Working for Policy that Helps Farmers Thrive

The Hoosier Young Farmers Coalition is non-partisan, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t politically engaged. Local, state, and federal policies directly impact how we farm, and we are organizing to make our concerns, ideas, and needs heard! Stay in the loop on what’s happening locally and globally, and follow the issues as they arise.

As an affiliate of the National Young Farmers Coalition, we support their general policy platform. The new Farm Bill included huge wins for beginning farmers, so NYFC is hard at work ensuring that these new programs and policies are implemented for all of us! 

NYFC is also working hard on bills that could improve land access, address student debt, and more. Sometimes, they ask members nationwide to chime in and help by calling their reps, spreading the word, etc. Stay tuned to Instagram and Facebook for ways you can help!

he Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now taking nominations for local FSA County Committees (COC)! The nomination period is open now through August 1, 2019. If you're not familiar with your County Committee, it is a group of farmers, ranchers, and foresters that help administer FSA programs by serving as a direct link between their farm communities and FSA. By serving on the Committee, you (or someone you know) can help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, like helping make decisions impacting conservation and disaster programs, producer appeals, and outreach to your local communities. It's critical that young and beginning farmers are on these committees to make sure your voices and your needs are represented. We urge you to consider nominating yourself or a farmer friend to your local COC. 


To make sure FSA's agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers like you, request a nomination form from your local USDA Service Center or download here for yourself or that awesome farmer friend of yours. FSA programs are integral to your work, and they need to work for young and beginning farmers. You can make that happen as part of your local County Committee. Please do no hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity to get involved at the grassroots level! Don't forget, nominations close on August 1. 


For more information on eligibility and election process, visit FSA's County Committee elections website. 

 Your voice is a crucial element of our political goals. The more we speak up and out about the issues facing young farmers and our food system, the more we can accomplish together. ​Here are a few ways that you can help:

• Become a member! Your support of the NYFC and HYFC is a crucial step towards creating a sustainable young and beginning farmers movement. Visit our Join page [link] for details about joining our group, as well as our current list of upcoming Events [link] 
• Call your representatives!
  • Call or write them about the issues that matter to you most! If you’d like some guidance, check out these Scripts [link to documents I haven’t written yet, but will soon!] we’ve put together.
  • Who’s your rep? Find out who is your voice in Washington and in Indianapolis, and reach out to them today! Not sure how to talk to them? You’re not alone! Look here for some tips and tricks to getting your point across.
• Patronize local farmers in Indiana! That’s right, you can vote with your fork and your dollars (but don’t forget to vote with your vote, too!) Check our Map [link] to find your nearest young farmer and Indiana farmer’s market.
• Support the movement! There’s a growing push to establish local, sustainable, and just food systems throughout the state of Indiana. Along with the Hoosier Young Farmer Coalition, these groups are working to build a more resilient foodshed in your region:
  • A Food Council Near You! Find a full list of councils working on local food issues here.
  • Purdue Extension's Diversified Farming and Food Systems Team
  • Food and Growers Association (Batesville area) or your local farmer organization
  • Indiana Farmers Union
    
  • And there must be others...let us know who else we should highlight and collaborate with!
• Organize an event with HYFC! We’d love to partner with other interested folks to get the word out about our movement, and we need your help to connect with beginning farmers throughout Indiana. Get in touch and let's plan something fun together.

Want more info? Have ideas for young farmer policy in your region? Want to get involved? Get in touch with us!