With shrinking federal support for farmers and food security, volatile markets and mounting trade tensions, it’s more important than ever for producers and consumers to work together.
In May, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) joined our partners at the New England Farmers Union to participate in the National Farmers Union Week of Action in Washington, DC, bringing together more than 100 farmers and advocates from across the country to walk the halls of Congress with an urgent message: We need a strong, comprehensive five-year farm bill that:
- Strengthens the farm safety net,
- Builds upon voluntary conservation programs,
- Restores balance and opportunity in the marketplace,
- Delivers fast and reliable risk management programs, and
- Garners broad support from both farmers and consumers.
Central to an effective farm bill is that it continues to provide effective support for family farmers through programs such as crop insurance, conservation initiatives, and anti-monopoly enforcement, while also ensuring adequate funding nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
“Key to our partnership with the Farmers Union is our shared commitment to the co-operative movement and to building stronger relationships between farmers and consumers,” said NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell. “As we face drastic cuts to USDA services, resources for co-operative development, and food security programs such as SNAP, we know that legislators are more likely to hear us when we raise our voices together.”
Also participating in the delegation were Roger Noonan of Middle Branch Farm in New Hampshire and President of the New England Farmers Union, Robert Change of Echo Farm in Connecticut, and David Marchant of River Berry Farm in Vermont and member of Deep Root Organic Co-op.
During the Week of Action, the group conducted whirlwind visits to the offices of 10 legislators from states across the Northeast. In addition to advocating for the farm bill, they reminded policy makers of the critical role of co-ops in our communities, advocating for funding for co-operative development and policies supporting farmer co-ops and credit unions. They also encouraged Representatives to join the bipartisan Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus, which provides greater visibility of co-op economic impact before Congress and the Administration and supports a co-op-friendly legislative agenda. While in DC, Crowell also participated in a visit to USDA offices to advocate for funding for co-operative development.
You can make a difference: Thanks to our advocacy, the Northeast is well-represented on the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus, including Representatives Becca Balint (VT), Jim McGovern (MA), and Chellie Pingree (ME). Don’t see your Congressperson on this list? Send them an e-mail to encourage them to join by visiting this link.
Join the Farmers Union! The National Farmers Union envisions a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice. The Neighboring Food Co-op Association is an affiliate member of the New England Farmers Union chapter – and invites farmers, food co-ops, and consumers to join us! For more information, please visit www.newenglandfarmersunion.org