Issue:

Family farmers in the United States are under extreme economic pressure and thousands are pushed off their land every year. This crisis in farm country is threatening the very existence of the family farm in America. As family farms are forced out by large, factory farms, the quality of our food, our environment and our food security is in danger. If we are to once again become a nation fed by family farmers, we must ensure that our farmers can support their families and get a fair return for their hard work. If we don't, we'll lose our family farms and surrender control of our food supply to corporate agribusiness and factory farms.

Belief:

Independent family farmers are the pillars of their communities. They grow high quality food, are active in civic life, and are essential to the economic vitality of both their hometowns and the nation. As stewards of the land, family farmers work to protect the soil, air, water, and biodiversity in addition to producing high-quality, healthy food for everyone. There are many ways to find family-farmed food. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSAs) are local farms that allow people to buy a "share" of the harvest in order to receive weekly packages of seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the entire growing season. Farmers' markets also sell fresh, local foods at very competitive prices.