1. Join a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) or shop at a local farmers market: These avenues are the most direct ways to support local farmers. A CSA is a program in which members purchase a share of vegetables from a local farmer in regular installments over the course of the season. In a neighborhood CSA, members take on administrative and management duties, allowing the farmer to focus on growing and delivering quality vegetables.
2. Donate: Consider donating to organizations whose mission is to look out for the interests of young farmers. Donations to the Rodale Institute funds research to support economically viable organic agriculture. Contributing to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service helps farmers implement sustainable practices which utilize innovations in science and technology. Or, support representatives from the NYFC who speak up for young farmers in local and national political arenas.
3. Be informed: Visit EatWild for information on how young farmers are more likely to implement grass-farming systems, and read about the other ways young farmers are using sustainable practices. The Greenhorns, a nonprofit, grassroots organization that connects and recruits new farmers through media, created a documentary film about the struggles of new farmers. Watch the film, or explore their events calendar and other media outlets, to find out more.
4. Tell policymakers: Let government officials know that young farmers are key to the future of agriculture by supporting policies that make farming a viable option for those just starting out. Join Food Tank in asking local officials to provide services and aid for new farmers by clicking here.
5. Volunteer: Volunteering time and skills can be invaluable. When community members offer their own skills, farmers can spend more time nurturing the land. Reach out to a local farmer’s market to inquire about opportunities. The Young Farmer Network recruits volunteers for varying aspects of the national program, from media and advertising to event planning.
6. Be hands-on: Visiting a working farm can be educational and fun. Use the LocalHarvest farm directory and take a family trip, or group of friends, to learn about the inner workings of a local farm. Knowledge and exposure to farm life will help invest future generations in local agriculture. For long-term farm work, including internships or apprenticeships, visit WWOOF or GoodFoodJobs.
7. Share with friends: Chef and author Bryant Terry encourages individuals to help by “making a delicious meal and sharing it with friends to illustrate how wonderful this food can be ... then encouraging them to have a similar way of getting their own food.” Sharing sustainable practices and food experiences with others will motivate them to support young farmers.
8. Join a co-op: Most co-ops strive to stock their shelves with locally grown food. Co-ops keep prices low by relying on the participation and management of its members, while still paying farmers fair prices. Search the directory to find a local co-op.
9. Find your favorite foods locally: Many farmers in the United States use LocalHarvest to reach out to a wider community. Check to see if your farm-fresh favorites are available nearby or online.
10. Spread the word: Social media is powerful. Telling others about a budding farm or agriculture event via social media can bring awareness and understanding of this issue to an even wider audience. Spread the word on opportunities, like how to become a Global Community Champion or enter the Real Food Media Contest and use #FoodTank to keep us updated!
11. Join young farmer organizations and mentoring programs: Help cultivate the next generation of farmers by mobilizing and engaging youth to start careers in agriculture. Play a big role in beginning farmers’ careers by joining the National Young Farmers Coalition, the National Farmers Union, Young Professionals for Agricultural Development, Farmer to Farmer, and more.
