Photo by Caleb Jones at ArtsXChange in East Point
Resources for advocacy
There are some great organizations advocating for sustainable farms across the country, including the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and the National Young Farmers Coalition. Both organizations have local chapters and partners here in metro Atlanta, and both organize campaigns aimed at improving agricultural policy for new farmers, sustainable farmers, and historically disenfranchised farmers.
Here’s what they’re up to
How Do I Get Started?
Photo by Tabia Lisenbee-Parker at ArtsXChange in East Point
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:
Ask questions
Why do the vast majority of agricultural subsidies in the United States support growers of corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice - but not varied produce to support healthy diets?
How do industrial food systems affect the sustainability of our natural resources including land, water, and energy?
Why are organic local foods typically more expensive than conventionally grown foods? What would those prices look like if they reflected the true costs of the resources and labor needed for production?
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.
