Over the next four years, our president could have a profound impact on what we eat. The candidates have very different positions
By Abigail Lewis
As we race toward election day, voters are trying to sort through candidates’ positions on various subjects. Some can be gleaned from their websites, but others must be read between the lines. For example, we know that the food industry in general, particularly fast-food and pizza, contributes significantly more to Republicans (and opposes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—“Obamacare”—and the Patients Bill of Rights, both likely to increase worker costs). So would the Republican candidate be likely to encourage a natural foods diet and home cooking? Probably not.
Then there’s the question of immigration. The farm industry needs a steady supply of labor, and despite our elevated unemployment levels, most native-born Americans are unwilling to work picking produce. In Alabama and Florida, for instance, tough immigration laws caused a shortage of workers, American-born citizens didn’t apply for the jobs, and produce rotted in the fields. So since President Obama is more open to immigration reform and in favor of establishing paths for illegal immigrants to stay here and work here, it could ultimately help to moderate prices. Governor Romney has said he sees the need to expedite visas for seasonal workers, but has not clarified how that might happen.
United Fresh, a trade association of produce companies, helpfully sent a handful of questions to both candidates in an attempt to get more information on their positions on food, agriculture and nutrition, which we attempt to simplify below:
Regulation by the USDA & EPA
Romney: Wants less regulation of land and water use, air quality, and resource access, and believes farmers are “looking for certainty and predictability when it comes to both new and existing regulations.” He is opposed to what he considers bureaucratic overreach, which suggests minimizing federal oversight.
Obama: The president is expanding regional food markets and has bolstered the number of farmers market by 53 percent since 2007. Favors reducing regulatory burdens on agricultural producers and streamlining federal oversight, rather than minimizing it. Offers regulatory certainty to landowners who voluntarily make habitat improvements on their land.
Conclusion: Keeping our food sources as clean as possible while encouraging farmers to support the environment is only logical. We want to encourage good agricultural practices and maintain safe guidelines. And what’s bad for the farmer is bad for all of us. We are already struggling with climate disasters and bad air quality; minimizing federal oversight will only make it worse.
Farm Bill
Obama: Endorses the 2008 Farm Bill that recognizes agricultural diversity and the importance of providing access to healthy foods by supporting programs that focus on produce, nuts and organic crops.
Romney: Supports a market-based system rather than subsidies and government support. Would invest in pest and disease control (chemicals and GMO) and pursue pro-trade policies. Is seemingly unconcerned with scientific data regarding farming and the environment.
Conclusion: We prefer investment in agricultural diversity and wider access, over pesticides and GMO.
Food Safety
Romney: Supports preventive practices developed by growers, handlers, processors, and others in the supply chain rather than federal government agencies. Believes the FDA must “collaborate” with industry to develop guidance re commodities and food-borne illness outbreaks.
Obama: Established a Food Safety Working Group to help look at how to improve America’s food safety system, and passed a comprehensive reform of our nation’s food safety laws, in an effort to give the FDA the resources and authority they need to make improvements to our food safety system. Developed an online tool to help farmers and food producers reduce food risks.
Conclusion: We are making progress on food-borne illness, but one out of every four Americans contracts food-borne illness each year; less federal oversight and collaboration with industry is unlikely to improve our odds. Many consider GMOs, hormones and antibiotics to be unsafe in food as well, but neither candidate has spoken out in support of organic.
Nutrition
Obama: Is committed to supporting healthier food choices in the American diet and raising nutritional standards in all government programs that provide food assistance to Americans. Revised dietary guidelines to raise nutrition standards to conform to the latest scientific data. His school breakfast and lunch programs have improved nutrition standards for more than 30 million American children. Contributed to improving awareness of the importance of fresh produce in fighting obesity and reducing healthcare costs, including the USDA’s MyPlate campaign, which calls for “half a plate” of fruits and vegetables at every meal. Endorses regular physical activity to reduce likelihood of related chronic diseases.
Romney: States that the federal government should not dictate what we eat. Says he will emphasize a balanced diet and highlight the importance of a healthful diet, but has offered no specifics.
Conclusion: Unless Romney comes forward with a dynamic policy between now and election day, this one is no contest.
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