HR 875

I generally don't like to discuss politics, but I do believe it is important that we the People do what we can to keep government honest and working in our best interest. So, I am copying (with permission) the following letter written by Cheryl Woodard which calls attention to an important piece of legislation coming up in the House and Senate. As DeAnne said when she forwarded the original message "Backyard gardeners unite!":

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Cheryl Anne Woodard" <>
Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 8:34:53 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain
Subject: Urgent, Your help is needed re House Resolution 875, Companion Bill Senate Bill 425

Dear Friends,

I am a legislative reviewer for various health food and organic farming organizations. I have stumbled across House Resolution 875 which is by far one of the most stunning grabs for power yet advance by the FDA. The bill is 52 pages, and it has taken me a while to understand the ramifications of this legislation. In short, it grants the FDA the power to control all food production including organic farming. The manufacturers of genetically modified food and chemical fertilizers want to take over the entire food industry, and they have the money and power to control the FDA.

This legislation is so broad that it can even bring your backyard garden under the power of the FDA, requiring you to register as a 'food production facility' and granting the FDA injunctive powers. There is no limit in size in the definition of 'food production facility.' Nor does it matter whether the food is produced for sale or private use. Please see Section 3 (14) of definitions. Section 206 outlines the power of the FDA re Food Production Facilities, and Section 402 outlines Food Detention, Seizure and Condemnation, Section 404 lists the injunctive powers.

At first I thought it laughable to be concerned, and then I reviewed the litigation history of the FDA as written by Jonathan Emord, Esq., in his new book entitled "The Rise of Tyranny." By coincidence I met with Attorney Emord this week-end and reviewed with him his litigation experience with the FDA. It is appalling to learn that the FDA simply ignores court orders when the courts rule against them.

The problem is that there is no check on the FDA. Yes, there is an appeal process, but they disregard court orders. This coupled with the fact that the FDA is inextricably locked in with the large chemical and drug companies means that vested interests now control the FDA.

Please read this bill and write your congressional representative. Demand that HR 875 be defeated. At first I had hoped to see it redrafted, but after a more thorough review, I see that until the FDA is made to respect and honor the rule of law, it is dangerous to expand its power further. It is reported this bill will be up for a vote in a few days in both houses without time for debate. Now is the time to speak up.

Now that I am working in this arena, I will be sending out posts periodically. If you want to be removed from this list, please let me know. If you have an interest in helping, please send this along to people you feel might be interested, and let me know if you want to do more.

To get a copy of the bill, follow this link:
Text of H.R. 875: Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009.
There is a companion bill in the Senate which is just as sweeping SB 425.

There are a series of grass roots videos on the subject.
Criminalizing Organic Farms
Follow up HR875 S425 Criminalize Organic Farming
and more. Not cinematic genius, but heartfelt.

The best thing to do is to Write Your Representative. All you have to do is click the link, put in your zip and it will give you your congressperson and how to get in touch with them. Please send and email and call.

When you call their office someone will answer the phone, just tell them that you are calling to express your views on HR 875, and SB 425.

Tell them your views, they'll take your name and address and pass your comments along to the congressperson. The following link Senators of the 111th Congress is a list of the U.S. senators and their contact info.

When the people lead, governments follow.

Regards,
Cheryl Anne Woodard, CFLS*
Woodard Law and Mediation