Activists are pressuring U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow to implement new rules to support small and medium-sized farms.
A group called Food and Water Watch says corporate farming dominates America’s food system.
Spokeswoman Lynn Kaucheck says the 2008 Farm Bill has rules designed to level the playing field, but they haven’t taken effect yet.
They want Sen. Stabenow, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, to do something about it
“Hundreds of small and medium livestock producers in Michigan are waiting for the rules to get some relief, Kaucheck says. "It’s been difficult for them, in a marketplace where food policies favor getting big or getting out.”
Kaucheck says many recalls of contaminated foods that have been the subject of recalls were produced by corporate farms. She says that’s another reason smaller operations should be supported.
Sen. Stabenow did not return Michigan Radio’s calls. She sent a statement saying she has led efforts to help small farms succeed.
