For Immediate Release:
December 8, 2008

Contact:
Bruce Friedrich 757-622-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- Citing recent reports that indicate the need for serious reform of government food policy, PETA is calling on the leaders of President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team to create a National Food Policy Council that would function in a capacity similar to the National Economic Council, but focus on food.

PETA points out that a 2008 Pew Commission study reports that an "agro-industrial complex"—an alliance of agribusiness, industry-backed scientists, lobbyists and legislators—results in the industry essentially governing itself, which in turn results in unsafe food, obese children, environmental pollution and degradation, antibiotic resistance, cruelty to animals, and more. A 2008 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists reaches similar conclusions and expresses concern about tens of billions of dollars in annual subsidies that prop up factory farms and artificially sustain cruel and polluting farming methods.

PETA also points out problems associated with the National School Lunch Program and the Women, Infants and Children program being under the umbrella of the USDA, which is in the business of promoting animal agriculture. The result is surplus animal products being "dumped" on these programs, while healthy fruits and vegetables are given a low priority. PETA calls for these programs to be reassigned to the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, respectively.

Obama was the only candidate to talk consistently about the importance of food policy, repeatedly noting that U.S. policy on food has consequences for our environment, national health, and global poverty.

"The President-elect has shown a knowledge of food issues that is yet another first," says PETA Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Bruce Friedrich. "Under Obama’s leadership, the formation of a National Food Policy Council could reduce waste, protect human health and the environment, reduce animal suffering and global poverty, and save money."

PETA's letter to the President-elect’s transition team is available upon request. PETA’s proposal is also discussed on HuffingtonPost.com today, available here.