The food system hits about every issue we care about, equity, compassion, justice. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey finds all these issues that are important to him wrapped up in our agricultural system. Agriculture is becoming dominated by fewer and fewer companies who wield most of the power and then receive most of the benefits. As power becomes more concentrated, it tends to lack empathy.
Our food and agricultural systems are helping fuel the climate emergency. But climate isn’t the only harm; these systems also impact local economies, human dignity, and animal welfare. The upcoming Farm Bill presents an opportunity to infuse more climate-smart practices in American agriculture, which accounts for about 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. But doing so involves confronting industrial practices that focus on short-term gains and commodity subsidies that have deep support in both parties.
Senator Cory Booker has a plan to address our broken food system. He introduced legislation that would challenge large industrial beef and pork packagers and tilt the balance of power in our industrial agriculture system, giving family farmers, ranchers, and workers a better deal. But what chance do these elements have of passage? And what other options are there for decreasing the concentration of power in Big Ag?
Guest:
Cory Booker United States Senator, New Jersey
Contributor:
Elizabeth Rembert
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