As the weather cools, our thoughts turn to fall…and the upcoming election. So, it seems appropriate that CFSA’s Policy Team has taken over the Stew this month.

In this month’s edition, you’ll find stories covering interesting actions and issues that are affecting local, organic food around the Carolinas. We hope you enjoy our story about a national organization, Plate of the Union, partnering with food councils around North Carolina to raise awareness of food and farming policy issues with politicians. Join us at one of their Candidate Forums later this month! If you wonder how policy impacts the food you eat, check out the story about organic seed and how policy decisions impact what’s available for farmers. All politics is local, so check out the history of Mecklenburg County’s food policy council and its member’s huge accomplishments.

In the next few weeks, many of us will be finalizing our decisions about which candidates for federal, state and local offices are most likely to pursue policies that meet our needs and the needs of our communities. When the election is over, and politicians new and old take their seats to begin the work of governing, CFSA’s Policy Team will be there to let them know what they can do to support sustainable farmers and the people who rely on the food they produce.

Cheers,

Rochelle Sparko, CFSA’s Policy Director

P.S. Don’t forget to register for our 31st annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference happening Nov. 4-6 in Durham, NC. It’s the food & farm event of the year!