Happy Thanksgiving! As we sit down to eat this annual feast, things will look a little different in many homes across the country. We have faced down some tremendous health challenges to the entire globe, and many of us are not getting together or getting together virtually. However, it looks for you and your family, remember that we still have much to be thankful for.
However, there is a bit of a dark cloud on an otherwise joyous occasion, and that is for the American farmer. As we sit down to our Thanksgiving meals, we should take a moment and realize that while farmers put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into their livelihoods of feeding the world, they don?t seem to be getting much back in terms of value on the Thanksgiving dollar. In fact, the average producer sees about 11.9 cents of each dollar spent on this holiday tradition, according to the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Also, there are many people who are out of work or facing reduced hours because of the economic strain of the pandemic. The NFU believes could and should be done to help assure those who are having to make difficult decisions don?t have to worry about food.
NFU President Rob Larew talks about the changed feelings we will see at this year?s Thanksgiving table. He reminds us that many are struggling to get by because of COVID effects and the rate of unemployment.
Larew says that there is a long way to go with economic recovery. However, we can still provide for those who are facing uncertain times, by investing more into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That program was a highly contested piece of the past few Farm Bills.
When it comes to the small amount that farmers make on their hard work, Larew cites the fact that there is so little competition in the processing of food products, particularly meat products. Larew says that antitrust laws need to be enforced or stiffened to ensure a more vibrant marketplace. We have said in the past when President Theodore Roosevelt decided to take on the meatpacking industry. He was appalled that 60% of the production was controlled by only six companies. Over a hundred years later, four companies control about 85% of the meat processing market. Larew says this needs to change.
These issues are not just facing us on the fourth Thursday of November. It is happening all year round. As you gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, be thankful for not only what you have, but for those who are willing to work hard to put food on your table. Think of those who are less fortunate than yourself and find ways to help them all year round. We are all in this together.
Enjoy the holiday with your loved ones and please be safe.
