New Research Recommends Federal Interdepartmental Task Force on Food Policy

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) recently published a new paper that finds many federal agencies are deeply affecting what, and how, food is raised and consumed in the U.S.–not just the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Beyond the USDA: How other government agencies can support a healthier, more sustainable food system, by Maggie Gosselin, reports on federal agencies and their role in administering programs, grants and regulatory oversight that affect food. This agency-by-agency review covers food safety regulations, community economic and housing development, health education, food procurement, labor standards, trade negotiations and transportation infrastructure.

“There is a growing recognition that our food system isn’t working for farmers, public health and the environment,” said IATP President Jim Harkness in a press release. “Federal policy has always played a big role in influencing our food system. Reform efforts have appropriately zeroed in on the U.S. Farm Bill and USDA. But we shouldn’t overlook the important role other federal agencies have on the food system, whether it is to improve access to healthier food in underserved communities or procurement for school lunches. Getting all these agencies on the same page is critical.”

Currently, there is no integrated approach among federal departments and agencies to address food-related issues. There is the potential of one government agency undermining the work of another. The paper recommends that there be greater coordination among federal agencies and, as a start, that the USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) convene an interdepartmental task force on food policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems.

Right here on the local level, Seattle recently formed an Interdepartmental Food Policy Team to tackle similar coordination issues. This team, which met for the first time this month, will oversee implementation of the Local Food Action Initiative, as well as be responsible for making policy recommendations to council.

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