Join us for a special opportunity to boost your voice in the upcoming Farm Bill! With Congress expected to move quickly on a new version of the bill, this online listening session is a chance for farmers to speak directly about the importance of USDA programs for their operations, including how recent cuts to grant programs and the USDA workforce have impacted them. NOFA/Mass will facilitate and compile anonymous feedback to share with legislators and both Ag Committees.

The most recent farm bill expired in 2023, with certain provisions extended multiple times to ensure the continuation of essential programs. The Big Beautiful Bill that was recently passed as a reconciliation bill contained some of the provisions typically reserved for the Farm Bill, subverting the traditional farm bill negotiation process. So where does the Farm Bill stand now? There is renewed movement within the Ag Committees to pass a “skinny” or “hollow” farm bill in the next couple months. Come share your thoughts, stories and experiences with us to make an impact on this important piece of legislation. 

About the Facilitators: Laura Davis and Randy Violette

Randy Violette is a Policy Coordinator and Technical Assistance Provider with NOFA/Mass. Since Summer 2023, he has advocated for Farm Bill provisions that support small farms, young and beginning farmers, and BIPOC farmers. In February, he joined a coalition of advocates with the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) to lobby Congress on behalf of family farmers and key legislative priorities. Randy has five years of hands-on experience working on farms across Massachusetts and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at UMass Amherst, with a focus on agricultural policy.

Laura Davis is the Board Chair of the NOFA/Mass Policy Committee as well as a member of the NOFA Interstate Policy committee and an  active participant in the National Organic Coalition. She is the Organic Certification Assistance Coordinator and Soil Technical Advisor at NOFA/Mass and has operated  a no-till certified organic vegetable farm for 13 years.  

Questions?

Contact Randy at randy@nofamass.org for any questions.