Dear Editor,
Long Wind Farm began in 1984 with a team of oxen and a simple goal: produce exceptional food while caring for the land. More than 40 years later, we’re still growing crops in Vermont soil and providing New England with fresh food year-round. Our success has come from earning the trust of our customers. Rather than overriding state protections, federal policy should support standards that promote responsible farming.
That’s why we’re concerned about efforts to include the Save Our Bacon Act in the next farm bill.
Despite its name, this proposal goes well beyond bacon. It would override certain state standards for livestock products sold across state lines, taking decisions away from states and local communities. That’s the wrong direction for American agriculture.
The farm bill should strengthen family farms, support rural communities, expand market opportunities and protect livestock from serious disease threats, not strip states of their ability to address local agricultural priorities. This is especially true now that screwworm has become such a threat.
Last year, Sens. Peter Welch and Bernie Sanders joined many other senators in signing a letter urging the Senate not to pass laws like the Save Our Bacon Act. We thank them for their leadership on this important issue. And we hope they’ll continue fighting for responsible Vermont farmers by opposing attempts to include the Save Our Bacon Act in the farm bill or any other legislative package.
Dave Chapman
East Thetford, Vt.
