July 8th, 2020
By Local Root Strategies Team
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to reveal just how broken our food system is in the hands of giant multinational agribusiness, Sen. Cory Booker has drafted legislation that will strengthen local and regional food systems -- all while providing food assistance to Americans in need. The Local Food Assistance and Resilient Markets (FARM) Act will increase investment into the local and regional food supply chains that have proven themselves the most resilient and sustainable option.
Not only will the bill help small, independent farmers, but it offers specific assistance to Black farmers and other historically under-served producers. Additionally, it allows more retailers-- primarily local and regional retailers such as farmer's markets, food hubs, and agricultural cooperatives--to accept and redeem online SNAP benefits.
Local Roots Strategy Principal, Jake Davis, was quoted in Booker’s announcement of the bill saying, “Unfortunately, most of them [farmers, businesses, and organizations making up local food systems] have been completely left out of USDA's COVID-19 relief. These folks were already doing a lot with few resources but are being stretched to the breaking point as they adapt to a new reality. The Local FARM Act is critical to ensuring that farmer's markets, food hubs, local food processors, and direct to market farmers can weather this disaster."
To see the bill in its entirety, click here.
