New Policy Area for PFI
PFI can now advocate for local and regional food system programs
In April, PFI’s board of directors approved a new policy area for Practical Farmers of Iowa focused on protecting and expanding local and regional food system programs.
This was the first time the board has approved a new policy area for PFI since 2018, when the board voted to add a focus on increasing access to crop insurance to PFI’s existing areas of focus at the time (beginning farmers, working lands conservation and sustainable agriculture research).
Given PFI’s history of nonpartisanship, which has been key to encouraging a big tent, some people may be surprised that PFI does any formal policy-related work. For those wondering when PFI got involved in policy and how we make decisions about policy work, some background may be helpful.
A History of Strategic Policy Work
The origins of formal policy work at PFI go back to 2009, when the board approved the formation of a policy committee. At that time, the board also approved three areas within the federal farm bill that PFI could advocate for: the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
“For the longest time, PFI was not going to get involved in policy because it would be perceived as partisan,” says longtime member Margaret Smith, who joined PFI’s board in February 2024 and serves on the policy committee. “But policy is not the same as partisan. Policy is for issues, not for parties.”
In 2010, the board approved a policy area focused on the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. And in 2018, it approved the narrow focus on increasing access to crop insurance. In a story published in the Autumn 2018 issue of this magazine, longtime board member Gayle Olson – who now serves as board secretary – said that strategic involvement in policy was important for PFI’s mission.
“If an organization is focused on sustainability – by definition a long view –it is difficult to completely shut out the role that policy plays,” Gayle said. “Also, policy will happen regardless. So I think it should be informed by the best research and the best thinkers.” She added that when PFI does speak on policy, “it speaks with a single, vetted voice on a narrow range of issues that are directly related to PFI’s mission and the difference it wants to make in the world.”
Board approval for the new local and regional foods policy area followed a similar course of rigorous vetting. So what does that look like?
First, a proposed policy must be farmer-driven. It must also be nonpartisan and solutions-driven. The policy committee, which consists of nine to 12 members representing PFI’s diverse membership, decides what policy proposals to elevate to the board of directors. The committee must vote unanimously to recommend a new policy area to the board, which then has the final vote on whether to add a new official policy area.
A Natural Expansion of Our Local Foods Work
Following the April policy vote, PFI may now advocate for protecting and expanding programs that support farmers’ efforts to create robust local and regional food systems. This includes programs such as Choose Iowa, Local Food Promotion Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Purchase Assistance, Local Food for Schools and Regional Food Systems Partnerships.
Margaret says local foods fit PFI’s work to build resilient farms and communities. “[Local food] has been an issue for so long now in my neighborhood. It keeps money moving through the local economy and it’s a risk management strategy, for farmers and the supply chain.”
Though a new policy area, local foods work is not new for PFI. We’ve been collaborating with other organizations to develop stronger local and regional food systems for many years.
The topic has also been a frequent focus of field days and conference sessions. Margaret says that with this history, it makes sense to expand into policy work in this area. “It’s easier to influence policymakers when you have a proven track record,” she says.
Policy work can be viewed as an extension of the education work PFI is built on. We know our members’ research, knowledge and experiences can help shape sensible policy and government programs.
In 2018, Gayle said that “policy happens at many different levels.” Margaret agrees. “We’re working to educate in Washington as well as at the state level. Positive change can happen faster with policy than without it.