Don't Let Local Farms and Healthy Food Lose Out to Special Interests

Dear [your Representative and Senators],

I support 2007 Farm Bill programs that protect farms and ranches, encourage healthy, affordable food options and strengthen local and regional food systems.

Farmers and ranchers manage over half the land in America, making agriculture the nation's single largest land use. But every minute of every day we lose two acres of farmland to development - much of it on the urban edge where 86 percent of our fruits and vegetables are grown.

Many communities lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables that are vital to a healthy life, despite the proximity of farms and ranches to most Americans. It's necessary to improve local food systems, promote healthy diets, and work to end hunger.

[your comments]

I urge you to enact legislation that will:

·Expand and improve working land conservation programs that help protect our environment, and increase funding for farmland preservation;
·Provide funding for farm viability, market and product development, local food infrastructure, buy - local efforts and consumer education;
·Allow for geographical preferences in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs so schools can request local food where practical;
·Strengthen the federal Food Stamp Program, and expand consumer access to fresh fruits and vegetables;

I am counting on you to create a new direction in farm and food policy that will support farmers, ranchers, consumers and communities.

Sincerely,
[your name]
[your address]