Dear Supporter,

Wherever there’s local food, there are farmers feeding communities and creating jobs.  Farmers and ranchers are responding to skyrocketing demand for fresh, healthy food everywhere – at farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and in schools across the nation.  At the same time, the farmers and ranchers across the country who feed us are getting older – the average American farmer is 57!  Now is the time to invest in the next generation of folks who want to raise our food and steward the land.  They’re going to be job creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators – as long as we help them get the tools they need to succeed.

How can we help farmers keep up with this increased demand? How can we help the next generation of farmers and ranchers succeed?  One key way is to make targeted investments in programs that create opportunities for new farmers and support local and regional food production.

There are two bills in Congress right now – The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act – whose inclusion in the 2013 Farm Bill will mean more new farmers in the field, increased income for farmers who produce healthy food for local communities, and more jobs in rural and urban areas across the country.

This is something everyone on both sides of the aisle can get behind – will you make a call today and ask your legislators to co-sponsor these two bills? 

Call (202) 224-3121 to connect directly with the offices of your Members of Congress. 

Before you make a call, check here and here!  If you see any of your legislators on these lists of co-sponsors, make your call a THANK YOU call!  Legislative co-sponsors are vital for the success of these bills – they can help move the bills through Congress and ensure they are included in the next farm bill.

Just pick up the phone and tell them you’ve got a message for your legislators: 

I am a constituent and a voter (Tell ‘em if you’re a farmer!). I support federal investments that will help get fresh, healthy local food in my community and train the next generation of farmers.  Please co-sponsor the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2013 today!

Thanks for speaking out!  Your voice will make a difference!

Want more information on the bills?  Check NSAC’s website for details on LFFJA and BFROA.

— The NSAC Grassroots Team

P.S. If you call – tell us how it went!