AFA proposes draft legislation to create a USDA pilot program to offer assistance to U.S. farmers diversifying into producing fiber-rich food crops.
With the implementation of programs like these, US farmers will be better positioned to adapt to changing markets, have more options to get out from under consolidating industries, and the USDA will do a better job of mirroring farm spending to USDA dietary guidelines. In doing so, the USDA will address America’s dietary fiber crisis, saving thousands of lives and billions of dollars.
Farm and Ranch Mobility Solutions Act (FARMS)
Producer Organizations
National Hemp Association
“As the National Hemp Association works with whole of Governments across the country and continues our mission of educating American farmers on the annual US $32 Billion economic potentials that hemp can offer, we are hearing that many next-generation and new farmers seek alternatives to meet the demands of consumers and corporations seeking plant-based solutions for ingredients, grain, feed, and food.
USDA programs that assist farmers in diversifying into plant-based crops such as Hemp will be a welcome solution.”
– Geoff Whaling, Chair National Hemp Association.
Rancher Advocacy Program, Texas
“The creation of a USDA program that helps farmers transition into plant-based food production would pioneer a way forward. American farmers wanting to transition need the support. Plant-based food companies need American crops. And our country needs to lead. It’s a win/win/win for the farmers, plant-based industries, and the American people.”
– Renee King Sonnen, founder, Rancher Advocacy Program
AFA Partner Farmers
[ watch video ]
Baraboo Dairy Farm, Wisconsin
“I support the creation of a program – like AFA’s FARMS Act – to assist farmers in transition to different lines of production, especially climate-healing crop production.
I urge Congress to work with AFA to create this transition program. A transition program would be a better, more permanent solution than the current insurance programs and one-time payments that we currently get.
Dan, Dairy farmer in New Freedom, Wisconsin
As a dairy farmer, I would much rather get funding to transition to something better than get funding to keep producing milk for a market that already has a surplus. I would feel better knowing I’m producing something in high demand that’s also benefiting the environment.” [ read more ]
[ woodleaffarm.org ]
Woodleaf Farm, Oregon
The “Farm and Ranch Mobility Solutions Act” is a vital step towards creating a connected US policy that integrates food, farming, conservation, and medicine.
Helen Atthowe Woodleaf Farm
“Healthy food should be a vital part of our national health plan and farm policy. Our farm policy needs to reflect both the USDA nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet and the USDA-NRCS soil health initiatives …” [ read more ]
[ watch video ]
Dodge Dairy Farm, Wisconsin
“Up until five years ago, the plan was to buy and expand the herd of cows. As we put numbers together it became clear that money was going to be tight. We weren’t comfortable with a business plan that relied on funding from government programs to stay afloat.”
“With the current dairy industry and climate change issues, our size of a dairy farm is not a long-term option. Transitioning a farm is a long-term process. ” [ read more ]
– Paul, 5th generation dairy farmer in Dodge, Wisconsin.
Food Companies
Miyoko’s Creamery, California
“Many plant-based food producers including us import raw materials from as far away as Vietnam and China because we can’t find ample sources here in the United States. There is far more demand by plant-based companies for fiber-rich crops than supply.
At Miyoko’s we’ve initiated a farm transition program that will help a dairy farmer convert their operations to producing mushrooms, grains, legumes, tree nuts, seeds, all protein and fiber-rich foods that can easily be turned into innovative and sustainable plant-based foods for the future.
But we can’t do it alone.
We all read too many stories of bankruptcies and suicides by farmers. Let’s help them stay on the land they love and let’s help them be successful by rethinking food production and growing fiber-rich foods. And let’s create a government program that provides them with the resources to become successful partners in this new paradigm for a sustainable future of food.
Let’s liberate the American farmer and let them take power back into their own hands.”
– Miyoko Schinner, CEO, and Founder, Miyoko’s Creamery