Peace & Justice

This is the blog of the Commission on Peace and Justice for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Will the New Farm Bill Effectively Fight Global Hunger?

Catholic Relief Services sent out the following information this week:
As Congress prepares to reauthorize the U.S. Farm Bill, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have actively been monitoring hearings on the Farm Bill in Congress. Along with a number of faith-based and humanitarian groups, CRS also recently endorsed a statement calling for changes in the bill that would benefit farmers, rural communities, and meet the nutritional needs of poor people in the United States and overseas.

The Farm Bill defines international and domestic U.S. food and agricultural policy over several years. Much of the policy focuses on farming in the United States. However, important provisions in the Farm Bill address how the United States provides food to assist people in need worldwide not only during emergencies such as war and drought but also as a tool for long-term development such as using food to promote education, health or agriculture.

The current Farm Bill will be reauthorized because it expires at the end of September 2007. The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider the new Farm Bill shortly.

As part of the Catholic Church's overall advocacy regarding the 2007 Farm Bill, Catholic Relief Services is focusing its efforts on fighting hunger overseas. Visit our website for specific provisions CRS is advocating for, to view the full action alert, and to send members of the House Agriculture Committee a message today!

The link to the website is here.