The year was 1988, and in rural Minnesota during the cold of winter, several dozen sustainable agriculture leaders across the Midwest gathered for the first time to build a policy campaign to address the aftermath of the farm crisis and build a more sustainable future for farmers. This first small gathering contained the seeds of […]
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
At a Crossroads, House Farm Bill Falls Unmistakably Short
On Friday, February 13, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) released the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (FFNSA). The introduction of the bill comes amidst an historic moment in federal food and agriculture policy. More than seven years removed from the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers and ranchers […]
Comment: In Moment of Need, House Farm Bill Underdelivers with Empty Promises
For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Comment: In Moment of Need, House Farm Bill Underdelivers with Empty Promises Washington, DC, February 14, 2026 – The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) released the following statement attributable to Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director, in response to the Farm, Food, and National Security […]
Release: 500 Farmers Urge Congress to Act Amid Growing Farm Crisis
Release: 500 Farmers Urge Congress to Act Amid Growing Farm Crisis Washington, DC, February 11, 2026 – Today, a letter signed by 500 farmers and ranchers from across the country was delivered to key members of Congress urging immediate action to address the ongoing farm crisis. The letter outlines the severe challenges facing farmers, including […]
Guest Post: Remembering Michael Sligh, a champion for farmers and food justice
Editor’s Note: NSAC has been shaped for decades by creative, joyful, and smart leadership from hundreds of advocates and farmers. Today we mourn the recent loss of our longtime colleague Michael Sligh and are proud to celebrate his life and contributions to building a better world for farmers. This guest post was written by Kiki […]
USDA Staffing Crisis: Legal Oversight Cuts Undermine Fairness and Accountability
Several offices within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide legal guidance, oversight, and accountability for actions the Department takes, and these offices have endured significant staff losses in 2025. Their work, though often invisible to the public, is essential for ensuring that USDA follows its own rules and those set by Congress. It […]
RELEASE: Mike Lavender, Sophia Kruszewski Join National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Today the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) announced the addition of two new senior members to the Coalition’s policy team: Mike Lavender as Interim Policy Director and Sophia Kruszewski as Deputy Policy Director. … Read More →
NSAC Members Convene in Washington DC to Set 2018 Priorities
Last week, NSAC held its annual Winter Meeting in Washington, DC. This year’s meeting was held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University and was generously sponsored by Annie’s Homegrown, Clif Bar, Organic Valley, and Patagonia. Over 100 members representing the majority of NSAC’s 120 member organizations convened over four days in the nation’s […]