The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has
started a petition drive urging United States President Barack Obama
to issue an executive order establishing a national food policy.
The UCS is more a collection of activists
critical of modern agriculture and food-company practices than an organization
of scientists.
“The food system and the diet it’s created have
caused incalculable damage to the health of our people and our land, water and
air,” Ricardo Salvador, director of UCS’ food and environment program, wrote in
an opinion piece published in the Washington Post to solicit support for the
petition.
The article is co-written by New York Times
food writer Mark Bittman; Michael Pollan, author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”;
and human rights law professor Olivier De Schutter.
A national food policy, they write, should
invest resources to guarantee that:
* All Americans have access to healthful food.
* Farm policies are designed to support public
health and environmental objectives.
* The food supply is free of toxic bacteria,
chemicals and drugs.
* Food production and marketing are done
transparently.
* The food industry pays a fair wage to
employees.
* Food marketing to children promotes the habit
of eating real food.
* Animals are treated with compassion and
attention to their well-being.
* The food system’s carbon footprint is reduced
and the amount of carbon sequestered on farmland is increased.
* The food system is resilient to the effects
of climate change.
The UCS, in its online appeal, asks Americans
to sign a petition that states: “It’s time for a major shift: We need a
comprehensive policy solution that will nourish consumers, expand opportunities
for farmers, and protect workers, natural resources, and the environment from
exploitation.”
There have been Canadian calls for a
comprehensive food policy, but so far no leadership from the federal or any
provincial government.
