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Equal Exchange Supports Push For Major Farm Bill Changes |
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West Bridgewater, MA, January 23, 2007 – Equal Exchange today joined hundreds of other groups around the country to call for a more balanced farm bill – one that would make real progress toward supporting family farms, promoting entrepreneurship in rural America, enhancing conservation, advancing diversity and support for socially disadvantaged farmers, and tackling the serious hunger and diet-related health problems facing our nation's citizens.
A report, "Seeking Balance in U.S. Farm and Food Policy," was released today with endorsements by more than 300 organizations, including Equal Exchange. The report was developed under the auspices of the Farm and Food Policy Project, a collaboration of rural, family farm, conservation, anti-hunger, nutrition, faith-based, public health, and other groups.
The report outlines innovations aimed at reducing hunger and soaring rates of obesity; promoting co-operation, entrepreneurship and economic development in farm and rural communities; encouraging local food production, providing incentives for more environmentally-friendly farming systems, and reducing barriers and creating opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers getting started in agriculture.
Founded in 1986, Equal Exchange is a co-operative Fair Trade Organization that trades with coffee, tea and cocoa farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa and Asia. More recently the organization has launched a Domestic Fair Trade program that works with small farmers here in the US to market their products.
"Around the world, family farming and rural communities are threatened by a food system that is out of balance," says Erbin Crowell, manager of the program. "Our goal is to 'Bring Fair Trade Home' by linking small farmers with consumers and working with groups like the Farm and Food Policy Project to create a healthier, more fair and sustainable food system for everyone."
A complete copy of the Farm and Food Policy Project's policy statement and recommendations may be viewed and downloaded from its web site at www.farmandfoodproject.org.
Contact:
Rodney North
(774) 776-7398
rodney@equalexchange.coop
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