FARMER ADVOCACY at GEORGIA ORGANICS
Georgia Organics is engaging in more advocacy and policy-related work as a result of our new 2022-2026 strategic plan. As we develop our priorities in this work, we’re asking our key stakeholders – farmers and ag professionals – to help define farmers’ needs as they relate to public policy and advocacy.
A survey has been sent to more than 1,000 farmers that will inform our Farmer Advocacy Platform, and we can’t wait to share those results with our farmers, partners, and agricultural policy makers.
In the meantime, the Farmer Advocacy program will prioritize existing partnerships, especially with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Organic Trade Association.
USDA Undersecretary Jennifer Lester Moffitt and farmers (left to right) Russell Brydson (Narrow Way Farm), Celia Barrs (Woodland Gardens), Nicholas Donck (Crystal Organic Farm), and (back) Georgia Organics Director of Advocacy Michael Wall.
Farmer Sed Rowe and Farmer Advocate Michael Wall with staff members of Rep. Nikema Williams office on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
GEORGIA ORGANICS’ STRATEGIC PLAN AND ADVOCACY
Our strategic plan was approved by the Georgia Organics board of directors on Nov. 8, 2021, and includes several themes that pertain to advocacy, partnerships, and movement building, especially around farmer prosperity, racial justice, and climate change.
For example, one of the plan’s goal states that Georgia Organics work would: “Grow an influential network of advocates who champion organic and regenerative farmers.”
Here are other key themes from the Strategic Plan summary related to Farmer Advocacy work:
Move from program building to movement building. Step fully into our role as a convening and advocacy organization.
Foster strong partnerships, and together pursue collective impact strategies.
Become an integral part of Georgia’s climate change solutions.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK.
Stay tuned for the results of the farmer policy priority survey.