The U.N. has declared 2014 the International Year of Family Farming. The goal of the year is to “reposition family farming at the center of agricultural, environmental and social policies” in national agendas across the world. The effort seeks to increase awareness of the challenges faced by family farmers and how we all can support them.
All of us at Farm Aid are excited about a full year of celebrating family farmers. And not to toot our own horn, but we’ve had a bit of practice over the past 29 years. While our mission is dedicated to family farmers in the U.S., it goes without saying that the rest of the world needs family farmers as much as we do. Regardless of the continent they farm on, independent family farmers have immense value for their community, their country and the planet. In our opinion, an international celebration of family farmers is exactly what this world needs—each and every day of every year.
To kick off the Year of Family Farming we’re going to dive into the heart of the matter by revisiting the question: What is a Family Farmer? Throughout the year, we’ll be adding to this discussion. The 2012 Census of Agriculture was released yesterday and when we have a chance to dig into those numbers, we’ll know a great deal about the current state of family farming in America. We’d love to hear your questions about family farmers and the challenges they face. Drop us a line to tell us what you’d like to know!
Farmer Heroes Growing Change
To celebrate the life of a farmer who embodies the true spirit of family farming in America and across the world, we take a look back at John Kinsman’s Farmer Hero story. When John passed away at the age of 87 last month, the world lost a farmer and a leader in the movement for farmers’ rights and international food sovereignty and justice. We are lucky that John inspired and mentored so many who will continue in his footsteps
Tags: Farm Aid, Willie Nelson