We know that the Big Ag /Big Chem $$$$$ will be working hard against Chris. There is likely to be an uptick of green-washed PR on TV and elsewhere, including some about Chris posing a “threat” to Mr. Wholesome - Family Farmer. Win or lose, I admire Chris’s leadership and courage in trying to end the long run on this crazy treadmill!!
Absolutely will support Chris Jones for Iowa Sec'y of Ag. I think his candidacy also will push Rob Sand along on the water-quality path - a path Sand's been rather reluctant to tread. But establishment Dems' longtime spinelessness to stand up to Big Ag badly needs to be replaced with real spine. Only then will we be able to seriously address the many very real problems Iowa has had, for so long, that have been exacerbated by Iowa politicians' constant kowtowing to corporate agriculture interests.
It is time for a truth teller to step forward. That is the very definition of how Chris Jones operates. Sometimes the truth is hard to listen to, but Iowa needs truth tellers now more than ever. Thanks again, Laura. Your reporting is among the best.
Being targeted for defeat can aid Chris. From 1984 thru the late 80's, I was fortunate to have worked with Paul Johnson, David Osterberg and others to produce some award winning laws, including the 1987 Groundwater protection Act. Because it assessed fees on AG chemicals, we were targeted for defeat by the large Ag organizations/PAC's. I wore it as a badge of honor. Perhaps Chris could use it to his advantage if or when the Farm Bureau and Ag chemical companies start picking on Chris.
Saving the best soil on the planet is not a partisan issue. It’s a world safety emergency. We need to frame this crisis as we do the same with healthcare, homelessness and food security. This is human survival matter and nothing matters more. NOTHING. No amount of paid politicians and Farm Bureau claims otherwise changes the reality of poisoning ourselves and every other species. The increased dumping of carcinogenic substances in untenable amounts is a relatively new phenomenon. We can and must confront the radical agrochemical profiteers who threaten our very existence.
Chris Jones for Agriculture Secretary. Chris Jones for Governor. Chris Jones for EPA and Commerce secretary. The lives he’s trying to save are our own. And the planet, too.
Brilliant coverage Laura, and Chris raises excellent points. Farming is important in our state, but ag policy affects us all--resulting in higher cancer rates, higher water bills, dirtier water, less park funding, etc. Even if Chris fights a losing battle, he'll bring issues to the forefront that many urban Iowans have yet to consider.
Thank you Laura for this column. Thank you Chris for promoting healthy ag changes. Your experience and scientific knowledge are key considerations for your candicacy. There are radical farmers who are open to change; e.g. Iowa farmers near Lisbon growing oats and forming an oat coop.
I love the comment about how Mike Naig came to the position as a Monsanto lobbyist. And the fact that the Secretary of Agriculture works for and is elected by all the citizens, not just farmers.
We know that the Big Ag /Big Chem $$$$$ will be working hard against Chris. There is likely to be an uptick of green-washed PR on TV and elsewhere, including some about Chris posing a “threat” to Mr. Wholesome - Family Farmer. Win or lose, I admire Chris’s leadership and courage in trying to end the long run on this crazy treadmill!!
Absolutely will support Chris Jones for Iowa Sec'y of Ag. I think his candidacy also will push Rob Sand along on the water-quality path - a path Sand's been rather reluctant to tread. But establishment Dems' longtime spinelessness to stand up to Big Ag badly needs to be replaced with real spine. Only then will we be able to seriously address the many very real problems Iowa has had, for so long, that have been exacerbated by Iowa politicians' constant kowtowing to corporate agriculture interests.
Go , Chris, Go! And thanks, Laura, for the great reporting.
Please run for ag secretary, Mr. Jones. I like your bluntness about the issues of corporate ag and absentee landowners.
It is time for a truth teller to step forward. That is the very definition of how Chris Jones operates. Sometimes the truth is hard to listen to, but Iowa needs truth tellers now more than ever. Thanks again, Laura. Your reporting is among the best.
Chris Jones considering running for
secy of Ag is great news. His election would mark the first time iowans got serious about cancer rates and helping farmers protect our farm land.
I hope he runs. Finally someone that will deal with our water quality.
Being targeted for defeat can aid Chris. From 1984 thru the late 80's, I was fortunate to have worked with Paul Johnson, David Osterberg and others to produce some award winning laws, including the 1987 Groundwater protection Act. Because it assessed fees on AG chemicals, we were targeted for defeat by the large Ag organizations/PAC's. I wore it as a badge of honor. Perhaps Chris could use it to his advantage if or when the Farm Bureau and Ag chemical companies start picking on Chris.
Saving the best soil on the planet is not a partisan issue. It’s a world safety emergency. We need to frame this crisis as we do the same with healthcare, homelessness and food security. This is human survival matter and nothing matters more. NOTHING. No amount of paid politicians and Farm Bureau claims otherwise changes the reality of poisoning ourselves and every other species. The increased dumping of carcinogenic substances in untenable amounts is a relatively new phenomenon. We can and must confront the radical agrochemical profiteers who threaten our very existence.
Chris Jones for Agriculture Secretary. Chris Jones for Governor. Chris Jones for EPA and Commerce secretary. The lives he’s trying to save are our own. And the planet, too.
Yes! Please run..we need your heart, mid and expertise...put a stop to corporate farms!! Thank you!!
Excellent piece!
Brilliant coverage Laura, and Chris raises excellent points. Farming is important in our state, but ag policy affects us all--resulting in higher cancer rates, higher water bills, dirtier water, less park funding, etc. Even if Chris fights a losing battle, he'll bring issues to the forefront that many urban Iowans have yet to consider.
Run, Chris, run! The campaign alone would be a useful bully pulpit.
Thank you Laura for this column. Thank you Chris for promoting healthy ag changes. Your experience and scientific knowledge are key considerations for your candicacy. There are radical farmers who are open to change; e.g. Iowa farmers near Lisbon growing oats and forming an oat coop.
Chris is my hero.
I grew up on a corn-soybean farm and I profited from that. But he has opened my eyes about doing things differently,. I hope he runs for office.
Third party proposals affect public perception, and can eventually become part of major party platforms.
I love the comment about how Mike Naig came to the position as a Monsanto lobbyist. And the fact that the Secretary of Agriculture works for and is elected by all the citizens, not just farmers.