LANSING - Recently, activists in Lansing called upon Senator Stabenow to support fair farm rules as apart of their statewide day of action
In and around the Capitol in downtown Lansing there was an unlikely visitor outside the front steps. Passersby on Capitol Ave. witnessed the unfamiliar sight of a person dressed as a cow holding a sign asking the Senator to pass the Fair Farm Bill. If this bill is passed it will be easier for small to mid sized farmers to function along side multinational food corporations. For a lot of these independent farmers, it has never been just about profit.
Ken Poff, a former MSU professor of Horticulture had this to say, "The small farmer is absolutely critical for continuation of a food supply in this country. The small farmer is not farming as a way to make a living. The small farmer is farming as a way of life."
Rules preventing price premiums or requirements to farmers to make expensive upgrades are just a couple ways that these farmers would be helped by the fair farming bill. Until it gets passed these farmers will continue to press the government to make changes where they feel it needs it most. The food and water watch will continue to spread their mission for fair rights for farmers until their voices have been heard.