The VABF Board of Directors is undertaking to build a policy team to better cover all aspects of sustainable agriculture policy work at the federal as well as state and local levels. Specific needs include:
- Team members with the skills and the desire to do grassroots organizing and advocacy throughout the VABF membership.
- Team members who can provide vital input on policy needs and priorities of VABF members.
- Team members interested and experienced with issues related to local and regional food systems, rural development, beginning farmer and rancher development and technical assistance, food system integrity (from food safety to genetically modified organism (GMO) and other labeling reform), and racial equity in the food and agriculture system.
- At least one team member who is interested and able to attend at least one NSAC meeting per year – when two or more of us are there, we can engage more thoroughly on a wider range of programs and policy issues.
- Team members experienced and engaged in policy at the state (i.e., Virginia) and/or local level.
If you are interested in participating on the policy team on behalf of VABF, please contact us at admin@vabf.org.
Some History:
VABF has been a Represented Member of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) since 2009. In this capacity, we have joined with over 100 other organizations nationwide in working for greater support for organic and sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and family farms through the Federal Farm Bill and USDA programs. The work of NSAC involves in-depth analysis, development and promotion of policy proposals, and grassroots organizing, outreach, and advocacy.
As VABF’s policy liaison, I have attended NSAC’s twice-yearly meetings, participated on the Conservation and Research committees, and endeavored to keep you informed of policy developments via this newsletter. However, I cannot do this job adequately on my own. While I have helped NSAC in analysis of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation and organic research programs, I have done little grassroots organizing or direct advocacy during Farm Bill reauthorization on Capitol Hill. In addition, I have not had the time and energy to engage sufficiently with you all to gain an in-depth understanding of the policy needs and priorities of the VABF membership.
When I gave a report and assessment of VABF’s policy activities to date and needs for the future at the recent Board meeting held November 1, a decision was reached to develop a policy committee.
