Thank you for working towards a sustainable future! Here are some steps you can take:
Farmers marched for climate action.
Keep up the pressure!
Did you hear that a historic number of farmers from across the country just marched on Washington demanding action on climate in the farm bill? The Farmers for Climate Action: Rally for Resilience caught Congress’ attention. Now, as Congress begins to write the next farm bill, we need to make sure they listen to those farmers and support real, farmer-led climate action. The Agriculture Resilience Act will expand resources for sustainable farmers working hard to build healthy soils and contribute to climate change mitigation. Will you send a note to your representatives and ask them to become a cosponsor?
Tell Congress: we need funding for grazing!
We are in the midst of appropriations season – the time of year when Congress starts piecing together spending bills for the next fiscal year. thanks to advocates like you, GLCI received $14 million in the FY22 and FY23 funding bills. Unfortunately, President Biden’s FY24 Budget did not provide any funding for GLCI. That means it will be up to Congressional agriculture appropriators to protect its funding and increase it to $30 million to meet the nation’s actual needs.
Can you make a quick call today to your Member of Congress’ office?
Step 1: Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121
Step 2: Ask to speak with their agricultural appropriations aide and leave a message for your Senators and Member of Congress like this:
“Hi, my name is ____ and I’m a constituent and a ____ [farmer, parent, concerned citizen, etc.]. As your constituent, I care about opportunities to support grass-based livestock farmers! I urge [Senator/Congressperson] to increase funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) in the Fiscal Year 2024 agricultural appropriations bill to $30 million, which brings it closer to today’s needs and is just and helps more farmers access new markets for grass-based livestock! GLCI offers technical assistance and education that helps farmers [like me] succeed in grass-based farming.”
(If you like, you may add in a brief personal explanation of why grazing has been important to your farm’s success). Then thank them, and you’re done!!
