Policy & Planning
We all need room to grow, and our growers are running out of space. As metro Atlanta’s cities become more dense and developed, the long-term viability of community farms and gardens is threatened. Without proper planning, and without policies that support growers and protect growing spaces, we run the risk of losing our connection to the land, to the soil, and where our food comes from.
We have two main focus areas:
Advocate for Farms & Gardens
Advocacy is hard work. It’s hard to know where to start, and sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re making progress — especially on a state or federal level. In our experience, advocacy really starts with relationships. Whether it’s relationships with your local farmers, farmers market managers, or community garden organizations, understanding what issues they face is critical for understanding how policies need to change for their benefit.
Once you’re connected with local food leaders, relationships with your representatives will help pave the way for positive change. The closer the official is to you, the more accessible they may be. And remember, your mayor or state representative could be elected to the federal level one day. When it comes to advocacy, it’s good to have friends in high places!
If you’re just beginning your advocacy work, we recommend the following steps:
Stay informed
Without understanding the issues, it’s difficult to make policy changes that support local growers. Staying informed is a critical part of advocacy — not only does it help you understand what needs to change, but also what resources are already available to support farms in your community. Here are some great organizations keeping us up to date about food and agricultural policy issues nationwide:
Share stories on social media
Are you a farmer or gardener? Tell your officials about the struggles and power of growing local food.
Why did you start growing? Why do you keep growing? What drives you? What challenges you?
Are you a farmer or gardener ally? Tell your officials how local food strengthens and betters your community.
How do you help to support local farmers? What could your city do better to support local farmers?
Do you love to eat delicious, local food? Tell your officials that accessing locally-grown food is an important issue for you.
What has been your experience with accessing locally grown food in your community?
Demand action!
Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives and implore them to support local farmers.
Attend a city council or town hall meeting and ask what elected officials are doing to support local farmers.
Submit a public comment on new legislation that will affect local farmers.
Invite your local representatives to a local farmers market to meet the farmers serving their community.
