In the wake of last week's national tragedy, there is great uncertainty in Washington DC regarding the timing and course Congress will follow in re-authorizing the farm bill. Before last week's attacks it was expected that action could come from the House within days; now many are saying there will be no serious attempts until next year. While opinions differ on the timing, everyone seems to agree that until the country has had time to grieve and begin healing, it is best to follow a course of careful deliberation with the national legislative agenda. Rural Updates! is dedicated to keeping you informed and engaged on what you can do to help create agriculture policy that enriches our families and all life on Earth. 

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2. DEFENDERS RELEASES "ADDRESSING THE CRISIS IN RURAL AMERICA"

Defenders of Wildlife recently released "Addressing the Crisis in Rural America," a compendium of Farm Bill proposals from nearly 40 family farm, sustainable agriculture, conservation, sportsmen's and rural life groups. The publication, which stemmed from a February meeting of rural stakeholders hosted by Defenders, is centered on a flow chart that illustrates the inter-relatedness of problems facing farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment. Recommended solutions include suggestions for ways to break the overproduction-low price cycle, improve conservation on working lands, reform federal assistance programs, restore competition in the marketplace, improve life in rural America and keep workers and food supplies safe. 

3. FAMILY FARMERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS STAND TOGETHER

Before tragedy struck the nation last Tuesday, family farm advocates around the nation had intended to use that week to raise the profile of rural issues with their Representatives in Congress. Toward that end, activists held a press conference on September 10th to "announce their recommendations for a farm policy that better addresses fair prices for family farmers, development of domestic markets, restoration of competition, and effective conservation programs." Though the thoughts and eyes of the nation have turned to the crisis now at hand, members of the National Family Farm Coalition, New Ingland Small Farm Institute, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, Defenders of Wildlife, Rural Coalition, National Farmers Union and National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture are united in our desire to craft a farm policy that directs the right money to the right farmers for the right practices.

Among the many insights gained from the recent events, Americans are reporting a mindfulness in being aware of the "simple, daily blessings" of life. Top among these to many people are their children. Kids are always great reminders of what is and should be important to us all. In case you need a good dose of how children see the world of farming and the environment go to "Children's Vision of the Family Farm." This wonderfully colorful artwork was done by students of various grades in Palo Alto, California and sponsored by the California Avenue Area Development Association. Not only do children remind us of what is important, they also remind us of the imagination we have forgotten.

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