Our own Farmer Allan from Fresh and Local interviews Joel Salatin for local event -
http://shepherdstownchronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/500543/Noted-farmer-speaks-at-ACFF.html?nav=0

Now we ask WHY our reps would vote for an all sweeping food safety bill that puts more unreasonable burdens on small producers when WV is one of the fastest small farm growing states -

http://www.gop.gov/portfolio/votes/111/1/657

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NOW and ask why they are voting FOR HR2749!

More info on the bill – http://www.ftcldf.org/aa/aa-29july2009-2.html

***USA – ACTION ALERT***

HR 2749 Action Alert – 061709 Hearing Update

More Information About HR 2749

ACTION TO TAKE
Sign the “Oppose HR 2749” petition on the Fund website (www.farmtoconsumer.org) and send messages to your legislators through the petition system.

UPDATE:  JUNE 17 HEARING
A further amended version of HR 2749 passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee on June 17.  The bill next goes to House floor for a vote.  HR 2749 could be amended again before the vote takes place

The worst provisions of HR 2749 remain in the bill.  The latest version does, however, reduce the amount of civil fines that can be assessed against individuals and corporations; but the fines FDA can levy under the latest amendment are still substantial.

The bill has tightened the standards under which the federal government can quarantine food in a geographic area; but the Secretary of Health and Human Services is still given the power to impose a geographic quarantine without a court order.

The latest version of HR 2749 can be found at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090617/hr2749_ans.pdf.

HR 2749 needs to be defeated!!  Please take action NOW.

To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system at http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm.   Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Info courtesy of  FTCLDF – original post here – http://www.ftcldf.org/aa/aa-18june2009.htm

I apologize for the late notice, but there’s still time

USDA is accepting written comments through the end of June (and possibly longer).  You can use the sample comments posted at: http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/Sample-comments Be sure to personalize them to have the greatest impact!

Submit comments ONLINE: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2009-0027

The Federal Register site can be confusing and difficult.  Here’s what to do:
1)  Click on the yellow balloon under the “add comments” column
2)  Fill out the required fields and type in your comments. If your comments are more than a paragraph or so, we recommend that you first write them in a word document, and then copy & paste them into the comments field.
3)  Click on “next step”
4)  At the end of the process, you should receive a confirmation number.

or MAIL to:
Attn NAIS
Surveillance and Identification Programs
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS,
4700 River Road Unit 200
Riverdale, MD 20737

Thank you to FTCLDF for this info

‘Natural patterns’ of farming touted in documentary – USA Today, featuring Joel Salatin’s Polyface farm

Small Farmers Assemble

Permits Hinder Producers

http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/518260.html?nav=5006

Join us in serving Congress a Local Foods Feast!

FARM FOOD VOICES DC 2009

The National Small Farm and Ranch Grassroots Lobby Day
& Legislative Reception

Tuesday April 21, 2009 Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Lobbying 9:30 – 3:00
Reception 12:00 -12:50

Room Assignment pending-please check www.NICFA.com closer to date.

with
Joel Salatin, Emcee
and Guest speaker
Representative Ron Paul of Texas

·   Come to DC and join the National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association (NICFA), state affiliates, and other groups as we joyfully serve our legislators the LOCAL FOODS FEAST OF THE YEAR from food produced by small, independent farmers and prepared by expert chefs at Dish Catering. We will illustrate that local foods are the true Safe Food System as we highlight the beauty, fun and nourishment of these foods.

·   Invite your Representative and Senators to the reception.  We are the face of this movement-we will become the faces and voices of local food to Congress.

·   The Food Safety bills in front of Congress threaten the viability of your local food producers. Make an appointment now to meet with your Representative and two Senators on April 21st (you will probably meet with legislative aides for agriculture rather than legislators, but aides are just as important.  They are the eyes and ears of the legislators!).
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS:   Representative and Senate

(Talking Points, directions and schedule will be posted on www.NICFA.com closer to date).

Background and more information: info@wvicfa.org
Or Andrea Minicozzi 304.270.8154