As Farm Bill amendments are sorted out, critics say it must do more to improve kids' nutrition

The number of amendments the Senate will consider on the Farm Bill "has been narrowed down, in principle, to about five amendments from Democrats and about 10 for the Republicans," reports Agri-Pulse. "A couple of additional amendments that are not considered germane to the bill may also be allowed." It remained unclear yesterday whether Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) would schedule debate for next week or later in December, Agri-Pulse reports. (Subscription site, but a free trial is available)

It also remains to be seen whether any of the Senate amendments will deal with complaints that some farm subsidies encourage unhealthy school lunches and overweight kids. Nicole Gaouette of the Los Angeles Times reports, "The $288-billion Senate bill would spend more on fruits and vegetables, but children's health advocates say that it still tilts much more toward subsidizing farmers than promoting healthful food. They say they are concerned about rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-driven diseases. Organizations such as the President's Cancer Panel have directly linked agricultural policy and cancer."

Critics say the Farm Bill's support of crops such as corn and soybeans leads to more processed food in school cafeterias, which they say only adds to the nation's obesity problem. About 16 percent of children are obese, and that percentage is expected to jump to 24 by 2015. The Senate bill would expand a fruit-and-vegetable program for school lunches. (Read more) Meanwhile, Agri-Pulse reports on a school-foods report card from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, saying two-thirds of the states "have no or weak nutrition standards to limit junk-food and soda sales." Kentucky and Oregon had the best such policies. (Read more)