The meat packing industry in this country is controlled by four companies. While vertical integration has led to efficiency in production and profit for the “big four” corporations, this has led to the decline of the American farmer, local communities, quality of food, and many other negative effects for the American people.
The problem here is a lack of control over our food system and agricultural economy. The solution is currently unattainable because of rules and regulations set in place that prevent small farms, and small businesses that want to produce meat and eggs from competing with these large corporations.
As someone who started and operated a farm that sold directly to consumers, I can attest that it is nearly impossible to achieve on a large scale in this industry. If small farms can thrive, it will send a ripple effect through our local communities for businesses that support and sell inputs to local farmers. American agriculture can literally save our communities by going back to our “roots”.
In my opinion, this administration should speak directly with farmers who have dealt with this first hand. A reformation of agriculture would be Transformative!!
Here is what I learned as a small farm:
POLICY
1.Decrease regulation for small meat processors
2.Give farms freedom to sell THEIR products on THEIR farms
3.”organic” and other labels that are misleading to consumers
Other issues
- Factory farms have their own feed mills, small producers struggle to find feed mills within reasonable distance
- Factory farms own breeding stock, genetics, leaving small producers struggling to find livestock
Other ideas
LOCAL FOOD IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
Healthier food, healthier kids, healthier local economies
