The USDA also posts information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program online. An April 2012 USDA report says one in seven Americans relies on food stamps; see Page 4 of the report for some historical perspective.

Find data about farming, including specifics for your area, on the Census of Agriculture website, which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The National Farmers Union works to shape agricultural policy and educate rural leaders, farmers, and ranchers. Its website includes a link to state groups.

The American Soybean Association works to develop and implement agricultural policy. Its website lists state association presidents and state associate affiliate offices.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is the “national voice of agriculture.” It advocates for agricultural communities, farmers, and ranchers. Its website provides links to state farm bureaus.

Michael Pollan is Knight Professor of Journalism at University of California, Berkeley, where he directs the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism. His books include The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. Read an Oct. 9, 2008, column on farm policy that he wrote for The New York Times.

Jennifer Maiser edits the group blog EatLocalChallenge.com.

The Rev. L. Shannon Jung is professor of town and country ministries at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He has written about rural ministry. His books include  Hunger & Happiness: Feeding the Hungry, Nourishing Our Souls and Food for Life: The Spirituality and Ethics of Eating.

Dan Imhoff is an author, publisher and farmer in California whose writings on farm and environmental issues include the book Food Fight: A Citizen’s Guide to the Farm Bill, updated to reflect issues in this year’s bill. He is co-founder, director, and publisher of Watershed Media. Read an essay he wrote about the 2012 bill for the Oct. 3, […]