While the federal farm bill remains stalled in Congress, various states across the country have managed to pass their own farm legislation. In North Carolina, a recently passed farm bill not only manages state farm subsidies, but also protects farmers from liability related to food safety and the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Over the past several years, American consumers have become increasingly concerned about food safety and food quality. The recent controversy over pink slime, a low-cost beef additive found in many supermarkets nationwide; recent scandals over the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as last year’s listeria outbreak in Colorado; and the recent concerns with local production and consumption have all highlighted the ongoing worries that many consumers have regarding the food they eat.
In North Carolina, recent farm bill exacerbated consumer fears by exempting some growers from liability in foodborne illness deaths. In addition, the state’s farm bill eases some environmental and safety regulations, leading some consumers to worry that the state bill may make their food less safe.
Farmers and legislators, however, argue that the bill is necessary to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer