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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Seeds of a Much Smarter Farm Policy Dying in Gridlock

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Thursday, October 17, 2013   

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tiny federal programs for farmers' markets could grow big results for New Mexico farmers, communities, seniors and low-income families – if Congress would pass a farm bill.

Jeffrey O'Hara, an economist with the Union of Concerned Scientists who’s studied farmers' markets, says they give a surprisingly big boost to rural economies, and to people's health.

He says studies have found people who go to them eat more fruits and vegetables for many reasons.

"Consumers are able to talk to farmers,” he explains. “Food at farmers' markets can taste a little bit better, the food might be a little bit fresher."

O'Hara says small incentives have boosted farmers' market produce for seniors and low-income mothers and children. But he says those programs have expired, even though they cost less than a $100 million – pocket change in the farm bill, which he says has a lot of waste.

"Those are rounding errors, especially when you see farm subsidies sent to people living in New York City high rises," he says.

Gridlock in Congress has killed several attempts at a farm bill this year.

O'Hara says along with improving people's diets, farmers' markets have been proven to boost income for farmers and the rural communities that depend on them.

He says they cut out the middlemen and that helps farmers keep more profit, and money stays in the area.

"Farmers are going to be paying taxes locally,” he adds. “They might be advertising locally. They might be more likely to buy inputs locally, from local suppliers. And they might be more likely to hire labor locally."

Republicans in the House have objected to continuing SNAP – formerly food stamps – under the farm bill. They say the government should not pay for nutrition assistance for low-income families.

But O'Hara says markets can have a big impact with tiny investments on overall health.

"Maybe at the order of $50,000,” he explains. “Do advertising and promotion to make sure people are aware of the market. Maybe they need money to have an electronic benefits transfer machine so that SNAP and WIC benefits can redeemed at the farmers' market."





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