On March 12, the James Beard Foundation (JBF) and the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Chefs for Healthy Soil hosted a policy salon with chefs and farmers focused on regenerative agriculture, the next farm bill, and the COVER Act. The discussion was led by Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-6), Representative Sean Casten (IL-1), JBF vice president of Programs Dr. Anne E. McBride, and NRDC senior attorney Matthew Kaplan.
This event was the first activity of JBF’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign. Chefs from New York City and the Washington, D.C. area spoke about the direct impact that the current farming system has on their businesses, and the type of programs they need in place for an efficient and sustainable supply chain to independent restaurants.
During the event, both Pingree and Casten emphasized the importance of tailoring policies that will address the current issues felt by both farmers and chefs. “I’ve supported three farm bills in my time in Congress, but this one is by far the largest opportunity we have to make a real difference in the future of our climate and our agricultural practices,” said Pingree.
To learn more about the Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, visit the campaign’s page. To get involved immediately, fill out this form.
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Emily Solomon is coordinator, advocacy & sustainability at the James Beard Foundation.
