FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Reana Kovalcik
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
P: 202-547-5754, E: rkovalcik@sustainableagriculture.net 

Dr. Eric Deeble Joins National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition as Policy Director

Washington, DC, January 16, 2020 – Following a rigorous national search, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) today announced the hiring of Dr. Eric Deeble to serve as the 30-year old organization’s new Policy Director.

“Eric is an excellent fit for the work that we as a Coalition are hoping to advance,” said NSAC Coalition Director Sarah Hackney. “This is a pivotal time for organizations and communities working toward a more just, sustainable farm and food system. Eric understands the importance of building power from the grassroots up and the value of NSAC’s role in bringing those voices to decision-making tables in Washington. I’m excited for the wealth of experience and ideas that he will contribute to our Coalition.”

Before coming to NSAC, Eric worked with the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as Senior Policy Advisor for agriculture, nutrition, and the arts. Senator Gillibrand is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a longtime ally to NSAC and to family farmers and ranchers. Eric is also a large animal veterinarian with experience working with producers to adopt more sustainable practices and farming in low resource communities.

“I’m excited to help the Coalition renew its commitment to and focus on a sustainable, just, and equitable food system for all,” said Deeble. “I look forward to working with the staff of NSAC and the Coalition’s 130+ member organizations to amplify the voices of farmers and grassroots advocates. Together we can create opportunity and enhance equity for small and mid-sized family farms, improve access to healthy food in every community, and champion sustainable agriculture practices to grow well and restore our world. Our goal is to make ‘sustainable agriculture’ the new normal for every farmer and rancher across the country.”

The hiring team, comprised of senior NSAC staff along with member leaders within the Coalition, identified Deeble’s broad-ranging agriculture and food policy knowledge, his strategic advocacy insights, and his commitment to mentorship and leadership development as key strengths that he will bring to the Coalition. Deeble will start his work with NSAC at the end of January, in time for the Coalition’s annual Winter Meeting, at which policy and grassroots priorities for the coming year are set. NSAC’s Deputy Policy Director Juli Obudzinski served as Interim Policy Director during the search and hiring process and will return to her prior role in February.

“Juli’s leadership during this time of transition has been fundamental to the continued success of the Coalition,” said Hackney. “We’re grateful that she was willing to step up as Interim Policy Director during our extensive search and hiring process and that she will continue in her leadership role into the future as Deputy Policy Director.”

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About the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform supporting the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Learn more and get involved at: https://sustainableagriculture.net