Helping Farmers Inform the Policies That Affect Their Lives 

Policy work at Practical Farmers strives to reflect the organization's history and values of supporting positive alternatives for farmers. We envision a future where healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities are a reality for all – and where all who wish to farm are empowered to do so. 

Practical Farmers does not support campaigns, regulations or actions against any specific agricultural practice, policy or entity. 

Policy Positions

We work toward policy solutions at the state and federal level for the following areas: 

Conservation for working lands, including: 

  • Protection and expansion of Conservation Stewardship Program, a working lands conservation program designed to protect and improve natural resources and the environment. 
  • Protection and expansion of Environmental Quality Incentives Program, a voluntary conservation program in which farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices on agricultural working land in return for financial cost-share assistance and technical assistance. 

Beginning farmer and rancher support, including: 

  • Protection and expansion of Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, a competitive grant program that funds education, extension, outreach and technical assistance initiatives directed at helping beginning farmers and ranchers. 
  • Equal access to federal crop insurance for beginning and diverse farmers. 

Local and regional food systems, including:  

Sustainable agriculture research, including: 

  • Protection and expansion of Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, a program advancing agricultural innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education. 
  • Support for other public funds for rigorous, unbiased sustainable agriculture research. 

Policy Committee

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 of directors. Current policy committee members are: 

  • Chris Henning
  • Gayle Olson
  • Ron Rosmann
  • Ryan Marquardt
  • Sam Bennett
  • Carmen Black
  • Meredith Nunnikhoven
  • Brice Hundling
  • Margaret Smith

Get Involved

Legislator visits 

Practical Farmers regularly provides opportunities for farmers to directly participate in policy discussions with legislators in their home district as well as in Washington D.C. The face-to-face interaction and sharing of stories helps show policy makers that federal programs have a real impact on farmers   and their communities. If you'd like to participate in a legislative visit, please contact Adam Mason. 

Action Farmers 

At times there is a need for immediate contact through letters and calls to our congressional leaders – for instance, during the mark-up and amendment periods of Farm Bill creation. At PFI, action farmers are a self-selected group of farmers (and friends of farmers) who stand ready to act on behalf of Practical Farmers of Iowa If you would like to get involved, please contact Adam Mason. 

PFI Perspectives email discussion list 

Open to all members of Practical Farmers of Iowa, the PFI Perspectives discussion list is a place for discussion of policy concerns, legislation and action alerts. This is a members-only benefit. Contact Debra Boekholder if you'd like to be added to the list.