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Mobilizing family farmers, fishers, and ranchers for fair prices, vibrant communities, and healthy foods free of corporate domination.

August Newsletter

News From the Field

NFFC members and staff at the Boone Tavern in Berea, KY.

NFFC Summer Gathering in Berea, Kentucky

We wrapped up our 2024 Summer Gathering, held August 6-8 in Berea, Kentucky! NFFC staff, board members, farmers, and member representatives convened at the historic Boone Tavern to discuss revisions to our 2019 Strategic Plan, including refining the strategic goals that guide the coalition's work. We also visited three local farms—Ballew Estates (owned by our Vice President, Tiffany Bellfield El-Amin), the Berea College Farm, and Salamander Springs Farm—and had the opportunity to stop by the bell hooks center to learn more about the legendary author and theorist.


A special thank you to the hosts of this year's Gathering, the Kentucky Black Farmers Association and Community Farm Alliance!  Click here to browse our photos from the Gathering.

Apply Today and Join the NFFC Team!


NFFC has TWO positions open for applications! Join our team and help advance our mission to shape federal food and farm policy that supports family-scale farmers. Both positions are full-time, remote, and come with great salary and benefits.


Communications Associate: Assist in implementing effective communication strategies, including developing educational materials and maintaining NFFC’s online presence (website, social media, newsletter, etc.) to keep everything organized and up-to-date. Salary: $54,000-$63,000. Position open until filled.


Development Coordinator: Support the fundraising and grant needs of NFFC and the North American Marine Alliance as part of our shared leadership model. Our ideal candidate will enjoy supporting values-based food system work, with strong attention to detail and a solid grasp of technology. Salary: $60,000-$80,000. Apply no later than September 5.

Learn More and Apply

USDA Finalizes Debt Relief Payments, Announces Changes to Farm Service Agency Lending Programs


On July 31, the USDA issued payments through the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to more than 43,000 farmers who experienced discrimination while using or applying for FSA loan services prior to January 2021. This follows the $3.1 billion previously distributed to assist financially distressed farm loan borrowers and marks the successful conclusion of a significant area of historical work for NFFC!


Then, on August 7, the USDA shared several changes to FSA programs in the new Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. NFFC has engaged in numerous conversations with USDA leadership to advance our members' priorities, and we are thrilled to see many of these reflected in the proposed rule changes, including lowered collateral requirements and more flexible payment terms. We will provide further explanation of these changes soon, along with public comments!



See You at Farm Aid 2024!


This year's Farm Aid will be in Saratoga Springs, NY on September 21! NFFC is thrilled to once again attend Farm Aid, a close ally of ours for decades that has supported many of our policy priorities, including efforts to improve access to fair agricultural credit. In fact, Farm Aid is hosting a webinar on September 5 at 4PM EST about the new USDA lending program changes mentioned above!


Hosted annually since 1985, the Farm Aid concert features Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and many other talented artists. The concert raises awareness and funds in support of family farmers. Very limited tickets are still available!

More Information and Tickets

Lisa Griffith with Ben Burkett.

NFFC Sends a Fond Farewell to Lisa Griffith


NFFC’s longtime staff member, Lisa Griffith, retired from her position with us on August 15, 2024. Lisa has been with NFFC for nearly two decades, most recently serving as our National Outreach and Communications Coordinator. She has been a source of unwavering support and a dear friend to many of our coalition’s members, staff, and allies. Reflecting on her time with NFFC, Lisa shared that it provided her with “many opportunities to hear and learn from incredible people, and the chance to be part of an organization truly focused on positive, transformative change to make the future better for everyone.”


We'll miss working directly with Lisa, but are confident that she will continue to stay involved with the family farm movement. Thank you, Lisa, for your many years of commitment to our shared mission!

News From Our Members & Allies

Missouri Rural Crisis Center Urges Public Comment for New Packers and Stockyards Act Rules


You can help in our mutual fight to ensure family and independent farmers have fair access to markets, control over production decisions, and transparency in prices! The USDA extended the deadline for public comment for their proposed rule, “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets," to September 11.


Not sure where to begin? MRCC has you covered with talking points and tips to TAKE ACTION by submitting a persuasive public comment!

Photo by MIssouri Rural Crisis Center.

Corporate Control and Patented Seeds Webinar - Share Your Story!


Family Farm Defenders invites you to a webinar on September 3, 8PM EST, with representatives from UW-Madison who are collaborating with the USDA Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative. Learn more about what the USDA is doing to address seed consolidation and monopolization. and patenting! Farmers will have the chance to share their stories about this issue! What should the USDA be doing to make sure you can grow what you want to grow? Participate via Zoom.

La Via Campesina's Day of Action Against Free Trade Agreements


La Via Campesina's (LVC) annual International Day of Action Against the WTO and Free Trade Agreements is September 10! LVC and allies, including NFFC, have long warned that unrestricted free-markets lead to heightened concentration of power among political and corporate elites. This Day of Action is a chance to demand public policies that bring greater transparency to national and international trade, guarantee the food sovereignty of our peoples, and ensure fair prices for agricultural products!

Graphic by La Via Campesina.

 Give now to ensure farmers can keep feeding us!

Help us push back against corporate domination in our food system! Your gift fuels the fight for policies that put farmers, family farming, and healthy land ahead of corporate profits.

Support NFFC Today!
National Family Farm Coalition
110 Maryland Ave NE #307
Washington, DC 20002

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