National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Begins Strategizing for the 2012 Farm Bill
Thus, when over 70 sustainable agriculture advocates gathered in Amherst, MA on August 11-13 for the semiannual NSAC meeting, we spent considerable time discussing the opportunities and challenges of the next Farm Bill, refining our list of priorities, and beginning to develop our advocacy approach in the coming Farm Bill cycle. This work will continue at next January's meeting in Washington, DC, which will include a Farm Bill Summit and opportunities for representatives of member organizations to talk with staff of key Senators and Representatives about sustainable family farm needs and priorities.
The federal budget deficit creates a challenging environment, with threats of sharply reduced funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and other conservation programs. At the same time, the current Administration's focus on nutrition, ending hunger, local sustainable food systems, and reducing childhood obesity creates a new opportunity to build bridges between sustainable agriculture and public health advocates in the coming Farm Bill campaign. Its support for organic, symbolized by the First Lady's organic food garden on the White House Lawn, is another opportunity for us.
This year, NSAC launched a Farm and Agriculture Resources for the Media (FARM) Project, through which farmers can gain wide media exposure. This program was written up in the Second Quarter 2010 issue of Virginia Biological Farmer (see additional information below). At this time, success stories from organic and sustainable farmers using the CSP, EQIP Organic Initiative, and other NRCS programs can be especially valuable in our efforts to maintain adequate funding for these programs in coming years. If you have had a successful experience with a NRCS Conservation Program that you would like to publicize through the FARM Project, especially the Conservation Stewardship Program or the EQIP Organic Initiative, please call FARM project directors contact Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko at 608-329-7056, or contact Mark Schonbeck at 540-745-4130 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Our meetings also dealt with more immediate matters, including some breaking news that reached our ears while in Amherst. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released a "Manager's Amendment" to the Senate's version of the Food Safety Modernization Act, S 510. NSAC Policy Director Ferd Hoefner and the NSAC Food Safety Task Force has worked diligently with key Senate staff to ensure that the final food safety bill that Congress passes (likely this fall) is as organic-compatible and family farm friendly as possible. Based on a review of the current version of S 510 (posted on home page of this web site), we are relieved to see that most of the desired provisions are now part of the Senate bill. Our next task is to make sure they are maintained or strengthened in the Conference in which Senate and House bills (HR 2749) are combined into a final bill. We will also need to remain actively engaged in advocacy for the family farm during the rulemaking process that will ensue once a final food safety bill becomes law.
Earlier this summer, the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) issued a Proposed Rule that would help maintain open and fair markets for independent livestock producers, and protect the rights of producers that enter into contracts with agribusiness. The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) has worked for many years for just this kind of reform to protect both independent and contract livestock and poultry producers, and recently 21 Senators signed a letter to Secretary Vilsack expressing support for implementation of the Proposed Rule. However, agribusiness interests are mounting a campaign to undermine the rule through adverse comments during an extended Public Comment Period (through November 22), and NSAC member groups are gearing up to advocate for the new GIPSA Proposed Rule. See below for more on how to weigh in on this vital issue.
Some of us at the Amherst meeting worked together to draft letters in response to two other developments. Based on an analysis of the 2010 Requests for Proposals for the newly expanded USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), we are submitting comments urging increased emphasis on public classical breeding and on sustainable and organic systems in the 2011 program, as well as a simpler and more open application process. In response to the Obama Administration's America Great Outdooors (AGO) Initiative, NSAC is submitting comments drawing the links among farming, resource conservation, and the stated goals of AGO to enhance public appreciation for, and stewardship of, our natural heritage. It could be another "lever" to protect NRCS programs from severe budget cuts.
Finally, we received some exciting news. The Conservation Innovation Grant proposal, entitled Integrating Sustainable and Organic Agriculture into NRCS Programs, has been awarded funding by NRCS. This is a 30 month project of National Center for Appropriate Technology, NSAC, and ten other partners, including VABF, that entails reviewing NRCS practice standards and the CSP and proposing revisions to increase program accessibility for organic and sustainable producers. In addition the project will provide training in organic and sustainable production systems for NRCS personnel to build their capacity to serve
More on Farm and Agriculture Resources for Media (FARM)
Excerpted from Virginia Biological Farmer, Vol. 33 issue 2, page 7
The personal stories of farmers form the authentic and compelling heartbeat of the sustainable agriculture movement. By sharing your story, you increase visibility of your farm, bring in new business, and educate citizens on food and agriculture issues, leading to increased support for family farms and sustainable food systems.
FARM (Farm and Agriculture Resources for Media) is a National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) initiative that helps connect the farmer's voice to the media and supports farmers with media training. The following tools are available through FARM at no charge:
• Share your Farm Story – Media & Public Relations Tool Kit for Farmers, including worksheets and tips on generating press coverage, writing a press release, and more.
• Media Training Webinar - Share Your Farm Story: Tools and Tactics to Market Your Business and Connect with Media
• NSAC FARM Database – Join our FARM media database, an internal NSAC database of farmers in sustainable agriculture from across the country who are available to reply to media inquiries as they come up specific to your background and business.
The database will not be public. Requests will come to you personally, and your info will not be sold, exchanged, or used for other purposes.
For more information, including links to the above resources, visit http://sustainableagriculture.net/take-action/farm-and-agriculture-resources-for-media-farm/ Or, contact Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko at 608-329-7056.
Advocate for the new GIPSA Proposed Rule on Livestock Markets and Contract Agriculture
The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA) has issued an action alert in support of this new Proposed Rule to Support Fairness for Farmers, at https://www.rafidb.org/alert/6
The new rule proposed by the USDA would make significant changes to the system of contract agriculture, changes that farmers have been seeking for decades. See the proposed rule at http://www.rafiusa.org/programs/contractag/gipsa2101rules.html
But this is not yet a win. Farmers will only be protected if these rules are adopted with clear, strong language. Companies are arguing that these rules aren't needed. Farmers know that they are.
The rules will level the playing field between poultry or livestock farmers and companies, protect farmers' investments, and make pay more competitive. They will outlaw retaliation against farmers who speak out. But only if they are adopted, and only if their language is strengthened. Your letter can make that happen.
Contract chicken farmers are caught in an unfair system that traps them in debt and forces them to take whatever contracts they are offered. No matter how hard these farmers work, they will not be paid fairly. If they speak up, they face retaliation. At any time, they could lose their contract, and lose their family farm. For more information, visit http://www.rafiusa.org/programs/contractag/contrag.html
Let the USDA know that you care about farmers' rights. Go to https://www.rafidb.org/alert/6 to send in your comment today!
This is the biggest opportunity in decades to make a difference in the lives of contract poultry farmers. Every comment counts. Send this on to others who care about farmers being treated fairly.