Robert E. Jones

While farm balance sheets may currently look good on the surface, many small and medium sized farms continue to struggle. What will it take to help them thrive? One of InCommon Group's clients, The Carrot Project, is featured in this morning’s NYT article: “I think in some ways they’re in a worse position than before the pandemic,” said Benneth Phelps, executive director of the nonprofit Carrot Project, which advises small farmers in New England. “We see a lot of farmers making hard decisions right now about whether to stay in or get out, because they’ve run out of steam.” The article points out the merits of the IRA’s $20 billion in conservation funding aimed at helping farmers fight climate change and become more resilient. Additional funding from ARPA has been aimed at helping farmers, including $400 billion for the development of Regional Food Business Centers. But the sad reality is that the current draft farm bills from both the House and Senate largely maintain the status quo – bolstering big agriculture at the expense of small and medium sized operations. We need more market access for diversified and regenerative farmers, too. Our friend, Nebraska farmer Graham Christensen, was also quoted in the article: “We don’t have anywhere to go with those [high-value] products when we’re done,” Mr. Christensen said. “Those are the markets we want, and we don’t have a way to get there.” Massive reform is needed if we are to turn the curve on the declining number of farmers and the ever-increasing consolidation–and to improve consumer’s access to healthy, regenerative food.  We truly need a BIG movement to make the changes needed to ensure a resilient, deconsolidated, diversified, accessible, and abundant food system for all. https://lnkd.in/eBe9wap7.

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It was a lot of fun to contribute to Foreign Policy magazine's #StateOfSeed podcast last month and share how the American Seed Trade Association works with partners all over the world. If you're interested in hearing about how the seed sector uses trade and plant breeding to feed the world -- and why we need policymakers to innovate so we can keep up with the #climate and #foodsecurity challenges we face -- check out episode 3 below. Special thanks to the International Seed Federation for making this possible! #JustGrowIt

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🖐 If you've missed it, but would like to learn more 🖐 , the Webinar featuring the #NewRoots Charlottesville team focused on lessons learned and adaptations of the Micro-Producer Academy ( MPA) is up! Take a listen here: https://lnkd.in/edSWjeGh #foodsecurity #urbanfarming #refugeeswelcome #livelihoods #farmertraining #foodsystems

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The emphasis on agribusiness and economically oriented solutions to sustainability may in fact be doing more harm than good for communities who live in—and make their livelihoods from—traditional social-ecological systems. https://lnkd.in/gnR8RnGS

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It is fascinating to see how government policies/subsidies can influence not only production levels and efficiencies, but farmer thinking as well

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It's been a long time coming in the rulemaking and feedback process but with yesterday's release of the final agricultural water regulation from FDA, International Fresh Produce Association members and industry now know what's expected in #freshproduce growing operations with respect to water testing, safety measures, and more. #fruitsandvegetables #foodsafety https://lnkd.in/eJWBnZwc

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SIMPLIFICATION TAKEAWAYS 🔎 In recent weeks, the European Commission's survey on simplification has been an interesting exercise in understanding the administrative complexity farmers face. While I regret many comments have focused on only one or two aspects of the data, the results are full of useful lessons for the future. Here are three key takeaways from my perspective of working with young farmers every day: 1️⃣ The profile of respondents makes the survey an unprecedented exercise. Out of around 27.000 submissions, 87% are made by farmers themselves. While it may seem like evidence, most public consultations on CAP implementation conducted by the EU's executive are open to all, which by definition does not constitute a problem at all but does mean that the views of farmers tend to be difficult to isolate. Even more interestingly, the age distribution of respondents gives a voice to all generations, including young farmers, who have submitted over 28% of the responses. It does show that administrative burden, or should I say implementation of the policy at the farm level, is a concern shared by all generations. 2️⃣ The use of external help to apply to CAP support is the norm rather than the exception. 78% of respondents indicate that they use some help outside the farm to prepare and submit their applications to the policy. The nature of that help is one of the most interesting data points in the whole survey, in my opinion. Farmers' organisations are often the first actors to whom farmers turn for help; this is the case for 36% of the respondents. They are followed by private companies such as banks and consultants (25%), no outside help (22%), and only then public authorities (18%). Such results pose serious questions for the future of our advisory services. 3️⃣ Digital tools, although always at the top of the list in discussions around policy simplification, are not a silver bullet. Half of the respondents declare that they are not using mobile devices for their applications, and 26% report issues while using them because they are not user-friendly, too time-consuming, or even lacking accuracy. Results on the use of remote sensors are not available publicly, but I can easily guess that the number of users will be very low, too. Those among you who run a farm or work for farmers' organisations will surely find those results logical instinctively, perhaps even aligned with your reality. They give us an opportunity to reflect on the many, often underestimated, implementation gaps that make our policy inefficient and, at times, frustrating. We need to work on this collectively, and I look forward to the survey's final results and the type of outcomes it can create. Find more information on the website of the European Commission and don't hesitate to share your thoughts below. ⤵ #agriculture #simplification #farmers #youngfarmers #cap #policyimplementation #policyanalysis #implementationgap #publicpolicy #europe

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🌍💥 Unmasking Big Meat & Dairy: The Hidden Culprits of Climate Inaction 💥 Following on from the February 2024 report by The Freedom Food Alliance disinformation report, Changing Markets Foundation has continued the conversation on how the powerful agribusiness giants are deploying distraction, delay, and derailment tactics to obstruct global environmental progress. Key findings include: 🐄 Extensive lobbying to block climate policies 🐄 Greenwashing and weak net zero targets 🐄 Targeted disinformation campaigns to Gen Z 🐄 ‘Unproven technofixes’ that taxpayers foot the bill for,  🐄 Delaying much-needed transition to more plant-based diets. It’s time to hold these industries accountable and champion a sustainable future for our planet. Link to my commentary below 👇

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Such useful insights on regen agriculture.

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Don't let groups vying to disparage animal agriculture mislead the public with hype and misinformation. Our milk supply is healthy and safe. The dairy cows that have tested positive for H5N1 have totally manageable clinical signs; slight fever, off feed, lowered milk production The beef in our supply chain has been tested and reaffirmed safe. At AGPROfessionals we have prepared an information hub to provide facts in one place for both consumers and producers. https://lnkd.in/g4BbNEAY

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In this Perspectives guest blog, Michelle Klieger discusses the European Union’s new deforestation regulations. Michelle is a 2024 Farm Foundation Young Agri-Food Leader and president of Stratagerm Consulting. Read the complete blog here: https://lnkd.in/gB3yywpV #farmfoundation #blog #agruculture #deforestation #trade

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With the House Agriculture Committee releasing the long-awaited legislative text of the $1.5 trillion Farm Bill, there’s a little bit for everyone in here…and significantly more for others… In terms of emerging tech, the draft aims to promote precision agriculture in the US by developing voluntary, consensus-based interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and best practices, establishing R&D centers around ag-tech, and developing public-private partnerships/testbeds around ag-tech. The substantive provisions related to AI include: ⬛ The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with relevant agencies, is required to consider the impact of AI on precision agriculture while developing relevant standards and guidelines. ◽ One of the purposes is to enhance the participation of precision agriculture in the United States, which may involve the adoption and integration of AI technologies in precision agriculture practices. ◽ The development of standards and guidelines is intended to promote economies of scale and ease the burden of adopting precision agriculture technologies, which could include AI-based solutions. ◽ The considerations for developing these standards and guidelines include addressing cybersecurity challenges facing precision agriculture, including threats to #agriculture producers and #supplychains. AI-based #cybersecurity solutions may be relevant in this context. ⬛ The draft allows for establishing centers of excellence that can focus on research, extension and education activities to develop, evaluate and deploy digital agriculture technologies, explicitly including AI and remote sensing systems. ⬛ The draft also directs the development of public-private partnerships in terms of #technology and #testbed development for developing and applying #emerging technologies, like AI, via pilot programs. Overall, these provisions recognize the potential impact and role of #AI in advancing precision agriculture practices in the US and aim to facilitate the adoption of AI-based technologies in this field by developing appropriate standards and guidelines. Monument Advocacy John Weber T.A. Hawks Lilia McFarland Horder Claire Zavrel Mike Glymph

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The United States has developed a productive agricultural system, but over time consolidation has pushed smaller producers aside, leaving them and their communities struggling. Our team is excited to be awarded funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to help build a resilient food system. Over the next 3 years, we will hire an instructor and develop a statewide program to support the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure funded projects and help these businesses connect to funding, technical assistance, and market opportunities. We are excited to be part of this national challenge to build a Resilient U.S. Food System. Learn more about these programs and resources available to you to be part of the change. USDA is using today’s pivotal moment to support a food system that works better for everyone. Through more than 50 grant, loan, and technical assistance programs, USDA is supporting greater opportunities for farmers, processors, distributors, and consumers — all toward building fair, competitive, local, and resilient U.S. food systems. #localfood #arkansasgrown #usda #foodsystems #foodsystemchangenow #foodsystemtransformation Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gE3QRmP3

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👉 New Blog Post! 👈 We've got a new blog post up reviewing media, government, and company responses to our groundbreaking report, "Hidden Harvest: Human Rights and Environmental Abuses in India's Shrimp Sector." An excerpt: "Some Indian shrimp interests have turned a blind eye to the issues. For instance, instead of assessing their supply chains, the Seafood Exporters Association of Indian (SEAI) has lashed out at the Associated Press and at CAL. Others have, with no evidence or rationale, claimed that CAL’s report is “fabricated.” Such statements demonstrate how important our findings were, highlighting the dark side of an industry that some companies would rather have kept hidden. When Indian shrimp interests attack the messenger, their refusal to engage on specifics speaks volumes as to the validity of our findings on such widespread practices as abuse of vulnerability, debt bondage, restriction of movement, dangerous working conditions, and environmental degradation." https://lnkd.in/ggbv4hye

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Challenges in the Indian shrimp sector to be aware of if you are sourcing shrimp from the region. Positive to read that some Indian producers have reached out to consultancies since these reports, to discuss how best to manage labour issues. #humanrights #workervoice #antibiotics #shrimpsupplychains

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Great to talk to 8point9.com / ffinlo Costain about the Agroecological Intelligence report - a deep dive into how UK agroecological farmers think and choose technologies for their farms and what key values inform those thoughts and choices. You can find the report at abiggerconversation.org

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Food can be medicine. That’s why some hospitals are teaming up with farms—or starting their own—to make fresh food part of patient care. Boston Medical Center's (BMC’s) Power Plant Farm “At Boston Medical Center (BMC), sustainability matters. On the roof of BMC’s natural gas-powered heat and electrical power plant, there is a 2,658-square-foot outdoor container farm, aptly named Power Plant Farm. Growing more than 30 varieties of crops, including cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, squash, herbs and leafy greens, the farm harvested 4,000 pounds of organically grown produce last year. “[This] represents a more holistic approach to care,” says Sarah Hastings, farm manager. “We are starting from square one, making the message clear that fresh foods help us heal and maintain our well-being.” The Preventive Food Pantry is the anchor of BMC’s FIM initiative. “We have more than 1,600 families, who receive about four days’ worth of food with each visit,” says Hastings. Used by cancer patients, those with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic health conditions, they are referred to the food pantry by their primary caregivers, who write prescriptions for foods promoting physical health, recovery from illness or as a preventative for future health issues. Throughout the hospital, patients and families are continually connected to the farm, reinforcing the message that healthy food matters. A large glass window in the waiting area of one of BMC’s buildings allows patients and their families to see the farm. “There is an especially heartwarming connection when patients or their families make it down to the farmer’s market in the foyer after observing the crops from the waiting area,” says Hastings. The farmer’s market operates once a week, with the produce sold at subsidized prices to staff, patients and their families. BMC’s Teaching Kitchen also incorporates farm produce into recipe tutorials for patients and their families to help them learn healthy ways of preparing food. For example, patients can attend a class at the Teaching Kitchen before bariatric surgery to help them learn simple ways to prepare food that will help their stomachs heal post-surgery and prevent nutritional deficiencies. “The farm brings a lot of excitement to the hospital,” says Hastings.” #farmtoinstitution #farmtohospital #localfood #foodsystems #foodsystemtransformation #sustainablefoodsystems #foodinsecurity #foodsecurity #nutritionsecurity #foodequity #foodservice #sustainablefood #sustainablefoods #plantbased #plantbaseddiets #preventivemedicine #foodismedicine #nutrition #nutritionpolicy #dietitians #chefs #ecochefs #nutritionists

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