by Brian Solem, director of communications and advocacy, and Brett Rapkin-Citrenbaum, policy coordinator
In our rapidly evolving world, biodiversity stands as one of the most critical measures of our planet’s health. It’s the variety of life on Earth, encompassing everything from plants and animals to microorganisms. Biodiversity not only underpins the functioning of ecosystems but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining human livelihoods and well-being. As Slow Food activists, the preservation and promotion of biodiversity are at the core of our mission, and our Theory of Change underscores our role as disruptors of the destruction of foodways and biodiversity through systems change. To advance this cause, we must actively support legislative efforts that protect and enhance biodiversity — especially on Biodiversity Advocacy Day.
Understanding Biodiversity
Before diving into legislative advocacy, it’s crucial to understand the concept of biodiversity comprehensively. Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, encompasses the variety of life forms existing in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole. This diversity can be observed at various levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
- Genetic Diversity: This level of biodiversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. It’s essential for the adaptation and resilience of populations to environmental changes, diseases, and other challenges. Genetic diversity provides the raw material for evolution, allowing species to evolve and thrive in changing conditions.
- Species Diversity: Species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of different species within a given area. High species diversity is indicative of a healthy ecosystem, as each species plays a unique role in ecosystem functioning. Loss of species diversity can disrupt ecological processes and diminish ecosystem resilience.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Ecosystem diversity encompasses the variety of habitats, ecosystems, and ecological processes present in a region. It includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs. Ecosystem diversity provides a range of services vital for human well-being, including carbon sequestration, water purification, and pollination.
Life cannot exist without biodiversity, but the dominating industrial food system threatens the careful relationships among plants, animals, soil, water and air. Around the world, 75% of edible plant species have now become extinct while three commodity crops — wheat, rice and corn —make up 60% of our food production. Our future depends on defending the diversity of plants and animals!
Slow Food was the first to consider food products and production techniques as integral aspects of biodiversity in need of protection. Our conservation of food biodiversity by promoting agroecological practices and sustainable consumption choices is our path toward good, clean and fair food for all.
Now, armed with a deeper understanding of biodiversity, let’s explore how advocating for specific legislative measures can contribute to its preservation and enhancement.
Finally: We have Farm Bill drafts
The Farm Bill is arguably the most significant piece of legislation shaping agriculture and food policy in the United States. As it evolves, Slow Food advocates have a unique opportunity to influence its provisions to prioritize biodiversity. By advocating for measures such as increased funding for conservation programs, support for small-scale and regenerative farming practices, and incentives for biodiversity-friendly agriculture, we can contribute to a more resilient and diverse agricultural landscape.
Earlier this month, Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow released a Farm Bill framework called the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 (RPFSA). Slow Food USA was excited to see RPFSA aligned with many of our priorities! Our four policy pillars were all represented in the framework, giving us hope for a bipartisan, just Farm Bill. Below is more information about how RPFSA represented the Slow Food USA policy pillars.
(1) Advocating for Sustainable Practices to promote a Healthier Planet
RPFSA takes the historic investment in climate-smart agriculture from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and commits to reinvesting it to continue supporting farmers in addressing the climate crisis. Some of the programs RPFSA is uplifting include Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), State and Tribal Assistance for Soil Health Program, and more!
(2) Securing Nutrition and Wellness for Children
The Nutrition Title is the largest financial piece of the Farm Bill, and for good reason! Not only does this fund SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) which helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table, but it also authorizes other programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
RPFSA helps feed kids by building on investments from the American Rescue Plan, Access to Baby Formula Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and Keep Kids Fed Act. In short, this framework protects and strengthens SNAP. It does this by continuing future adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan which ensures SNAP will continue to be fully funded, establishing a path for residents of Puerto Rico to participate in SNAP, and permanently allowing tribes to procure their own food to distribute on Indian Reservations.
(3) Supporting local, family-scale producers, fishers and workers
Slow Food USA knows how crucial supporting small-scale farmers is to a good, clean, and fair food system. RPFSA permanently authorizes the Local Food Purchase Assistance program (LAMP) to purchase produce, dairy, and meat from underserved producers, specifically setting aside funding for Tribal communities, as well as sustaining investments in local meat processing, providing food safety resources and workforce development funding. Furthermore, RPFSA sustains microgrants, loans, and technical assistance that supports new and beginning farmers.
(4) Fighting for Equity, Inclusion and Justice within our Food System
We know that Slow Food’s goals of a good, clean, and fair food system cannot happen without centering equity, inclusion, and justice. RPFSA includes a number of programs that would support marginalized farmers and producers, including expanding language translation services within the USDA, creating civil rights accountability for USDA employees, and broadening the inclusion of Tribal-specific provisions that would eliminate unnecessary barriers to USDA programs. RPFSA also includes Heirs Property and Fractionated Land Legal Clinics which would help ensure farms stay within a family from generation to generation.
But what about the House version of the Farm Bill?
The other Ag committee, populated by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, released its version of the Farm Bill this month, too. Unfortunately, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act actively works against Slow Food values.
“The House version of the Farm Bill does not align with Slow Food USA’s mission for a good, clean and fair food system,” said Brett Rapkin-Citrenbaum, policy coordinator for Slow Food USA. “This proposal cuts funding to SNAP, dismisses climate change, and fails to meaningfully invest in local and regional food systems.”
As Slow Food advocates, it is incumbent upon us to actively engage with policymakers and advocate for legislation that aligns with our principles and goals. By supporting a strong Farm Bill, we can play a vital role in advancing biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and building a more equitable and resilient food system for future generations. Let us seize this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and safeguard the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.
