Join the Farmer Rally for Climate Action
March 6-8 in Washington, D.C.
By Larissa McKenna, Humane Farming Program Director
Farmers and farmworkers around the country are experiencing the increasing impacts of climate change. But many of them are also at the leading edge of developing climate solutions.
Federal policy needs to promote and encourage farmer-led climate solutions. That is why thousands of farmers, farm workers, and farmer allies - including FACT - will be converging on Washington D.C from March 6 to 8 for the Farmer Rally for Resilience. This three-day event will include a rally and concert, as well as an opening kick-off, press events, and a lobby day. And, just maybe, a grazing demonstration on the National Mall!
More about the event:
Coined “Farmers for Climate Action: Rally for Resilience,” a grassroots alliance of farmers, farmworkers and farmer allies will be heading to Washington D.C. during the week of March 6, 2023, with a singular ask for policymakers: make climate change policy a priority in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The event aims to bring a mass mobilization of producers to the Capitol, reminiscent of the 1979 Tractorcade. With the 2023 Farm Bill on the docket, farmers, ranchers, and advocates want legislators to address the severe challenges facing the farming community due to the climate crisis. The next Farm Bill needs to explicitly empower farmers to tackle climate change by providing resources, assistance, and incentives that will allow them to lead the way in implementing proven climate solutions.
In addition to drawing attention to the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of our climate crisis, farmers will be calling on our nation’s politicians to enact policies that promote racial equity and address the history of discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. It is critical that the expertise and knowledge of these communities to steward the land be recognized in the Farm Bill, and as these communities are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, that they are engaged in the development of climate-solution policies and programs.
Current lead organizational partners include: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Rural Coalition, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Land Assistance Fund, HEAL Food Alliance, Farm Aid, National Young Farmers Coalition, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Rural Advancement Foundation International USA, Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association, Land Stewardship Project, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Kiss the Ground, Family Farm Defenders, the Union of Concerned Scientists, American Agricultural Movement, American Sustainable Business Network, Certified Naturally Grown, and Organic Seed Alliance.
Tentative schedule – subject to change:
Monday, March 6
4:00 pm Welcome and opening
5:00 pm Reception and sign-making
Demonstration of climate-friendly farming practices begins – spans all 3 days
Tuesday, March 7
10:00 am March
11:00 am Rally / concert on National Mall
3:00 pm Lobby day training
Wednesday, March 8
9:00 am Press event focused on farmers’ stories
10:00 am Farmer meet with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill
4:00 pm Closing