"Trump’s Budget Would Set Food System Progress Back Generations"

"A 'mean-spirited' budget proposal would cut key programs supporting farmworkers, ag communities, fresh-food access for low-income Americans, and pesticide safety."

"While the new White House 'budget blueprint' is low on details, it’s clear that some of the biggest cuts could have a direct impact on the food we eat and the people who produce it.

While almost every federal agency outside defense is targeted for large cuts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Labor (DOL)—the agencies that call many of the shots behind our food system—would be the hardest hit.

'Regardless of who you voted for, no one voted for dirtier water, dirtier air, or less-safe food, and that’s exactly what we’ll be getting with the president’s budget,' said Colin O’Neil, Environmental Working Group’s director of agriculture policy.

If enacted, these cuts 'will have tremendous impacts on farm communities, children in rural communities and farm workers,' said Pesticide Action Network program and policy director Kristen Schafer."

Elizabeth Grossman reports for Civil Eats March 23, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"Farm Conservation Funding on the Chopping Block" (Civil Eats)

"Even with Food Safety in the Balance, Perdue Complained About Regulation" (Civil Eats)