This morning, we hosted a kickoff event on Capitol Hill, celebrating Representative Earl Blumenauer’s (OR-03) introduction of the Food and Farm Act of 2023. Joined by animal, health, justice, farmer, and environmental advocates, we shared how today’s Farm Bill fails nearly all of us – while advancing a transformational vision for United States food systems.

Most federal spending that shapes our food systems comes through the Agriculture Improvement Act, or “Farm Bill.” Yet this funding only benefits Big Ag, landowners, and investors. It is responsible for immense harm to farmed animals, people, and the planet.

As an alternative to the Farm Bill, the Food and Farm Act focuses resources on those who need them most. It fosters innovation and encourages investments that help animals, people, and the planet, and ensures access to healthy foods. (Read more about the Food and Farm Act here.)

We want to thank Rep. Blumenauer for championing this important legislation. We’re also thankful for the many groups and individuals who have joined Farm Sanctuary in support for the Food and Farm Act, including:

ASPCA, HSLF, Compassion in World Farming, Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity, DC Voters for Animals, Marion Nestle, Mark Bittman, Slow Food USA, Open Markets Institute, Environmental Working Group, League of Conservation Voters, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Food and Water Watch, Kiss the Ground, Animals are Sentient Beings Inc, Friends of the Earth, Food Tank, Eco Trust, Consumer Federation of America, Independent Restaurant Coalition, and others!

Following today’s kickoff event, we’re supporting 14 satellite events across the country to “Shift the Farm Bill,” including at 11 colleges and universities. These opportunities allow for continued, regional conversations about the ways we can change our food system.

By partnering with policy leaders and food-justice organizations, Farm Sanctuary is performing a critical role in bringing plant-based, systems-changing solutions into conversations around United States food and farm spending. Together, we can build compassionate, just, and sustainable food systems that work for everyone!

Watch the full kickoff event video here!

Please lend your voice to this campaign: Ask your elected officials to support the 2023 Food and Farm Act today!