CCUSA, others send letter on moral, human dimensions of FY21 agriculture appropriations
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Rural Life, we wish to address the moral and human dimensions of the FY 2021 Agriculture Appropriations legislation. As our nation faces an unprecedented health and economic crisis, it remains vital to safeguard the well-being of our families and communities. Due to the health and economic consequences of the global pandemic, we have seen an increase in need in our parishes and our charities, pointing to the importance of sustained support for effective nutrition and development programs. The nation’s priorities should include robust funding for both domestic and international food aid, support for family farms, and conservation and rural development programs, in a manner that complements community efforts and supports the family unit. Many of these program areas have already been subject to reductions over time. Additional cuts would further jeopardize vulnerable people and communities.