Good Food for All :

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. We are here to discuss a pivotal opportunity that not only supports our farmers but also strengthens our local agricultural economy amidst the challenges we currently face.

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As we all know, the agricultural community is grappling with significant hurdles, including the aging farm population, shrinking availability, and the increasing pressure from commercial and industrial development. If we, as farmers, do not unite and demonstrate our value to our counties and local governments, we risk our lands being rezoned for purposes other than agriculture.

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With the current administration's emphasis on budget streamlining, the pathway to securing grants is shifting. Our solution? We propose that the Farm Credit System allocates 15% of their profits toward grants aimed specifically at local cooperatives. These cooperatives would then distribute this funding to agricultural businesses that receive non federal funds from private investors and philanthropic donors.

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This approach aligns with the federal goal of reducing waste and enhancing support for American citizens. By empowering local cooperatives to manage these grants, we not only create a streamlined approach to funding but also reinforce community engagement and transparency.

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It's crucial to recognize the unique needs of newer farmers. Many are interested in specialty crops but find the costs associated with starting a farm prohibitive. By encouraging grants for cooperative initiatives, we can offer support to emerging farmers looking to cultivate smaller lots, while also sustaining and uplifting established farms that focus on traditional row crops.

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Additionally, we face external threats such as state-backed solar projects that often occupy prime agricultural land. By uniting as an agricultural community, we can effectively advocate for our land's integrity and push back against those developments that compromise our ability to farm.

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In conclusion, we believe that by collaborating and advocating for the allocation of these funds to our local cooperatives, we can overcome our current challenges and create sustainable futures for our farms. Let’s empower our agricultural community to prove its undeniable value, ensuring that our lands remain in the hands of those who will cultivate them for future generations.