Biting the Hands that Feed Us: How Fewer, Smarter Laws Would Make Our Food System More Sustainable None ed. Edition

by Baylen J. Linnekin (Author), Emily Broad Leib (Foreword)

18 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-1610916752

ISBN-10: 1610916751

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Food waste, hunger, inhumane livestock conditions, disappearing fish stocks—these are exactly the kind of issues we expect food regulations to combat. Yet, today in the United States, laws exist at all levels of government that actually make these problems worse. Baylen Linnekin argues that, too often, government rules handcuff America’s most sustainable farmers, producers, sellers, and consumers, while rewarding those whose practices are anything but sustainable.

Biting the Hands that Feed Us introduces readers to the perverse consequences of many food rules. Some of these rules constrain the sale of “ugly” fruits and vegetables, relegating bushels of tasty but misshapen carrots and strawberries to food waste. Other rules have threatened to treat manure—the lifeblood of organic fertilization—as a toxin. Still other rules prevent sharing food with the homeless and others in need. There are even rules that prohibit people from growing fruits and vegetables in their own yards.

Linnekin also explores what makes for a good food law—often, he explains, these emphasize good outcomes rather than rigid processes. But he urges readers to be wary of efforts to regulate our way to a greener food system, calling instead for empowerment of those working to feed us—and themselves—sustainably.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Linnekin is fervent about flawed policy. His book cleverly and precisely decries how the federal government's rules and restrictions regarding food are a serious disservice to producers and consumers alike."

― Booklist

"A detailed, fascinating...account of the unforeseen counsequences of FDA rules and regulations."

― Men's Journal

"Makes a strong case that the biggest issues facing our nation's food supply are ones deserving bipartisan solutions—and that those solutions might actually entail fewer, better food laws instead of a spate of new ones."

― Huffington Post

"Applies a critical eye to the unintended consequences of many rules and regulations...Linnekin doesn't just rely on stats, he tells the personal stories of small-business owners who've been harmed by various rules."

― Politico

"Linnekin mixes his mastery of history and law with a great sense of humor and frustration at a regulatory and cultural system that is completely at odds with itself. This is the book to give to your farmer-market friends who love Whole Foods, mandatory GMO labeling, and dictating what is good not just for themselves but everyone in society."

― Reason

"Promoting a libertarian take on the regulation of organic food, this engaging book presents a fresh perspective on a popular topic...With example after example, Biting effectively makes the case that organic farmers should be allowed to do what they do best, with less regulation and oversight...Regardless of their political affiliation, many audiences will find this book fascinating."

― Foreword

"A seasoned food lawyer and law professor, [Linnekin] keeps an eagle eye out for the head-smacking inanities that creep into the regulatory language...Linnekin's book is must reading for anyone affected by food regulations."

― Acres U.S.A.

"Provocative...Linnekin leaves the reader with guiding principles of how we can transform food policy in a direction that promotes—not inhibits sustainability."

― Civil Eats

"Boldy and vociferously argues that many of the general food rulings lead to food wastage, exclusion of artisinal produce, and in some instances may affect public health...This volume provides helpful insight inot the many restrictive edicts that hamper the sustainability of the public and private food system."

― Choice

"Impressively well researched, written, organized, and presented, Biting the Hands that Feed Us is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. A critically important contribution to our on-going national conversations over food safety, animal management, contemporary hunger management, and related social issues."

― Midwest Book Review

"A provocative critique of current food policy from a libertarian perspective."

― Kirkus

Review

"If you ever wondered why local, sustainable, innovative food is either expensive or difficult to find, Linnekin lays out the reason brilliantly: a plethora of antagonistic government rules. A must-read for all who desire the ultimate personal liberty: the right to choose our food."

-- Joel Salatin, third generation farmer, Polyface Inc. and author of "Folks, This Ain't Normal"

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Island Press; None ed. edition (September 15, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1610916751
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1610916752
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,210,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #359 in Environmental & Natural Resources Law (Books)
- #1,214 in Environmental Policy
- #1,584 in Government

Customer Reviews:
18 ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

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Highly Recommended

Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2017

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Well-researched, well-written, and easy to follow even for a non-legal scholar like myself, it is a great read! Through historical context, informative and astute legal analysis, fascinating real accounts, and a witty presentation Linnekin writes about how food policies and regulations, however well-intentioned, can and do negatively impact our lives. It is not just about how we grow, access, share, or sell food, but also ultimately how we choose it for ourselves and our families.

The number of social and economic issues food touches upon makes this work important to anyone interested in not just food as a form of one's sustenance, but also as an expression of community. I highly recommend it.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Linnekin does a fantastic job synthesizing the complex web of laws and regulations ...

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2017

Verified Purchase

Linnekin does a fantastic job synthesizing the complex web of laws and regulations hindering a sustainable food system and presenting them in an accessible and enjoyable read. His consistent real-life examples and practical advice provide an easy-to-grasp understanding of why so many aspects of our food system don't succeed or seem ludicrously controlled or prohibited. By the end, I felt much more aware of some of the problems food organizations and businesses face and a little more empowered to address them. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in wanting to shape food policy or learn more about how our food system works.

3 people found this helpful

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David Small

Great primer on regulatory failures in our food chain

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book is chock full of sad (and sometimes happy) stories about how the regulatory apparatus (often at the behest big AG) stifles healthy and sustainable food sources.

2 people found this helpful

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Wayne C

I highly recommend this book to everyone

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018

Verified Purchase

This is a very well researched read. Will open your eyes to our food supply,
farm program money and why we subsidize farmers that have vacation homes and drive Cadillac's.
How this is hurting the small farmer.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.

One person found this helpful

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