Congress should reject new food and agriculture bill

The recently proposed Food Security and Farm Protection Act-a federal bill that’s identical to the previously introduced EATS Act-has us really alarmed as stewards of the land at Blueyah Blueberry Farm. While this federal bill claims to strengthen the food supply, it would wipe out states’ abilities to set agricultural standards. It strips communities of control of food policy, and instead, puts it into the hands of Washington, DC. That’s a real threat to Iowa farmers and our rural communities.

Iowa has laws in place to guard against both livestock and plant diseases, like Iowa Code § 177A.5. If the Food Security and Farm Protection Act passes, those protective measures could be nullified. That’s not just bad policy, it’s dangerous.

Local conditions and communities’ needs vary, which is why food policy is best left in the hands of the states. Decisions that affect our farms shouldn’t be handed over to distant bureaucrats at the expense of proven Iowa safeguards. For these reasons, we urge Members of Congress to reject the Food Security and Farm Protection Act.

Jenna Hammerich

Oxford