The Farm Bill Explained with Judith McGeary

You can't understand the modern food system without understanding the policy that shaped it. And you can't understand US food policy without understanding the Farm Bill.

Judith McGeary is an attorney, farmer, and the founder of Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, a national organization that supports independent family farmers and fights corporate consolidation of the food system. In this conversation, Judith breaks down what's actually in the Farm Bill, adds some needed nuance to the subsidy debate, and explains what's at stake as the bill moves through the US Senate right now - and how you - yes you! - can help shape it.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What the Farm Bill actually is and why it touches nearly every aspect of our food system
• Why the Fam Bill has become a divisive political issue after years of bipartisan support
• The pesticide liability shield and what corporate overreach looks like in practice
• Opportunities for regenerative funding through direct farmer advocacy
• Where the Farm Bill stands right now and what's at stake in the Senate
• Concrete ways you can show up and influence the outcome before it's too late

More about Judith McGeary and Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance:

Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, and sustainable farmer. After earning her BS from Stanford University and her law degree with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin, she clerked for a Federal Appeals Court and went on to private law practice. After seeing how government regulations benefit industrial agriculture at the expense of family farms, she founded the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance to promote common-sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems. She and her husband raise sheep, chickens, and cattle on their farm outside of Austin, Texas.

Find more and take action at the links below:

• Farm Bill Action Hour Toolkit — get involved now
• News about the House-passed version of the Farm Bill:  Farm Bill UPDATE: A Major Win & Setbacks - Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
• Deep dive into the issue of fair prices/ price supports for farmers from National Family Farm Coalition: Fair Prices for Farmers - National Family Farm Coalition
• IATP for deep dives into several Farm Bill topics:  Agriculture & Food Systems | IATP

Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O’Doherty.