"
The LORD said to himself:... nor will I ever again strike down
every living being, as I have done.All the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and
day and night shall not cease."
- Genesis 8:21-22
UN-FAO Acknowledges Crucial Importance of Small Farms
Small Farmers Can Reduce Poverty, Hunger, Climate Change
"Agriculture holds the key to solving two of the greatest problems now facing humanity: eradicating poverty and hunger, and contributing to maintaining the stable climatic conditions in which civilization can thrive."
"The vast majority of the extremely poor and hungry depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, he said, adding: 'They are the most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and an unstable climate'."
CRL notes this critical global concern because it relates directly to our recent reflection on The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader. We continue to highlight this reflection as an important faith-based contribution to food, agriculture and environmental issues here in the United States.
What to expect for agriculture and rural communities in 2017? This is a question farm and rural advocacy groups are pondering as the 115thCongress begins and a new Administration takes over federal policies. These will set the course for the quality of life for rural communities.
As we hear from our members and other networks, rural communities around the country are deeply worried about their future. For many farmers, average farm incomes have fallen for three straight years now. For others in rural America, poverty has been rising. Government policies are expected to soften these blows to some extent, but we need to stay attentive as public policies are set in the coming months.
Take the National Young Farmer Survey and let Congress know that #FarmersCount! The survey is conducted every five years by the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) in order to understand and elevate the issues that matter most to young farmers and aspiring farmers. Take the survey today and share it broadly. It is crucial that the survey results represent all young farmers and aspiring farmers, no matter where they live or what they grow. Survey answers are completely confidential.
CRL Presents
Vocation of the Agricultural Leader in Wisconsin
Sponsor a Vocation of Ag. Leader Workshop
CRL Executive Director, Jim Ennis, presented Vocation of the Agricultural Leader to a large group of farmers at the Wisconsin Farmers Union Convention on January 29, 2017 in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Ennis' presentation was followed by reflections from three farmers.
The V
ocation of the Agricultural Leader addresses questions such as: How does faith inform agricultural business decisions in our everyday lives? What does faith have to do with my life as a farmer, rancher, agribusiness leader, leader of a food company, or someone interested in food security and the environment?
CRL is presenting
Vocation of the Agricultural Leader workshops and presentations around the country to address the many ethical questions agricultural and food leaders face every day. CRL will be in Russell, KS, February 24-25; San Diego, CA, March 6-7; Fresno, CA, March 8; Big Spring, TX, April 25; Victoria, TX, April 26. For event information see
CRL's event page.
If your diocese, parish, university or community is interested in hosting a Vocation of the Agricultural Leader workshop or presentation, please contact Annie Brickweg at Annie@catholicrurallife.org. Go to CRL's website to read and order the document.
CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Our mission is dedicated to addressing and overcoming
the challenges facing rural America: social, economic and ecological.
