U.S. bishops to consider statement on agriculture

Published: 2003-10-27

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops will consider making their first collective statement on agriculture in 14 years when they review a new document called "For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food" during their fall general meeting Nov. 10-13. Subtitled "Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers and Farmworkers," the proposed document outlines principles on agriculture policy and domestic and international trade issues. The action program it suggests includes targeting crop subsidies to small and moderate-size farms, keeping a watchful eye over the use of genetically modified crops, and increasing the pay of farmworkers, most of whom are immigrants. The title of the proposed document comes from chapter 25, verse 35 of Matthew. It is the first of the corporal works of mercy Jesus describes to the Apostles, telling them that "whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." The draft document observes that the "increasing concentration and growing globalization" of agriculture are having the effect of "pushing some ahead and leaving others behind."

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