FAMILY FARM ACTION ALERT

Your call to Representative Latham is Urgently Needed 
And it can make a Difference 

The Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee of the U.S. House of 
Representatives has voted to suspend the key family farm and sustainable agriculture 
provisions of the farm bill, including:

The Value Added Agricultural Grants Program for producers controlled 
initiatives, 
The Conservation Security Program that rewards farmers with payments for 
environmental stewardship, 
Country of origin labeling, 
Grants to farmers for renewable energy including ethanol, and 
Assistance for rural communities to gain broadband Internet access. 

The subcommittee saved $440 million by eliminating these programs, $20 
million less than it could save by instituting an effective payment limitation. 
Every member of the Subcommittee voted to advance this package, including 
Representative Latham.  However, he has a second chance to do the right thing.  The 
full committee will act next week.

Call Representative Latham’s office – NOW – and leave a message with the 
receptionist urging him to sponsor an amendment in the Appropriations Committee 
to impose an effective farm program payment limitation and restore funding for 
the family farm and conservation provisions of the farm bill.  

The direct number for his office is 202 (225) 5476.  You should be able to 
get through from 8 AM to 5 PM Iowa time.

Please take action.  This is a critical moment in determining whether federal 
policy will work for family farms and the land, or serve corporate 
agriculture at their expense.  Because Iowa Representative (Tom Latham) is on the 
Appropriations Committee, you are in a position to make a difference.  Your call can 
influence the outcome.  Please don’t miss this chance to make a difference.



Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
[log in to unmask]
www.iowa.sierraclub.org