The Northeast has an unprecedented opportunity to shape the upcoming Farm Bill to be more responsive to our region. Groups from across the Northeast region have been working together to agree on and advance a Northeast Farm Bill agenda. Spurred by regional meetings and teleconferences, grassroots feedback and the November Policy Summit in Baltimore, the agenda has broad support throughout the 12-state region.

The Northeast Farm Bill Agenda is a report that presents the top Farm Bill policy priorities for the Northeast and explains why they are important to the region. It lists current bills and proposals that advance these priorities. The purpose of the Agenda is to articulate and promote 10 “must-have” farm and food policy goals that specifically address the characteristics and needs of the Northeast U.S.

The Agenda highlights policy priorities that are particularly important to the Northeast region. Some of these priorities—for example, regional market development and food security—are important for other regions as well.

Northeast policy advocates welcome opportunities to work with other regions around common issues. In some instances, it is the particular application of a policy for the Northeast that matters—for example, making sure that energy production research policy is relevant to the region’s capacity. What is equally telling is what is not listed among the Northeast’s priorities—for example, export market development and land set-aside programs.

The Agenda is not an endorsement of any specific bill or proposal, nor is it an exhaustive list of policy options. It is an organizing and advocacy tool intended to:
• Present the case for our region and guide our Northeast Congressional delegation
• Encourage and assist groups to address policy details and differences
• Help Northeast advocacy groups develop strong and consistent messages.

It is vital that the next Farm Bill do a better job helping Northeast agricultural and forestry businesses address economic and environmental challenges and opportunities. It must also provide adequate food assistance and healthy food choices to its citizens. At its core, the Farm Bill must offer more flexibility to respond to regional differences and apply federal programs more equitably across regions, so that federal policy will better serve Northeast—and all—farmers, forest landowners and consumers.

A Northeast Farm Bill Agenda

Farm Viability and Economic Development:
1. Provide appropriate safety net and risk management tools for Northeast farmers.
2. Foster economic and regional market development.
3. Support the Northeast dairy industry.
4. Provide incentives for regionally appropriate farm energy production and efficiency.

Conservation
5. Significantly increase funding for working lands conservation programs.
6. Provide appropriate conservation program flexibility to address national, state and local
resource concerns and priorities.
7. Provide more conservation technical assistance with greater flexibility in how it can be used.

Food and Nutrition
8. Assure food security for all Northeast citizens.
9. Promote access to fresh, local and culturally appropriate foods.
10. Encourage and promote programs that reflect national health goals and nutrition guidelines.

To read the complete Agenda document online, please go here.