Exploring Biden’s Food and Farming Policies: A Deep Dive into Food Equity, Climate Initiatives, and Support for Farmers

Under President Biden, food and agriculture policies have taken a new direction. The administration has focused on tackling big corporations’ control over farming, promoting climate-friendly practices, restricting harmful pesticides, and enhancing nutrition programs.

Lisa Held has detailed these changes for Civil Eats.

Here’s a quick overview:

• The USDA has implemented regulations to reduce corporate dominance in agriculture. It also committed $500 million to help small meatpacking businesses.
• For climate initiatives, they allocated $3 billion for sustainable farming. However, some critics pointed out that large agribusinesses also benefitted from this funding.
• The EPA has phased out chlorpyrifos, leading to a 70% reduction in its usage. They also improved pesticide protections for farmworkers.
• The FDA banned harmful substances like brominated vegetable oil and Red No. 3, while also updating lead limits in baby food. Still, some experts believe more regulations are necessary.

Why does this matter?

These food policies play an essential role in community health, climate stability, and economic fairness. Reducing corporate influence, ensuring pesticide safety, and improving food safety can lead to healthier communities and better climate outcomes. The success of these policies will depend on continued political support and effective enforcement.

Key Quote:

“Folks from across the country have pulled together towards our common goal of ending hunger, improving nutrition, and supporting the farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and food workers who grow and produce our food.”

— USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack