The Catholic Church supports a Farm Bill that reflects the best of our national values – a commitment to feed the hungry, effective support for those who till the land, fairness and equity for farmers and ranchers, and stewardship of the land. We especially support efforts to target agriculture resources to those who need help the most rather than those who need it least.
We urge our elected officials to provide carefully developed and effective reforms to U.S. food and farm policy to create a more just and equitable Farm Bill for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Such policy should include a safety net for families who till the land and resources to feed the 35 million people who struggle with hunger each day. We also urge officials to support policies that promote thriving rural communities, encourage good stewardship of the land, and do not unfairly harm farmers in developing countries, most of whom are women who depend on agriculture to support their families.
Latest Developments
On May 14 and 15, 2008 the U.S. House and Senate passed HR 2419 the $307 Billion Farm Bill. It was vetoed by President Bush on May 21, 2008. On May 22, 2008 both the House and Senate overrode President Bush's veto.
June 3, 2008 Update on the Farm Bill
Statements on the Farm Bill
Joint Catholic Letter (USCCB, NCRLC, CCUSA, CRS) to Senate AG Committee 10/4/07
Seeking Balance in U.S. Farm and Food Policy. National Catholic Rural Life Coalition Statement supporting positive changes in the 2007 Farm Bill.
Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers and Farmworkers. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 2003
Giving Thanks for the Harvest: Planting Seeds for the 2007 Farm Bill. Thanksgiving 2006 Reflections by Jerry Freewalt, Ohio Catholic Rural Life Conference.
Educational Resources
Campaign for a New Farm and Food Policy. The 2007 Farm Bill. National Catholic Rural Life Conference (NCRLC)
Farm and Food Policy Project NCRLC is a Partner
Seeds of Change: Educational Resources & Letter Writing Opportunities on the Farm Bill. Bread for the World
Farm Bill 101. Oxfam America
Farm Bill Resources from Oxfam America
Sowing Justice For Family Farmers Everywhere: Resources & Post Cards on the 2007 Farm Bill. Church World Services
Information of contacting your Legislators
Ohio Catholic Rural Conference Hosts Meeting on 2007 Farm Bill.
Attending include: Sitting, l-r: Ed Luersman (Ft. Jennings), Helen Luersman (Ft. Jennings), Joanne Raha (Mingo Junction), Donna Betts (Whipple), Fr. Richard Snoke (Danville).
Middle Row: Bob Gronski (NCRLC), Gordon Smith (Minster), Willard Dahlinghaus (Minster), Tony Stieritz (Archdiocese Cincinnati), Anne Lucas (Toledo), Jerry Freewalt (Diocese Columbus), Floyd Hohman ( McCuthenville).
Back Row: Fr. David Gaydosi (Woodsfield), Louie Smith (Fremont), Bob Slicker (Canal Fulton), Phil Hertzfeld (Waterville), Bro. Don Fisher ( Carthagena), Sr. Chris Pratt (Diocese Toledo), Joe Logan (Ohio Farmers Union), Jim Tobin (Catholic Conference Ohio).
Not pictured: Rick Walker (Diocese of Youngstown). He's taking the picture!
Need More Information
Contact Jim Tobin , 614-224-7147
Designed and maintained by Advent Media, Inc. www.advent1.com