Dear Rebecca,

Welcome to the January 2021 edition of The Buzz. With 2020 behind us, there is a great deal of hope in the sustainable agriculture world with a new presidential administration, Congress, and United States Department of Agriculture leadership. There is much work to be done in 2021 around COVID-19 recovery, climate, racial equity, funding for important programs like the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), and more!

When lawmakers and agency officials make decisions about how to vote on important legislation, they are persuaded most by the stories of constituents who are directly impacted by the decisions they make about which policies to champion and which to oppose. For this very reason, CFSA is launching a new member leadership and advocacy program.

CFSA members who apply and are selected for the program will learn how to talk to lawmakers, educate their communities, build coalitions, maneuver the legislative and administrative process, and become more effective advocates for sustainable and resilient local and regional food systems! Applications (this link will only work for members) are due on February 1.

In solidarity,
Nick

Nick Wood, CFSA Policy Director

PS: We’re currently on a break with This Week at CFSA. We’re coming back with season two starting in February!