OPINION: COVID-19 Stimulus Must Help Farmers Rebuild Our Broken Food System—Not Prop Up Big Ag

Photography by Ysbrand Cosijn on Shutterstock. Article by Mike Weaver.

The current crisis has brought the injustices of modern agribusiness to light.

There are no more lingering doubts—COVID-19 is a force to be reckoned with. In its might, it reveals enormous weaknesses in our food system. Whole supply chains are breaking down as slaughter plants slow or halt production due to outbreaks among workers. Dairy farmers are dumping thousands of gallons of milk down the drain. Animals are being emergency killed en masse on the farm. And farmers are struggling more than ever.

Our food system is failing consumers, workers, and farmers. The truth is that it has been for quite some time. I should know—for over 16 years I raised chickens for Pilgrim’s Pride, the nation’s second-largest chicken company. Now, fellow farmers and I work to expose the exploitative nature of modern agribusiness: The toll it takes on our families, our communities, our environment, and our lives. The COVID-19 crisis has only brought these injustices to light. […]

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