Mission & Goals
Mission
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is the leading voice for sustainable agriculture in the federal policy arena, joining together the voices of grassroots farm, food, conservation, and rural organizations from all regions of the country to advocate for federal policies and programs supporting the long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (“NSAC”) was founded upon two shared, integrated, and equal priorities. These are:
- to support, build, develop and engage the grassroots of sustainable agriculture for the health and vitality of the sustainable agriculture movement; and
- to research, develop and advocate federal policies relating to farm, food, and environmental issues, appropriations, and implementation to support and advance sustainable agriculture.
Committed to diversity, NSAC builds capacity among members at the grassroots to develop leadership. It is a coalition with political, media, communications, and collaboration expertise that employs effective and experienced staff.
Guiding Principles
NSAC’s policy development and advocacy work is grounded in six key guiding principles:
1.Widespread control of farm and ranch land by family-run proprietorships and fair and competitive agricultural markets support healthy socioeconomic conditions in rural communities.
2.Value-adding enterprises and improved access to and utilization of new markets for sustainably-grown products facilitate enhanced farm viability.
3.Farming systems are more resilient when they use methods that are resource-enhancing and in concert with nature.
4.Farming systems that restore and conserve natural resources provide a determinable public benefit.
5.Sustainable food systems embrace equity and diversity.
6.Strong local and state-based organizations promote sustained grassroots engagement in the policymaking process.