Food Chain - Issue 203 - December 2024 | Page 18

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MAINTAINING ( FOOD ) LAW AND ORDER

Inside the important role food science must play in upcoming food and agriculture legislation
By Anna Rosales , Senior Director of Government Affairs and Nutrition , Institute of Food Technologists

With a new administration comes a new era of uncertainty around the future of food and the legislation that will shape it for years to come . Food and nutrition security , food safety , and sustainable food systems will be on the docket as key legislation like the Farm Bill and the Food Traceability Rule are poised to make a big impact on the food and agricultural communities in the coming years . Now , more than ever , it is critical that parties – regardless of political affiliation – recognize the critical need for more science to inform regulations in policies and legislation . Top legislative priorities for the food science community are increasing agrifood research funding , elevating science-based policies – from dietary guidelines to supplemental nutrition programs – while ensuring sound science is foundational in legislative decision-making .

Farm Bill
The Farm Bill offers a major path for funding agriculture , food and nutrition research . One area of opportunity would
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