Oral

The farmer and author Wendell Berry once said, “…how we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used.” Our food choices have significant impact on the environment and human health. Such choices both drive, and are driven by, US agriculture policy which informs the types of food produced and food production methods. Our food should be produced in ways that protect the ecosystem and promote human health, yet too often production methods result in environmental damage and negative health impacts. This session describes key policy changes needed to improve health and justice in the food system, and discusses how the public health community can get involved. The first presentation will feature an introduction to the Farm Bill and its implications for environmental public health. The second presentation will expand on this “Farm Bill 101” discussion to include a more in-depth understanding of current commodity policies, including who benefits and who does not. Once the health links are drawn, the third presenter from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) will discuss synergies between sustainable agriculture’s priorities for the Farm Bill and the intersection with public health priorities. The session will conclude with a dynamic look at how public health practitioners can engage in and influence agriculture policy to promote a just and healthy food system.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the impacts of specific farm bill titles on environmental public health 2. Explain the impact of farm commodity policies on at least 3 areas of public health 3. Compare public health and sustainable agriculture priorities for the Farm Bill 4. List at least three actions a public health professional can take to influence farm policy toward protecting public health

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)