NHToDo Magazine & NH Farming

Increasing numbers of people are reverting back to the ways of our ancestors, choosing to purchase food directly from local farmers -- who generally apply organic farming practices -- and cooking it using slow, traditional methods.

Major food corporations like Monsanto and Tyson do not like this trend because they are in the business of mass food production, which relies on much newer and often dangerous techniques like genetic engineering, factory farming and widespread use of chemicals.

How Food Quality is Being Threatened by U.S. Government and Big Business

When speaking of food safety, the giant food corporations and government work hand in hand.
Industrial agriculture lobbyists wield incredible power in Congress.

Their relatively minor investments allow them to manipulate votes on key legislation that is highly favorable to their bottom line and almost always in conflict with your best interests. Some key rulings that have seriously undermined food quality?

• In 2008, the U.S. government decided to allow food producers to irradiate fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce in order to kill organisms like E. coli and salmonella, but at the expense of nutrients.

• Federal regulation prohibits raw milk and raw milk products for human consumption in interstate commerce, despite the fact that they have proven health benefits.

• Small farmers often cannot afford the costly organic certification process required by the government. Yet, if they try to sell foods that are raised according to organic standards, but not certified as such, they can be fined or sent to jail.

• The food crops currently subsidized by the U.S. government are corn, wheat, soy and rice. Growing little else but corn and soy means we end up with a fast food diet. In essence, these commodity programs are subsidies for the creation of junk and fast food, not REAL food that could have a positive impact on public health.

Unfortunately, a handful of food “safety” bills that are in Congress’ hands right now, namely HR 875, HR 814, SR 425, and soon, HR 759, include similarly destructive plans that will only continue to further degrade the food supply, favor agribusiness, and make it more difficult for small farmers to compete.

How to Make Your Opinion Heard

If you’d like to speak out against these food “safety” bills, you can send a message to members of Congress or your local newspaper using this link.

There is another way your voice can be heard as well, and that is speaking with your wallet. Use your money to support the small farms, farmer’s markets, vegetable stands and food coops that are still growing food using wholesome, natural methods.

You can still find healthy food using the sources that follow, and you can also view this list for an expanded list of healthy food resources near you.

    1. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

    2. NH Farmers' Markets -- A listing of farmers' markets in New Hampshire.

    3. Local Harvest -- This Web site will help you find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.

    4. Eat Well Guide: Wholesome Food from Healthy Animals -- The Eat Well Guide is a free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs from farms, stores, restaurants, inns, and hotels, and online outlets in the United States and Canada.

    5. Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) -- CISA is dedicated to sustaining agriculture and promoting the products of small farms.

    6. FoodRoutes -- The FoodRoutes “Find Good Food” map can help you connect with local farmers to find the freshest, tastiest food possible. On their interactive map, you can find a listing for local farmers, CSA's, and markets near you.

Residents of New Hampshire are represented in Congress by 2 Senators and 2 Representatives.
Member Name	DC Phone	DC FAX	Electronic Correspondence
Senator Judd Gregg (R- NH)	202-224-3324	202-224-4952	http://gregg.senate.gov/public/index.cfm? FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D- NH)	202-224-2841	202-228-3194	http://shaheen.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm
Representative Carol Shea-Porter (D - 01)	202-225-5456	202-225-5822	http://forms.house.gov/shea-porter/webform/issue_subscribe.htm
Representative Paul Hodes, II (D - 02)	202-225-5206	202-225-2946	http://hodes.house.gov/contact.aspx