We support the preservation of the family farm from an economic, an environmental, and a public health perspective. Vertical integration of farming (such as control of seeds and livestock) not only leads to more detrimental practices, but also undermines the rural economy. Alternative agriculture (integrated pest management and organic agriculture) can boost farm income and reduce toxic loading into the environment from pesticides. Alternative livestock production also envisions the avoidance of chemical, hormonal and antibiotic inputs. In addition, properly pricing farm products (parity pricing) would keep real farmers in business. Together these policies would provide us a healthy food supply, vastly improve environmental quality and farm income, reduce or eliminate farm subsidies, and set the stage for a strong rural economy. Below are the articles on this site related to family farms.