In light of recent developments surrounding the 2007 Farm Bill, the New York Times published an article on CARE’s decision to decline US government funding for food aid. Until recently, CARE relied on federal funding to sell goods in Africa grown by American agribusinesses which would then generate money for other anti-poverty programs run by CARE. Many NGO’s operate in this manner, including World Vision and the Alliance for Food Aid, who insist that the money provided by the US government is beneficial. CARE’s decision will result in a loss of $45 million dollars annually and will require the NGO to procure support from fundraising efforts.

Though the 2007 Farm Bill has yet to pass the Senate, the outlook is not good for poor farmers in developing countries. The bill will actually increase support for US farm subsidies, thereby undermining the capability of Africa to cultivate and sell its own crops. Furthermore, in the version passed by the House, there has been little change in the food aid policy. Now, food is brought from US farms to Africa and is sold or given to needy areas. This undercuts the African market – a market that could be perfectly equipped to sell its own food to those suffering from drought or conflict. Though President Bush and several other members of Congress were pushing for an increase in food aid bought from African farmers on the continent, this amendment did not pass. There is still hope for reform in the Senate, and AFJN urges you to let your Senators know how crucial it is that the US supports small farmers in Africa.