Tom Philpott, a Senior Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and author of 'Perilous Bounty,' dives into the evolving landscape of food policy. He discusses the challenges and importance of food journalism in the current political climate, highlighting the impact of consolidation in agriculture as a threat to democracy. Philpott critiques industrial farming practices and their socio-economic consequences, while also emphasizing the need for mentoring future journalists to drive change in food systems.

Poultry farmers are in flock-down. The bird flu known as H5N1 is being called “the largest foreign animal disease outbreak in US history.” Vox’s Benji Jones and Johns Hopkins University researcher Tom Philpott say the virus underscores the poultry industry’s shortcomings.This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained  Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Philpott, award winning journalist and author, returns to discuss the Farm Bill. The topics covered include the history and challenges of the food stamp and farm support coalition, proposed acts to protect smaller farmers, lack of funding for BIPOC farmers, supply chain issues, worker protection, rural development and broadband access. The podcast also explores the need to revamp the Farm Bill and reflects on age and term limits in Congress.