"T
he Lord God formed the man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." - Genesis 2:7
Sustainable Ag. Groups Set Priorities for 2017
Stewardship & Support for Family Farmers Top the List
Advocates representing the 116 member organizations of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) recently met for their annual winter meeting. CRL is a long-time member, and in fact one of the few faith-based groups still actively involved in federal farm policies. This year's winter meeting was focused on policy priorities and strategies for 2017 and upcoming Farm Bill discussions.
Click here for a review of the NSAC meeting. As you scroll down, you will see brief descriptions of the policy priorities. CRL is working on many of these same issues and will continue to provide information and advocacy resources on our Ethical Food and Ag. webpage.
Key issues are:
On-farm conservation efforts, such as improved implementation of the Environmental Quality. Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.
Support for family farms, notably in how crop insurance subsidies are used.
Greater opportunities for beginning and socially-disadvantaged farmers (loans, targeted programs).
Creating a robust local food economy and other rural enterprises.
Looking Ahead to NAFTA Renegotiations
Identifying Principles in Support of Family Farms
As the new Congress and new Administration continue to shake up "business as usual" in the nation's capital, policies will begin to take shape on trade relationships. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is on the top of the list: paying close attention will be farmers, ranchers and agribusiness corporations. Indeed, family farm and sustainable ag groups have stepped forward and prescribed a set of principlesfor any new policies with major U.S. trade partners, Canada and Mexico.
CRL takes a look at this in a new blog posting at Faith, Food & the Environment, our special website dedicated to the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader. CRL stays in touch with various groups around the country to broaden the impact of similar advocacy efforts. Our concern remains steadfast: to ensure the economic viability of family farms and restore the vitality of rural economies.
Kathy Ozer, National Family Farm Coalition
Prayers and Remembrance for a Beloved Friend
We are saddenedto hear the passing of Kathy Ozer, a beloved, courageous and steadfast leader of the National Family Farm Coalition. She succumbed to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017.
CRL collaborates with many organizations around the country and we have known Kathy and her outstanding leadership for two decades. As NFFC rightly noted in their announcement, "she was a beacon of light and a rock of determination." Please take a moment to remember her life and work as A Fighter for Family Farmersand her inspiring integrity, knowledge and commitment.
Cooking for Christ Cookbook
New Edition Being Released Later This Year
Cooking for Christ, CRL's beloved cookbook, has been a cherished favorite by many over the years. First created by Florence Berger in 1946
this "kitchen prayer book" leads you through the liturgical seasons and applicable recipes surrounding special feast days, holidays and other traditions.
CRL will be releasing a new edition of the cookbook later this year. This new edition of the vintage cookbook preserves the original stories and recipes, but also includes new recipes, reflections, and Church traditions. Faithful to the liturgical year, this book celebrates food, family and faith.
Cooking for Christ Cookbook
