CHIMACUM — U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer heard criticism of the farm bill during a visit to Jefferson County.
Kilmer, a Democrat living in Gig Harbor and a Port Angeles native, visited Finnriver Farm to hear what members of the local organic farming community had to say about a big topic on their minds: the farm bill, which goes to the House floor for consideration and debate the week of May 14.
The $100 billion package of legislation would affect everything from funding for school lunches to policies that help farmers stay in business and turn a profit, said Kilmer, who represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
It was passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture using only Republican votes. The Republican proposal would impose stricter work requirements and anti-fraud measures on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which opponents have said could kick out some 2 million from the program.
Republicans say their proposal is aimed at reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.
“The bill that made it out of the House last week is not going to be the final product,” Kilmer said. “It was entirely partisan when it came out of committee. It has no legs in the Senate. That means we still have an opportunity to do some course corrections.
“There is a lot of heat wrapped around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, qualifications or disqualifications. Value-Added programs, support for small farms, and farmer’s markets are programs that don’t have enough attention in the current version,” Kilmer added.
Kilmer said the Farmer’s Market Local Food producers promotion program, Value Added Producers program, and Organic Cost Share program that takes existing farms looking to transition into organics, are not included in the current bill.
The Monday event was sponsored by the Port Townsend-based Organic Seed Alliance that does research and trials on 5 acres at the farm.
In addition to 25 local food producers, several farm dogs and one black lamb accompanied Kilmer around and through greenhouses and fields as he heard concerns about the impact the legislation could have on families and producers.
“I’m here to listen,” Kilmer said.
“My interest is the economic opportunities and impact on our region. I’m a dad and I care about what our kids consume. From a nutritional standpoint, the Farm Bill is really important,” Kilmer said.
“The policies that are set at the national level really matter. And, culturally, if you look at the history of our region, farms and farming have been a big part of it, and maintaining that is a priority for me. I’m for policies that support that rather than discourage.
“I feel that when government contemplates policy that impacts, it should do it with you rather than to you. When we are working on issues that have a significant impact on you, I want to hear what you like and don’t like, what you want to see.”
John Bellows of SpringRain Orchard and Farm in Chimacum produces protein, fruit crops and specialty greenhouse crops year round. His products are sold locally and in Seattle.
“We’ve benefited from several programs like the conservation district, and the value-added grant for our Chimacum fresh poultry operation,” Bellows said. “I’m disappointed to learn that it may not be available to others going forward.
“We sell 50 percent direct to consumers at farmers markets and a great deal of those sales use SNAP benefits through EBT or Fresh Box,” he continued. “Lots of people are able to buy our produce who would not be able to come and shop with us without those resources.
“I think I understand that the decisions being made are shifting funding from sustainable ag to larger commercial operations.”
Cara Loriz, executive director of the Organic Seed Alliance and organizer of the afternoon event said that the Farm Bill “is legislation that governs all aspects of American food and agriculture, and is reviewed and debated every five years.”
She said the bill is set to expire in September.
By repealing the current broad-based SNAP program, free school lunches are in jeopardy, she said.
“Farmers are concerned because we’re trying to get healthy vegetables to those who need nutrition the most,” Loriz said. “Cutting back the SNAP program dramatically affects farmers and farmers markets where benefits can be used. The current credit system will be changed to a ration included in America’s Harvest box which, unfortunately, will be filled with processed foods.
“There are no real vegetables or locally grown produce in those boxes.
“Without the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, farmers markets and food hubs will lose critical resources,” Loriz said.
“Without the Value Added Producer Grant Program, farmers will have a harder time growing their businesses by bringing in new sources of income. And with the elimination of the National Organic Cost Share Program, smaller organic farms may not be able to afford certification or existing conventional farmers might not have the support they need to transition to organic.”
Kilmer said the afternoon gathering was an important part of his job.
“There isn’t anything that was said today that I don’t agree with. It’s helpful for me to hear it because it makes me a better advocate for you.”
“What you do really matters in so many ways — in feeding us something good and nutritious and employing us. Protecting this important touchstone of who we are in this region is important. I want to make sure we can maintain your ability to continue.”
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
