As the U.S. prepares for the 2023 Farm Bill, a group of policy experts and advocates are pushing for a more humane and inclusive approach to this legislation. The Farm Bill, renewed every five years, plays a significant role in the country’s food and agriculture systems. With 80% of its budget dedicated to nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, the bill’s impact is far-reaching. However, many argue that it fails to adequately support health, environmental protection, and equity for marginalized communities.

Marion Nestle, a prominent nutritionist, highlighted the complexity and vast scope of the Farm Bill. “It’s a very big bill with hundreds of programs, a thousand pages, trillions of dollars, and a weird mixture of food assistance…and the remaining quarter for agricultural support that mainly goes for corn and soybeans and ethanol,” she explained. Nestle emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy that supports health and environmental protection, pointing out the absence of such a framework in the current bill.

Adrian Lipscombe, chef and founder of the 40 Acres Project, called for a more human-centered approach, stressing the importance of considering the people affected by the legislation. “This is about food…It’s about feeding people. But it’s also about our health and our Earth, and making sure that we survive,” Lipscombe said. She urged for the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of Black, Brown, and immigrant farmers, in the Farm Bill discussions.

Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, highlighted the financial struggles of small and mid-scale farmers. “That’s not fake news. It’s really true because our small scale and many of our mid-scale farmers aren’t making it,” she said. Merrigan advocated for the Farm Bill to better support these farmers to ensure their sustainability and livelihood.

Ben Thomas from the Environmental Defense Fund underscored the critical resources provided by the Farm Bill’s programs, advocating for building upon successful programs rather than starting anew. He stressed the importance of continuity in supporting agricultural and environmental initiatives.

Jennifer Otten, Associate Professor at the University of Washington, noted that many Americans feel disconnected from the Farm Bill, failing to see its relevance to their lives. She suggested reframing the conversation to make it clear that everyone is part of the food and agriculture system. “We need to make sure that everyone understands how this bill affects them and their communities,” Otten said.

The panelists collectively called for a Farm Bill that not only supports agriculture but also addresses health, environmental protection, and equity. They emphasized the need for comprehensive advocacy to ensure that the 2023 Farm Bill meets the diverse needs of all Americans, especially the most vulnerable. As the legislative process unfolds, these experts and advocates will continue to push for a more inclusive and humane approach to the nation’s food and agriculture policy.