Policy Center
Since 1978, our Coalition has helped family farmers and their communities address structural injustices and speak out in the policy making process. We have helped them to identify and find solutions to the environmental health problems they face. But our work is far from over. The industrialization of agriculture, unfair immigration policies and lack of worker protections, unfair and unsustainable trade agreements are daily bringing new and even greater problems for rural communities.
The Farm and Food Policy Diversity Initiative and the 2008 Farm Bill
In 2007 and 2009, the Rural Coalition helped facilitate the work of Farm and Food Policy Diversity Initiative (DI) to secure more equity in the 2008 Farm bill. More than 30 sections of policy proposals emerging from the DI Agenda were included in the final 2008 Bill. We continue our work to assure the full implementation of these landmark policies. Other ongoing efforts include:
- Training and capacity-building for small farmers and farmworkers in how to access programs and secure justice.
- International solidarity through our membership in the North American Region of Via Campesina and activities in international movements to promote food sovereignty and trade equity.
- Continuing to work for fair agriculture policy to build a more just and sustainable food system.
- Developing new positions on critical issues like immigration and promoting the role of community based organizations in the leadership of movements for social change.
