill Implementation
Sign-on Letter to Support USDA Food Desert Study ( 9/19/08)
July Letter to USDA on Food Desert Study design (7-23-08)
“Local Foods Initiatives” in the 2008 Farm Bill
USDA agency assignments for implementation
FY
2009 Appropriations
Organizational
Sign-on Letter for a USDA "Food Desert" Study
House
Member Dear Colleague Request Letter
Senate
Member Dear Colleague Request Letter
2007/8
Farm Bill
Click above
to view our special section
on the Farm Bill, including Farm Bill summaries and information
on the outcomes of the Institute-coordinated Farm and Food
Policy Project.
External
Links
 Farm
and Food Policy Project
Sign on to Seeking
Balance in Farm and Food Policy
Northeast
Ag Works!
Wallace
Center Farmers' Market Network
|
