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North Alabama farmers gather to demand pro-producer Farm Bill



Last weekend, a group of farmers from North Alabama came together to “Enough Is Enough” TourIt's a nationwide effort aimed at pressuring Congress to pass an annual farm bill that gives power back to American producers.

Speakers addressed government policies that force consolidation in the food system by favoring large food corporations, often to the detriment of farmers and ranchers, and discussed solutions to level the playing field for producers.

The event was attended by representatives from the offices of Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), both of whom have been consistent advocates for farmers across the country.

RELATED: Alabama's food and agriculture sector generates $51.2 billion in economic impact and more than 334,548 jobs

“We appreciate Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Robert Aderholt sending representatives to participate in our event and taking the time to hear from Hibernian producers,” said Jonathan Buttram, beef cattle producer and president of the Alabama Contract Poultry Producers Association and treasurer of the Competitive Markets Authority.

“We urge Congress to pass the Fair Chance in Agriculture Act and bring reform and transparency to USDA's scandal-ridden commodity checkoff program. This bill will give America's family farmers a fighting chance against industrial agriculture interests like Chinese-owned Smithfield and Brazil-based JBS.”

Marty Irby, chairman of Competition and Markets Action and executive director of the Competition and Markets Authority, EATS Act as one of the biggest obstacles for American producers.

“Congress must do everything in its power to repeal the terrible EATS Act language in the House Farm Bill, which will devastate producers across America and void countless state and local laws enacted to protect small and mid-size farmers,” Irby said. “Agriculture Committee leadership should make policies that protect food safety and security and support states' rights their top priority, not prop up the interests of industrial agriculture run by foreign adversaries.”

The event was hosted by the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association (ALCPGA), the Competitive Markets Association (OCM) and Competitive Market Action (CMA), in collaboration with Farm Action, the American Grassfed Association and other agricultural organizations from around the country.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on X. @ShipleyAusten

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