Seeking Sustainable Agriculture in Obama's America

With Barack Obama's inauguration taking place next week, the people of America are poised for a change. Many have been writing to and petitioning Obama since it became clear he would be our next president. One such group is Food Democracy Now, a grass roots campaign for sustainable agriculture.

Food Democracy Now was initiated and founded by a group of farmers, writers, chefs and advocates that want the changing needs of society, as relates to food, to be recognized and considered. The original letter and petition to Mr. Obama called for the nomination of a Secretary of Agriculture who would play a crucial role in "revitalizing our rural economies, protecting our nation's food supply and our environment, improving human health and well-being, rescuing the independent family farmer, and creating a sustainable renewable energy future." Food Democracy Now sent a letter and petition to president elect Obama asking that he nominate a specific candidate for Secretary of Agriculture. While none of their candidates were chosen, the group has not given up. With the appointment of former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to the position, the group was forced to change their goals slightly.

The latest drive for this group is to influence the choice of undersecretaries for the Department of Agriculture. Food Democracy Now has chosen a group of 12 candidates for the position of undersecretary that they feel represent their issues and concerns. They are calling these twelve "the Sustainable Dozen" and feel that they will stand up for safe, healthy food, clean air and water, animal welfare and soil preservation. The petition has gathered more than 70,000 signatures at this time. The group hopes to reach 100,000 signatures before Tom Vilsack is confirmed in his position of Secretary of Agriculture.

Food Democracy Now states that their mission is to advance "the dialogue on food, family farm, environmental and sustainability issues at the legislative and policy level." Many chefs, farmers and foodies have already joined their voices with the group. Many professional chefs and farmers see the issues surrounding the environment and the lack of a sustainable agriculture policy as a sign that a change is needed. With rising obesity and health issues in America, the importance of healthy and organic foods is higher than ever. The need for more farmers and a sustainable energy and food policy is as urgent as the financial crisis for some.

For this group and many others, the chance to effect changes in our policies is now. With the inauguration of Barack Obama as President, change is an almost visible part of the future. Food Democracy Now plans to make these changes beneficial to all Americans and the environment. To sign the petition or to find out more information about Food Democracy Now and their policies, visit their website at http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/.

Sources:

http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/#header