July 11, 2024

What You Need to Know About the Farm Bill with Jonathan Coppess

If you eat food, you need to care about what's in the Farm Bill. It seems overwhelming, but it's all about you, your food, and our future.

In today’s episode of "One Bite is Everything," we had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Coppess, a professor of Agricultural Policy at the University of Illinois. Jonathan provided us with a comprehensive overview of the Farm Bill, tracing its origins back to the New Deal and highlighting its significant evolution over the past 90 years.

We discussed the critical role the Farm Bill plays in supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and addressing national security concerns. Jonathan also shed light on the ongoing debates in Congress regarding the current Farm Bill, emphasizing the challenges of adapting agricultural policies to the pressing issues of climate change, soil erosion, and sustainable farming practices.

Key takeaways from our conversation include:

The historical context and importance of the Farm Bill.
The complex political dynamics that shape agricultural policy.
The need for innovation and adaptation in farming to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
You can take practical steps to support sustainable agriculture, such as engaging in local food systems and advocating for policy changes.

Jonathan’s insights have provided us with a deeper understanding of how agricultural policy impacts our food, health, environment, communities, and economy.