The Farm Bill Law Enterprise shapes legislation to better reflect the long-term needs of our society.
Every five or so years, Congress passes omnibus legislation known as the “farm bill,” which authorizes a broad array of programs and services that shape virtually every aspect of the American food and agricultural systems. The farm bill grew out of Depression-era agricultural policies, and though it is regularly updated, many contend that contemporary farm bills fail: 1) to provide adequate affordable and healthy food; 2) to sufficiently protect our environment; and 3) to meet the needs of low-income and minority communities.
Substantively engaging with the farm bill—and identifying viable steps toward reform—is difficult because the legislation is long, complex, and highly specialized. For this reason, the Farm Bill Law Enterprise (FBLE) brings together various academic and clinical programs with expertise in food, agriculture, nutrition, and the environment to work toward a farm bill that reflects a thoughtful consideration of the long-term needs of our society.
We accomplish this mission through joint research, analysis, and advocacy, and by drawing on the experience of our members, collaboratively building deeper knowledge, and equipping the next generation of legal practitioners to engage with the farm bill. In addition, FBLE provides law students throughout the country with research opportunities through the Food Law Student Network.
PARTNERS:
Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic
Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
Harvard Law School Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic
Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School
Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Food Law Initiative
UCLA School of Law, Resnick Program for Food Law and Policy
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Yale Environmental Protection Clinic
