US: NSAC prepares for Administration change

As the US prepares for its first Administration change in eight years, the sustainable agriculture community will face many challenges – but it will also not be without opportunities for action and engagement. "This is not a time to sit idle, it is a time for us to reaffirm our commitments to sustainability, equity, and to organizing that starts with the grassroots. With less than three months before the inauguration, there is much work to be done and little time to waste," according to Jeremy Emmi of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

Transition team
NSAC is currently finalizing the Transition Team recommendations and will deliver them in the coming weeks. They are committed to using this time to make inroads and ensure that the priorities of the sustainable agriculture community are heard.

Appropriations
Arguably the most important item on Congress’ to-do list will be determining the outcome of next year's federal funding package. NSAC will continue to lead on the appropriations front, fighting for funding for conservation, research, local food systems programs, and more. They will also fight against any bad "policy riders", including attempts to stop USDA from protecting contract farmers' rights through the Farmer Fair Practices Rules.

Farm Bill
The last time Republicans controlled the House, Senate, and White House during a farm bill year was 1954. As Farm Bill 2018 discussions begin in earnest, NSAC will continue the work they have done for the last 25 years: providing in-depth analysis of the issues, updates on the debates, and making sure the voices of family farmers and sustainable agriculture advocates are heard on Capitol Hill.

For more information:
sustainableagriculture.net

Publication date: Tue 15 Nov 2016