One of my favorite things to do is to load up the family and go to the Farmer's Market. I love the idea of buying local, buying fresh and coming together as a community to support our farmers. Usually, my biggest concern when I pull into the parking lot, besides finding a space, is trying to keep up with my son as he rushes to the stand where the kind Amish lady always gives him a "chakit" muffin.

Unfortunately, from now on when I pack up the kids to venture off to our local market in the town's library parking lot, I am going to have one thing on my mind — what kind of chemicals were used on the tomatoes that my husband is going to use to make spaghetti sauce [note: I don't cook].

The U.S. House of Representatives took steps last week that could mean more unsafe chemicals on my tomatoes — and other foods. At the last minute of a Congressional meeting, language was added to the infamously pork-filled Farm Bill that could alter an existing program that helps communities pick the best, safest pesticides. The new language could mean that the agency won't be able to advise against the worst pesticides — even the really bad ones. This could be an especially big problem for communities who are trying to improve their watersheds or protect wildlife. In the end if we don't succeed, not only will my family and yours be eating food with worse chemicals but farmers will be the biggest losers in this deal.

Farmers are some of our country's original environmentalists. If their land is not healthy, their crop does not grow to its potential. This language could keep those farmers with the best of intentions from getting the best advice on how to keep their land, water and air safe (not to mention their families that often live on the farm).

In what world is this a good idea?

So now, my August recess — yes, Congress gets recess just like school kids; emblematic, don't you think? — is going to be spent going up to Capitol Hill to try to get this language kicked out of this important bill before it is too late. Hopefully, NRDC will succeed. After all, who wants to be scared of spaghetti sauce?

Have a great day!
– Heather