But just because they shot it down, that does not mean that we are throwing in the towel. Some of the farmers that made the trip to Richmond have been asked to be part of a work group to try and make the bill better. I am optimistic that good will come out of this work group and the legislation and move forward to free farmers and consumers alike.
In the mean time we are also working to have the political parties in each county to put pressure on our delegates to pass the legislation. Last week I was able to attend the Republican party meeting in my county. They passed a resolution to support the Food Freedom Act and to also inform our representatives that they support the legislation. That may seem small but can you imagine what Richmond would think if every political unit, in each county across the state, did likewise?
Food Freedom is not just a Republican or Democrat, left or right, conservative or liberal issue. Food freedom is an issue that effects everyone. We all have to eat and no one wants to be told what they can or cannot eat. Just ask what a New Yorker thinks of Mayor Bloomberg's limits on salt and soda. People will only take so much of someone telling them what they can and cannot do. Especially when it come to food and drink.
If you are interested in trying to get the parties in your county to take up the cause of food freedom please let me know. You can contact me through the contact form at this link. I would gladly pass the information along to you and give you instructions on how to present it to your local parties. There is also a petition you can sign to show your support for this legislation by going here.
Read my response to objections to the Food Freedom Act - Four Reasons Why Critics Are Wrong About Small Farm Food Safety