FOOD POLICY
The food system runs on policy. It requires commitment from concerned citizens, government officials and corporate leaders to make a safer, more sustainable and humane system.
THE FARM SYSTEM REFORM ACT
Senate bill 3221, The Farm System Reform Act of 2019 was introduced by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker (D)Â on 1/21/2020 to the Senate Commission on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED?
BAN LARGE CAFOS
The FSRA would ban the largest CAFOs from expanding their operations and new ones from building. This would prevent increasing the social, health, environmental and animal welfare impacts of these operations.
FARMER ASSISTANCE
The FSRA would provide financial assistance to contract growers to transition out of their operations and pay off debts- with the goal of completely phasing out large CAFOs by 2040.
INTEGRATOR RESPONSIBILITY
The overwhelming amount of manure CAFOs produce has been the responsibility of contract growers to manage. The FSRA would shift this responsibility to integrated companies like Tyson and Smithfield and hold them accountable to the growers and the communities.
PACKERS & STOCKYARDS
The Packers and Stockyards Act was passed nearly a century ago and is long overdue for improvements. This act was designed to create a fair playing field within the meatpacking industry, yet today 4 companies control 80% of meat processing. The FSRA would eliminate tournament systems (See Under Contract) ; protect livestock and poultry growers from retaliation; create market transparency; mandate country of origin labeling for beef and pork; prohibit the USDA from labeling foreign meat as "Made in the USA".
