NSAC Summer Meeting & Holding the line for a good Farm Bill
Last week, on behalf of the NJ Food Democracy Collaborative, I joined farmers and food advocates from across the country in Stowe, Vermont for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Summer Meeting. I was joined by one of NJFDC’s Advisory Board members, Viergela Louidor.
What is NSAC and why NJFDC is a member
NSAC is a national alliance of grassroots organizations advocating for federal policies that support the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. As a Participating Member, NJFDC connects New Jersey’s food and farm priorities to a national movement — while gaining timely policy intelligence, advocacy tools, and partnerships that strengthen and empower our own grassroots network here in The Garden State.
The summer meeting was a chance to step back from the daily grind and overwhelm, re-ground in our shared vision, and get honest about the difficult realities ahead — while still finding the next best tactical actions to keep moving forward. My favorite part? The unstructured time with peers. I learned from leaders of organizations I deeply admire — including other statewide food policy councils (such as Alaska and New Mexico) — and was reminded of just how much NSAC’s staff and member network have to offer in tools, coaching, and technical assistance.
The Farm Bill: Uncertainty and What’s at Stake
The Farm Bill — the major federal legislation that shapes our food and farm systems — is usually renewed every five years. The current bill, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, has already been extended twice. It could be extended a third time this fall.
This matters because many important programs were left out of the budget reconciliation bill earlier this summer — programs that matter greatly to NJ and that align with NJFDC priorities, like:
GusNIP (nutrition incentives for fresh produce)
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
Local Agriculture Market Program, including Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion, Regional Food System Partnerships, and Value-Added Producer Grants
Organic Transitions Program, and more
Meanwhile, budget reconciliation included deep cuts to SNAP — cuts used to boost subsidies for a small number of extremely large producers.
We need a full Farm Bill that restores funding for these programs, strengthens the food safety net, ensures equitable access to USDA programs, invests in climate resilience, and supports local food systems.
Marker Bills to Watch
Marker bills are targeted proposals that build momentum for inclusion in the Farm Bill. Some of the most promising include:
SOS Farms Act — disaster assistance for small farms
Weather Act — climate resilience for agriculture
Strengthening Local Food Security Act — invests in local food hubs and connections between small farms, food pantries, early childhood centers, schools, and more
Strong Farms, Strong Futures Act — region- and production-specific climate stewardship incentives
You can track these and more here: OEFFA Marker Bill Tracker or here RAFI Marker Bill Tracker
What You Can Do in the Next 60 Days
Members of Congress will be listening closely this fall. We need you to:
Contact your Senators and Representatives — tell them what a good Farm Bill looks like. For reference, a Farm Bill that’s good for NJ is one that Promote soil health and climate resilience through conservation policy, Increase investments in local and regional food systems, invests in organic and regenerative ag research, and supports beginner and historically-underserved farmers/producers.
Raise expectations — let them know we won’t support a bill that leaves out equity, resilience, and food access.
Join our grassroots effort — NJFDC is launching a Farm Bill Grassroots Advocacy tools in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and get ready to be more engaged.
This is the moment to step up. Learn more about grassroots advocacy with our guide and explore excellent resources like OEFFA’s Advocacy Resources for tools and talking Farm Bill points. The cause needs you — and your voice matters.
Additionally, if you believe in building a fair, resilient, and sustainable food system for New Jersey, please consider making a donation to NJFDC today. Your support powers our advocacy, strengthens our grassroots network, and ensures we can keep fighting for the policies our farmers and communities need. Donate here.
