WaPo Writer Writes Sunny Farmers Markets Story; Ignores Congressional Threat

NewsBusters ^ | March 19, 2009 | P.J. Gladnick

[PJ-Comix]

Your humble correspondent loves farmers markets. What's not to like? Great food at low prices. Plus it is a great way to sample the local produce at roadside stands while travelling around the country. Sadly farmers markets may soon become a thing of the past if a congressional bill, H.R. 875, is passed. According to Shepard on Politics and Policy, this bill, if enacted into law, "would essentially outlaw family farms in the United States." Unlike what is now congressional practice, Shepard actually reviewed H.R. 875 and here is his analysis of what he found:

Under a heading described as protecting the public health and ensuring the safety of food it creates a "Food Safety Administration" within Health and Human Services. Oddly, it doesn't just add regulations to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which is also under HHS. And don't we have the USDA as well? The bill applies to all manner of "Food Establishments" and "Food Production Facilities."

The bill would appear to even cover some fishing boats and potentially your downtown hot dog street vendors. "Transportion" of food also could be covered. In fact, the bill probably would also apply to your family garden since no exemption is apparent.

[PJ-Comix]

The average farmers market vendor is NOT going to spend a whole bunch of time filling out federal paperwork especially if it also means risking a steep fine for selling produce. If H.R. 875 passes, it means bye-bye to your local farmers markets.

[PJ-Comix]

PING!

[Free America52]

I first saw this story a few days ago. Why in the world is this not getting more news coverage?

[driftdiver]

“If H.R. 875 passes, it means bye-bye to your local farmers markets.”

And that is why they want to pass it. If you control food and energy you control everything.

[IrishCatholic]

bookmark for reading later in the camps.

[TYVets]

Farmers shouldn't sell all their equipment and land if this passes.

In 2 or 3 years they can name their price for food they have to sell.

Starving people will pay any price for food.

[pacific_waters]

If it passes I will be moving to Ecuador. Even though it has a socialist president there is much less intrusion into your private and economic life.

[mplsconservative]

I love farmers’ markets and am a big time gardener, so this bill is an outrage to me.

I just wonder how the liberal greenie ‘locavores’ will react when (if) they find out about this bill? I can’t imagine them taking kindly to this either.

[coydog]

This is why we should all get acquainted with the “guerilla gardening” concept.

A few potato plants here, some squash plants there, some beans over there. All scattered out.

Also, learn your local edible plants and forage.

[Jenny217]

Because they want you upset about bonuses so you don’t notice the other stuff they’re going to do to us. Their version of “made you look’.

[GrouchoTex]

Interesting that this comes at a time when I’ve had trouble finding vegetables to plant from my local hardware store and seed supplies become scarce.

These (d) congress fools will stop at nothing. All so her husband’s business can sell more fertilizer to Monsanto?

The bill DEFINITLY falls under the category of EARMARK and WORSE!

HEY D.C., are you listening?

[MinuteGal]

Remember the good old days when all we had to worry about was the IRS agents raiding kiddies' 10-cent lemonade stands?

Church and organization bake sales are a thing of the past almost everywhere now because of some kind of government regulations regarding preparation and selling of foodstuffs.

Money aside, kiss the sweet things in life goodbye thanks to the fascist fiends in government

Leni