 |
 |
Thoughts from an EFFS member of how we can proceed to stand up agains PA 132 -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Food and Farm Stewardship [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Taylor Clarkston Reid Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2006 8:52 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Thoughts on organizing: A proposal I think Joe Scrimger's idea about organizing a network in Michigan that is capable of coming together to form a united front in fighting these things is an excellent one. I too believe there is growing support for our shared vision of a food system that emphasizes farmer and citizen rights, food safety and security, and environmental sanity. Right now, agribusiness is taking advantage of or lack of organization to challenge these values and consolidate its already powerful economic and political position. I don't think we need another organization with a board of directors and lots of meetings, but we do need a way to get better organized, communicate with each other, stay informed, disseminate information to the public, and speak with a united voice. Maybe rather than having it be an organization or group, we could think about it more as an initiative, or a coalition. I envision this as an effort specifically aimed at challenging corporate ag. legislation, working toward pro-farmer public initiatives, and fighting for equal representation within public institutions such as MSU, MSUE, and MDA. With the new election cycle coming up, we could also ask candidates seeking our votes to clearly articulate their positions on the issues that are important to us and help develop institutional support within the government. I propose the name Michigan Citizens for Agricultural Democracy. This kind of name is inclusive, in that it avoids any of the buzz-words or misunderstood concepts (sustainable, alternative etc.) and should allow for the inclusion of consumers and citizens as well as farmers, both organic and conventional. Efforts to challenge this new GMO legislation, ensuring that MSU, MSUE, and MAES follow through with their recent commitments to acknowledge the growing importance of alternative agriculture and engage in a meaningful dialogue about our concerns, and organizing opposition to upcoming CAFO legislation seem like important priorities right now. We need to get together and coordinate ourselves so that we are not simply a bunch of individual voices crying out in the wilderness. Our effort to challenge this bill was unsuccessful in this round, but I am encouraged by the level of dialogue, new connections, and collective action we have been able to mobilize in just a short period of time. Rather than conceding defeat, perhaps we can capitalize on this momentum to develop a stronger farmer/citizen voice, and a mechanism for working together to present a united front in future efforts to promote agricultural democracy and justice in Michigan. Please share your thoughts on this. Sincerely, Taylor Reid 517-862-2793 [log in to unmask]