Food Safety Modernization Act

PLEASE GET ACQUAINTED WITH HR 875 (THE FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2009), which is currently under consideration by Congress. The proposed bill is in response to the many recent episodes of contaminated food problems (i.e. salmonella and peanuts). Like many laws, it is well intended, but will have disastrous outcomes:
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HEIRLOOM TOMATOES? DO YOU APPRECIATE SHARING HOMEGROWN VEGETABLES WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS? Do you support local farmers..... local farmer's markets..... organic farming practices? ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN.....THIS BILL HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CRIMINALIZE SHARING OR DISTRIBUTING FOOD OR SEEDS THAT ARE NOTSANCTIONED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. The bill has the potential to lead to such strict control of the food supply, that only the BIG GROWERS will have the facilities and finances to conform to the new regulations. The act can force farmers to use chemicals and genetically modified seeds (purchased from the major agricultural companies) in order to make the food "safe". The penalties for not using the "safe" seeds and plants are so severe (up to $500,000) that it would put local, back yard and organic farmers out of business. Seed banks and heirloom plants could be forbidden because they could be viewed as a potential source of contamination.
HERE IS A LINK TO THE TEXT AND STATUS OF THE BILL. IT IS PENDING A VOTE BY THE HOUSE AND SENATE:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875
THE LEGISLATION IS ON A 'FAST TRACK' FOR APPROVAL: http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/%2003/10/could-the-food-safety-modernization-act-of-2009-be-the-end-to-farmers-markets-and-organic-farms/
Please contact your congressman and speak out against HR 875 in it's current form.