Food Integrity Campaign Blog

Legislative Updates — 2023

Food Integrity Campaign | April 24, 2023

Here’s a list of the legislative items FIC is working on in 2023:

Supporting our Farm and Food System Workers Act of 2023

This bill would create the USDA Office of the Farm and Food System Workforce, which would serve as a liaison and resource for farm and food system workers, a platform for these workers to share their concerns and perspectives, and would increase coordination across Departments and agencies.

Voice for Farm Workers Act of 2023

This bill would expand the current role of USDA Farmworker Coordinator to allow for increased collaboration within the Department and with outside groups, to create new recommendations, initiatives and programs, and to employ additional staff members within the Department to support the Coordinator in their duties.

Farm System Reform Act

This legislation strengthens the Packers & Stockyards Act and will promote competition and reset the balance of power between producers and giant corporations. In addition, it will place a moratorium on CAFO’s and restore Country of Origin Labeling.

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act

Checkoff programs are mandatory participation programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These programs are funded through compulsory fees on producers of milk, eggs, beef, pork, and many other commodities. This bill would create appropriate safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest, give producers clarity about how their money is spent, and reduce opportunities for abuse through regular audits.

Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act

This bill promises to hold big corporations responsible for disaster mitigation. It also puts an end to line speed increases and company self-inspection models as well as calling for improved animal welfare practices.

Food and Farm Act

This bill hopes to create a Farm Bill that helps farmers and families, not mega-corporations. The legislation refocuses federal resources on those who need it most, fosters innovation, encourages investments in people and the planet, and ensures access to healthy foods.

Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act

This legislation provides for protections for vital and vulnerable meatpacking workers who suffer at the hands of exploitative companies. It also calls for fairer markets and the strengthening of local food systems.

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