Feb 6, 2025

Fresh Views: Individuals key to ag advocacy 

The importance of having a seat at the table should not be unheeded or undervalued. Remaining diligent in advocating for farmer needs ensures that farmer voices are heard at the local, state and federal levels. You can be supportive of — or against — a policy or regulation,but being absent from the discussion offers no value. Organizations such as Farm Bureau utilize grassroots political advocacy, beginning at the county level — uniting farmers’ and ranchers’ voices into one decisive tone directly impacting agricultural policy.

Southeastern fruit and vegetable producers are never short of difficulties. Ongoing labor issues, market discrepancies and competition, natural disasters, rising input costs and supply chain issues are just a few examples of the difficulties these farmers have faced the last few years. Grassroots advocacy begins by working with growers directly to understand the complexities behind these problems.

Farmers are not short of knowledge, determination, or resiliency, but often they are short on time and availability to step away from their farms. This substantiates the importance of grower groups to have adequate and informed representation to advocate on their behalf so that they can continue to produce the food and fiber which feeds and clothes the population both domestically and abroad.

Local, state and federal legislation is discussed fluidly. Discussion points, priority issues, limitations and other focuses often require close monitoring and dialogue. It’s important to establish policy positions within grower groups to ensure that advocacy efforts reflect the desires of the producers.

Those advocating on behalf of producers can do so more proficiently when they know where they want the road to end, even if the path is full of twists and turns. That being said, there is a difference between policy development and implementation. Simply having a stance on policy doesn’t ensure it comes to fruition. The implementation of policy also doesn’t end once achieved. Often opposing views and conflicting legislation arise afterward and positions taken must be held fast or built upon. Therefore, policy development and implementation should also exhibit fluidity.

This is the nature of public policy. Ultimately, the producer must be willing to take their own seat at the table and contribute to the process. Involvement ensures producer desires are known. Even when outcomes don’t meet expectations, it creates accountability for legislators and leadership.

Advocacy efforts can also be in support of general, non-policy specific, programs or efforts. For example, Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southeast last September. This devastating storm caused billions of dollars worth of damage to the agricultural industry. Advocacy efforts began immediately by encouraging general support for agricultural devastated areas. 

The Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund was initiated just days after the storm passed. Through collaboration and strong relationships throughout Georgia’s agricultural industry, this relief effort was a unifying declaration in support of Georgia agriculture.

The role of public policy in these disastrous situations is clear: provide immediate support for producers and ensure that assistance is adequate, accurate and timely. Working directly with congressional offices and government agencies, public policy organizations speak on behalf of their members to quickly address issues and encourage action.

Achievement through advocacy should be a core philosophy for any public policy organization. Maintaining relationships with leadership and being involved and educated are tools that anyone can employ. Special interest topics fruit and vegetable producers should be mindful of for 2025 will include labor, disaster and economic assistance, changes to tax code, the farm bill and insurance, interstate trade regulations, and market barrier legislation.

As we begin a new year, I would encourage any fruit and vegetable producer to be informed and engaged on these issues. We are stronger together and our voices carry further when our messages are the same. Reach out to others in your networks and encourage participation. Be vocal, be respectful, and be remindful – that security for our nation’s food supply begins at home. 

Raynor Churchwell is the agricultural programs manager for the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and a member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2024. Churchwell leads GFB’s commodity advisory committees, aiding growers on the practical implications of ag policy and regulations. He is also a liaison between GFB and Georgia’s ag commodity commissions and associations, promoting GFB programs and the organization’s issues.