A group of North Alabama farmers gathered late last week to take part in the ‘Enough Is Enough’ tour, a nationwide initiative meant to apply pressure on Congress to pass an annual farm bill that transfers power back to America’s producers.
Speakers addressed government policies that are forcing the consolidation of the food system by favoring the largest food corporations often negatively effecting farmers and ranchers. Additionally, solutions to help level the playing field for producers were discussed.
On hand for the event were representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville). Both lawmakers have been consistent advocates for farmers across the country.
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“We are grateful to Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Robert Aderholt for sending representatives to join our event and appreciate them taking the time to listen to our producers in the Yellowhammer State,” said beef cattle producer Jonathan Buttram, president of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association and treasurer at the Organization for Competitive Markets.
“We call on Congress to bring reform and transparency to USDA’s scandal-ridden Commodity Checkoff Programs by passing the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act that would give American family farmers a fighting chance against industrial agriculture interests like the Chinese-owned Smithfield, and Brazil-based JBS.”
Marty Irby, president of the Competitive Markets Action and secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets, specifically identified the EATS Act as one of the largest hurdles for America’s producers.
“Congress must do everything in its power to help strike the terrible EATS Act language included in House Farm Bill that would decimate producers across the U.S. and nullify countless state and local laws designed to protect small and midsized farmers,” said Irby. “Policies that protect food safety and security and supporting states’ rights should be a top priority for Agriculture Committee leaders instead of propping up industrial agriculture interests run by our foreign enemies.”
The event was sponsored by the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association (ALCPGA), Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), and Competitive Markets Action (CMA) in collaboration with Farm Action, the American Grassfed Association, and other farm groups from all over the country.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
