National Farmers Union, American Farmland Trust, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition called on Congress on Apr. 16 to include funding for local and regional procurement of domestically produced agricultural products in any upcoming farmer economic relief package.
The coalition said this action is important as family farmers and ranchers face financial strain due to market volatility, rising costs, trade disruptions, and extreme weather. They argued that supporting domestic markets would help stabilize farm incomes and strengthen rural economies.
In a letter sent to lawmakers, the groups wrote: “Local and regional supply chains are not only a cornerstone of rural economic resilience—they are essential to national food security.” The coalition pointed to existing bipartisan legislation such as the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S.2338) and the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act (H.R. 4782) as examples for Congress to consider. They also cited previous U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that enabled states, Tribes, and territories to purchase about $850 million in locally grown food from more than 15,000 farmers and ranchers—programs which generated nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity.
Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union (NFU), said: “Family farmers are squeezed by low prices, rising costs, and deep uncertainty. Investing in local and regional food procurement isn’t just good policy — it’s how we keep family farms viable and rural communities strong.” John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust added: “Congress has an opportunity to deliver both immediate relief and long-term resilience by including funding for local and regional food procurement in their upcoming farmer assistance package.”
Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA said: “NASDA members are advocating for Congress to include robust funding for procurement of regionally produced food in any upcoming farmer economic relief package.” Mike Lavender from NSAC stated: “Reliable markets are foundational to farmers’ success – now is the moment to ensure that any agricultural economic relief package invests in stable domestic markets that will support farmers both today and well into the future.”
The NFU supports initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and boosting economic opportunities across rural regions according to its official website. It represents over 220,000 family farmers through its state divisions according to the organization.
The union advocates for family farmers via education efforts designed to strengthen rural communities according to its official website. Its grassroots structure allows policies originating at the local level before becoming national priorities as described by NFU. With members spread across many states through various divisions according to NFU, it has also influenced national organic standards promoting sustainable farming methods as reported by NFU.
