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Winning Issue » LOCAL FARMS


There are now about 2 million American farms, 80% of which are small farms that are mostly family owned. An increasing number of these farmers are selling their products directly to the public through local food markets such as farmers markets, farm stands, food cooperatives and Community Support Agriculture programs. There are now nearly 8,000 farmers markets throughout the U.S. and our Agriculture Department estimates that local food sales now account for at least $5 billion annually. Local and regional agriculture has become a major economic driver in the farm economy, benefitting many of our small farmers. Consumers, including school districts, may now purchase fresh, organically-grown produce at a reasonable cost.

Supporters promote the fact that fruits and vegetables sold within 24 hours of being harvested are fresher, more nutritious and taste better than produce which has been shipped from more distant locations.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.5249 - Small Farm to School Act of 2021
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI)



Options


  • I oppose reforming current local farm policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).
  • I support awarding three-year grants to eight states or tribal organizations to provide school food authorities with an increased reimbursement for free and reduced price lunches that include at least one component that is comprised entirely of locally-produced and unprocessed foods procured directly from certain agricultural producers by:

    1.) Selecting at least one state or tribal organization located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Midwest Region, the Mountain Plains Region, the Northeast Region, (5) the Southern Region, the Southwest Region, and the Western Region.

    2.) Giving the highest priority to applications that propose to carry out certain projects, including projects that serve a high proportion of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and increase the availability of locally-produced foods to children. Additionally, priority must be given to states or tribal organizations with a high quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables on a per capita basis, and with a demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school activities.

    3.) Requiring each state or tribal organization that receives a grant must provide, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 100% of the awarded grant amount.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option
  • I support awarding three-year grants to eight states or tribal organizations to provide school food authorities with an increased reimbursement for free and reduced price lunches that include at least one component that is comprised entirely of locally-produced and unprocessed foods procured directly from certain agricultural producers by:

    1.) Selecting at least one state or tribal organization located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Midwest Region, the Mountain Plains Region, the Northeast Region, (5) the Southern Region, the Southwest Region, and the Western Region.

    2.) Giving the highest priority to applications that propose to carry out certain projects, including projects that serve a high proportion of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and increase the availability of locally-produced foods to children. Additionally, priority must be given to states or tribal organizations with a high quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables on a per capita basis, and with a demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school activities.

    3.) Requiring each state or tribal organization that receives a grant must provide, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 100% of the awarded grant amount.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
There has been $0.00 pledged in support of this issue
Trustee Candidates

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider either reintroducing H.R.5249 - Small Farm to School Act of 2021, or a similar version thereof.

If elected as a trustee, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to promote farm to school programs and for local farmers to directly market their products to schools.

Mission: The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC member groups advance common positions to support small and mid-size family farms, protect natural resources, promote healthy rural communities, and ensure access to healthy, nutritious foods by everyone. By bringing grassroots perspectives to the table normally dominated by big business, NSAC levels the playing field and gives voice to sustainable and organic farmers.
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Trustee Election - Opening Date
May 6, 2024
Trustee Election - Closing Date
May 13, 2024