Sustainable Agriculture Research funding lobbying

[EWerb at aol.com]

...from the [SoCal] Environmental Defense Center alert list...

FEDERAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR SUSTAINABLE AG. AND FARMERS MARKETS. 

PLEASE ACT IMMEDIATELY


Please write California Senator Dianne Feinstein to urge her to  champion

major funding increases for two key federal programs for Fiscal Year 2001

(FY01).  This is a crucial year for sustainable agriculture.  We finally

have a chance to push for actual funding gains for key programs and not just

protect them from cuts, which have been tradition.  For the first time in

years, these programs1 funds were increased in the Clinton Administration's

proposed FY01 budget. 


Senator Feinstein sits on the appropriations subcommittee that determines

funding for agriculture programs.  Her funding priorities must be submitted

in early March - extremely early this year.  With this in mind, please read

below and call Feinstein.


Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) - This program funds

farmer-driven research and outreach on cost-effective, environmentally sound

farming practices.  It has received no increase since FY95!!  In its 12-year

history, SARE has funded 51 projects ($5.3 million), specifically addressing

California farmers' questions on sustainable ag. techniques, organic

farming, etc.  SARE's solid track record, regional structure, and close

links between research and outreach mean that farmers nationwide get

reliable information they need on how to stay in business while being

environmentally responsible.  The president's FY2001 budget requests an

increase from $8m to $10.5 million in SARE's research program and an

increase from $3.3m to $4.5 million for its extension and outreach work,

which provides sustainable agriculture training to extension, agency staff

and others.  Although additional increase are needed, this is a step in

right direction. 


The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides vouchers for low-income

citizens to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets.  It

has been hugely successful in both developing markets for local farmers and

improving low-income citizens' nutrition.  The president recommends $20

million (up from $15 million) for FMNP, which we support.  These funds are

needed to allow new counties and new states into the program.  We also ask

that secure funding be made available to FMNP, without contingency, as part

of the appropriations for the WIC program.

    

                                                SEND LETTERS TO: 

                                              Honorable Dianne Feinstein, 

                                              331 Hart Senate Office Bldg

                                              Washington, DC 20510

                             or email:

                                             senator at feinstein.senate.gov


LETTERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 6. If you can't write in time, please 

call Senator Feinstein's aide, Matt Miller, at (202) 224-3841 to leave a

message with your key points, name and phone number.