National Farmers Union, American Farmland Trust, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition led a coalition letter on Apr. 15 urging Congress to include funding for local and regional procurement of domestically produced agricultural products in any upcoming farmer economic relief package.
The groups say this move is necessary as family farmers and ranchers continue to face significant economic challenges from market volatility, increased costs, trade disruptions, and extreme weather. They argue that pairing immediate relief with investments in domestic markets can create more reliable demand for American-grown products.
“Local and regional supply chains are not only a cornerstone of rural economic resilience—they are essential to national food security,” the coalition wrote. The letter points to bipartisan legislation such as the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S.2338) and the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act (H.R. 4782) as possible models for implementation.
The coalition referenced previous U.S. Department of Agriculture programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools initiatives, which helped states, Tribes, and territories buy about $850 million worth of locally grown food from over 15,000 farmers and ranchers. These efforts strengthened regional supply chains and generated nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity.
Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union said: “Family farmers are squeezed by low prices, rising costs, and deep uncertainty. Investing in local and regional food procurement isn’t just good policy — it’s how we keep family farms viable and rural communities strong.”
John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust said: “Congress has an opportunity to deliver both immediate relief and long-term resilience by including funding for local and regional food procurement in their upcoming farmer assistance package. These investments create reliable demand for farmers and ranchers, provide nutritious food to communities across the country, keep more dollars circulating in rural communities, and help ensure that American agriculture can thrive well into the future.”
Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer at National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), said: “NASDA members are advocating for Congress to include robust funding for procurement of regionally produced food in any upcoming farmer economic relief package… Prioritizing procurement of local products can help deliver meaningful economic relief to U.S. farmers while advancing food security…”
Mike Lavender from NSAC added: “Reliable markets are foundational to farmers’ success – now is the moment to ensure that any agricultural economic relief package invests in stable domestic markets that will support farmers both today and well into the future.”
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture supports community development efforts such as land preservation initiatives while ensuring access to safe food resources according to its official website. NASDA affiliates with various regional associations as well as trade groups focused on promoting agricultural objectives according to its official website. The organization includes representation from all 50 states plus four U.S territories according to its official website.
Through policy work partnerships with other organizations—and community involvement—NASDA advances American agriculture according to its official website. Its operations extend across all states plus four territories according to its official website, influencing federal policy by representing state perspectives on key issues facing agriculture today according to its official website.
