Strengthen America's Family Farms and Rural Communities
- by: Center for Rural Affairs
- recipient: Congress
We must change our course and support farm and rural policy that revitalizes rural America.
The single most effective thing Congress can do to strengthen rural America is to target farm programs to family farms. Today, unlimited farm program checks subsidize large, aggressively expanding operations that drive up land costs and drive their smaller neighbors out of business. Reforming farm programs will save money, and that money can be invested in creating a future for rural America.
Rural Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial, small business development lifts the veil of poverty and dependence on low-wage work, creates economic opportunity, and brings people back to rural areas.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Supporting the future of family farming and ranching through training, mentoring, and education is a down payment on a vibrant future for all of rural America.
Conservation: Conservation programs that reward farmers and ranchers for good stewardship on working lands rather than by what and how much they produce protects the soil, water, and air for all of America.
Dear Senator / Representative:
[Your Personal Comment Here]
I urge you to support farm and rural policy that will strengthen our nation's family farms and rural communities.
The single most effective thing Congress can do to strengthen rural America is to target farm programs to family farms. Today, unlimited farm program checks subsidize large, aggressively expanding operations that drive up land costs and drive their smaller neighbors out of business. Reforming farm programs will save money, and that money can be invested in creating a future for rural America. I urge you to support:
Small Business Entrepreneurship: Less than 2% of Americans live on farms, and rural economies are incredibly diverse. Entrepreneurial, small business development lifts the veil of poverty and dependence on low-wage work, creates economic opportunity, and brings people back to rural areas. It is by far the most promising strategy for revitalizing rural America.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: The future of rural America depends on the next generation of family farmers and ranchers. Training, mentoring, linking, education and planning for beginning farmers is a down payment on creating a vibrant future for all of rural America.
Conservation: Conservation programs preserve land and water by rewarding farmers and ranchers for good stewardship on working lands. They are good for family farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and all of America.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
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