Target: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins
Goal: Protect small farms from monopolistic practices by large agricultural companies.
More than 340,000 U.S. farms shut down between 1982 and 2022, with the average farm size increasing dramatically as a result of troubling trends in agricultural consolidation. Major meat companies, like Smithfield and JBS, have sought to control the supply chain entirely through vertical integration, creating a situation where they own not just the livestock but also the farms on which they are raised, along with control over processing and distribution. This alarming shift has left small farmers in a precarious position as they struggle to stay afloat amidst the aggressive tactics of these multinational corporations. Without intervention, the future of small-scale farming and the livelihoods of many families are at grave risk.
Reports indicate that this consolidation has not only led to fewer dollars for farmers but has also triggered ongoing crises in multiple sectors, including dairy and beef. Ruth Ann Karty, a long-time farm advocate, highlights that “there has never not been a crisis” in agriculture, reflecting the dire economic reality that many farmers face as they navigate the pressures exerted by large entities like Walmart, which controls a significant portion of grocery sales and puts undue pressure on prices. Farmers like Kelsey Zaavedra have encountered regulatory challenges that threaten their small diversified operations, showcasing the systemic issues that exist in the current agricultural landscape, where small farmers are often left voiceless and unsupported.
The situation necessitates urgent action to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of small farming operations. Implementing regulatory measures could help to level the playing field against the excessively powerful agricultural companies, ensuring that small farmers can compete fairly and sustain their businesses. It is crucial to demand that the appropriate authorities take steps to protect the agricultural diversity and local economies that small farms support.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rollins,
The alarming consolidation of the agricultural industry threatens the very foundation of American farming, as evidenced by the closure of over 340,000 farms since 1982. Major corporations such as Smithfield and JBS have exerted their control over not only livestock but also the essential aspects of processing and distribution, leaving small farmers at a severe disadvantage. The consequences of this trend are devastating, pushing countless regional farmers to the brink of failure, as they struggle against these multinational giants that dominate the market and dictate prices.
Individuals like Ruth Ann Karty and Kelsey Zaavedra exemplify the challenges faced by small farmers amidst these conditions. Karty has tirelessly worked to advocate for farmers in crisis, stating that “there has never not been a crisis,” highlighting the ongoing battles that small farms face. Zaavedra’s experiences with arbitrary regulatory hurdles further illustrate the precarious nature of small farming operations as they fight for survival against a backdrop of monopolistic practices that prioritize profit over farmer welfare.
To address these issues and restore balance in the agricultural landscape, it is imperative that your office take decisive action to implement regulatory measures that protect small farms from the overwhelming influence of large corporations. We urge you to prioritize this critical issue and enact policies that will defend and empower small farmers across the nation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
