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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Jordan Treakle
National Program Coordinator
jordan@nffc.net
(202) 543-5675

Antonio Tovar
Senior Policy Associate
antonio@nffc.net
(202) 543-5675

National Family Farm Coalition Mobilizes in DC, Calling for Bold Action on the Farm Bill

Washington, DC, March 4, 2025 – On February 26 and 27,  the National Family Farm Coalition mobilized more than two dozen farmers and advocates in Washington, DC, to urge lawmakers to pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes family-scale farmers and ranchers over corporate agribusinesses. In total, the group met with more than 50 bipartisan Congressional offices, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN), and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Fly-in delegates were also joined by Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) at an opening dinner hosted by NFFC on February 25. 

This fly-in comes at a time of great financial uncertainty for many of America’s farmers and communities, with a new Farm Bill still on hold and record levels of farm debt, high farmland prices, and rising farm bankruptcies. The Trump administration’s sudden freeze on USDA contracts and payments has alarmed agricultural producers, many of whom have gone into great debt while waiting for their USDA reimbursements. NFFC’s coalition of family-scale farmers, ranchers and fishermen demand that elected officials keep their promises and pass a Farm Bill benefiting those who grow our food, not corporate agribusiness shareholders. During meetings, farmers shared their personal experiences growing our nation’s food supply and advocated for structural reforms that would enable a more fair and equitable food system.   

Kaitlyn Kimball, founder of Sunset Farm in Naugatuck, Connecticut and member of CT NOFA, shared: “It was important for me to travel to Washington DC to advocate for farmers across America and communicate our concerns. Meeting with our representatives in person is a powerful tool to communicate our experiences that will help shape policy to make land more accessible. The future of our American food system depends on the viability of small to mid sized farms. Visiting offices across Congress empowers me to continue to speak up for beginning farmers and help craft policy that supports all producers.”

Key legislation discussed by NFFC members included the Fair Credit for Farmers Act and the Farmland for Farmers Act, for which NFFC sought additional Congressional support. Participants also championed long-term solutions to the ongoing dairy crisis, as well as restoring Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL), and revitalizing rural communities with clarifications to on-farm slaughter regulations.

Icyreen Ford, representing the Kentucky Black Farmers Association, said: “Participating in the NFFC DC Fly-In was a truly unique and eye-opening experience. It was my first time in Washington, D.C., and my first opportunity to engage in federal-level advocacy. Coming from an urban background with little direct connection to land or our food systems, I was deeply inspired by the farmers I met—both first-generation farmers and those whose land has been in their families for generations. As someone who aspires to farm, the Farmland for Farmers Act represents a real chance for me to access land and build a future in agriculture. Being surrounded by passionate advocates with years of experience reinforced the power of collective action and the importance of policies that support the next generation of farmers.”

A Farm Bill that guarantees fair pricing, just treatment, and greater protections for small and mid-scale producers is long past-due – legislators must act swiftly to pass strong and re-imagined policies this Congressional term. NFFC thanks all of our fly-in participants, as well as the Senators, Representatives and legislative staff who met with us. We greatly look forward to continuing our Farm Bill advocacy work with our members, partners, and legislative champions this year.

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Since 1986, National Family Farm Coalition has been mobilizing family farmers and ranchers to achieve fair prices, vibrant communities, and healthy foods free of corporate domination. Today, NFFC’s 31 member groups span 44 states and represent family farmers, ranchers, and fishing people across the United States. To learn more, visit www.nffc.net