Guest columnist William Lambers: Labor Day can inspire a much needed farm bill

STAFF FILE PHOTO

STAFF FILE PHOTO STAFF FILE PHOTO

By WILLIAM LAMBERS

Published: 09-02-2024 6:01 AM

 

The night before Labor Day in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave one of his famous “fireside chats” to the American people. Roosevelt told the nation on radio about the spirit of America’s farmers in facing difficult drought conditions.

“No cracked earth, no blistering sun, no burning wind, no grasshoppers are a permanent match for the indomitable American farmers and stockmen and their wives and children who have carried on through desperate days, and inspire us with their self-reliance, their tenacity and their courage,” exclaimed FDR.

It was this spirit of America’s farmers that had proved so vital to winning World War II several years later. The food from America’s farms also secured the postwar peace by stopping famine in Europe and Asia.

America’s farms are the backbone of our nation and the most powerful force for world peace. This is why the Biden-Harris administration has deployed U.S. food overseas to nations fighting hunger.

“America’s farmers are the most productive and efficient in the world, and we rely on them to supply safe and nutritious food not only to our nation, but to the global community. With many millions of people in dire need worldwide, the U.S. agricultural sector is well positioned to provide lifesaving food assistance,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

On this Labor Day we should remember our farms, their critical role, and the hard work and challenges they have to overcome. They need America’s support. We should put our appreciation into action by getting Congress to finish a much-needed Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill, the legislation which guides our nation’s agricultural policies, is supposed to be renewed every five years. But sadly, the latest Farm Bill is way behind schedule and Congress is simply not getting the job done.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

We need a Farm Bill so our nation’s agriculture is functioning at the highest level. The legislation must provide help to farmers in need around the country. The Farm Bill is also critical to fighting hunger at home and abroad.

“The Farm Bill is our nation’s most important anti-hunger legislation. It incorporates many of our country’s nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and international food aid” said the Rev. Eugene Cho, the president of Bread for the World.

Our nation needs a Farm Bill that protects the SNAP program to help Americans who are struggling in poverty. SNAP gives families purchasing power at grocery stores. The Farm Bill must also set polices regarding international aid programs like Food for Peace.

Food from U.S. farms are a big part of Food for Peace, but they cannot be the sole focus. There has to be flexibility in hunger relief programs so food can also be obtained from farms in developing countries. We want farms overseas to do well, too.

“U.S. commodities are critical to our nation’s international food assistance programs; they are frequently necessary, but rarely sufficient. A sole focus on donated U.S. food distribution will not help farmers provide for their own families or participate in functioning local markets. Farm Bill-supported food assistance programs must respond to market conditions and ensure communities’ progress on the journey of self-reliance,” explains Bill O’Keefe of Catholic Relief Services.

Congress should listen to the recommendations of aid agencies while crafting the Farm Bill. In this way the correct balance can be made between U.S. food and local purchase within developing countries. The goal is for nations to provide their own food supply. American agriculture can help nations achieve this food security. There is much work to be done with hunger worsening because of wars and climate change.

On Labor Day, as we show appreciation to all America’s workers, let’s also be moved to action. Let’s show support for America’s farms and the fight against hunger by encouraging Congress to get the new Farm Bill done.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the U.N. World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.” His writings have been published by the Washington Post, NY Times, Newsweek, History News Network, Cleveland Plain Dealer and many other news outlets.