The Union of Concerned Scientists is calling on Congress to invest in a food system that uses practical, modern methods of food production that help protect the foundation of our food supply—like healthy soil and a fresh water supply—while minimizing practices that can harm our health, such as the overuse of antibiotics.

The Food and Farm Bill comes before Congress every five years and includes provisions on agricultural subsidies, trade, conservation, research, marketing, food stamps, and much more. Farm programs that focus on sustainable agriculture funding and research provide needed support to sustainable farmers. When properly executed, these programs can reward farmers for protecting natural resources and our health. The House and Senate each passed versions of the Food and Farm Bill last year, and now negotiators from both chambers are working to resolve remaining differences. Some of the key provisions that UCS is working to preserve in the final bill include:

Help farmers convert to organic production
Organic conversion assistance has not been part of past Food and Farm Bills, but helping farmers overcome some of the technical and financial obstacles to organic production would be an important step toward reducing the environmental impacts of U.S. agriculture and helping to meet the growing demand for organic foods.

Full funding for the Conservation Security Program
The Conservation Security Program (CSP) should be run as it was originally envisioned by Congress—as a nationwide program with continuous open enrollment, and with sufficient incentives for farmers and ranchers to employ ambitious and effective conservation practices. To achieve this goal, UCS is urging conferees to adopt the version of CSP passed in the Senate version of the Food and Farm Bill.

Fund research on raising animals without adding antibiotics to feed
Antibiotics that are important to treating humans suffering from deadly diseases should not be used in the feed and water of animals that are not sick. But since this practice has been going on for decades, some farmers could use guidance regarding raising animals without using these drugs and putting human health at risk. The Food and Farm Bill should include a provision to support research into the best way for farmers to raise livestock and poultry with less antibiotics in animals' feed.

These provisions will help ensure that the Food and Farm Bill will protect our health, communities, and environment.