My fraternity — aka the National Peace Corps Association — is working for changes in the 2007 U.S. Farm Bill. One partner organization, Oxfam America, has developed a “Fairness in the Field” vision for the Farm Bill that includes these aims:

•Reduce funding for commodity subsidies that distort trade, and shift resources
to alternative investments in rural America.
•Shift taxpayer dollars to programs that help conserve land for future generations,
support a broad variety of farm products,and help poor and minority farmers.
• Shift taxpayer dollars to programs that can create markets for healthy foods in the
same regions where farmers live—in school cafeterias,farmers markets,local
grocery stores,hospitals,and nursing homes.
• Invest in roads,bridges,and broadband technology in rural America to generate
new jobs and strengthen small businesses.

Photo is of Sharon Stratton, Hoot Owl Holler Farm