#supportfarmers

An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Co-sponsor the Farmers Feeding America Act (S. 2713 / H.R. 6203)

703 so far! Help us get to 1,000 signers!

Please support farmers and help families access the food we all need to thrive by strengthening The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) through co-sponsoring the Farmers Feeding America Act (S. 2713 and H.R. 6203). This legislation would:

- Double annual mandatory funding for TEFAP food purchases to help people facing hunger and support the U.S. agricultural economy.

- Increase annual funding for TEFAP storage and distribution to $200 million to help food banks offset the rising costs of storing, transporting and distributing nutritious foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

- Establish alternative delivery options for commodities allocated to geographically isolated states.

A strong agricultural sector that has deep partnerships with food banks and other emergency food assistance providers is essential to helping end hunger in the U.S. Co-sponsoring the Farmers Feeding America Act is an important stepping stone toward a future without food insecurity. Thanks!

▶ Created on March 19 by Jess Craven

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Every year, National Farmers Day is celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of farmers to the Nation along with their solid as a rock, tireless, and most important professions. To farmers in India, they are not only the main and silent heroes who take care of the food security for millions that the nation and the world are depending on. At the time when agriculture and the environment are stuck in a debate where one side has to give in, it becomes very important to draw the younger generation’s attention to the fact that farming is an inseparable part of our lives.

At Geetanjali International School, we have a big heart for the farming community and we do our part in teaching the value of this profession to our future citizens. National Farmers Day is the day of special events, workshops, and hands-on learning sessions. Our children learn about the different fields ranging from modern farming techniques and organic practices to the significance of supporting local farmers. They have their character as well as their part in the society shaped in this way from very early times.

Why National Farmers Day Matters

Farmers have to deal with many problems such as erratic weather and unpredictable prices for their produce. Agricultural workers’ recognition motivates not only the agricultural community but also the younger generation to consider agriculture, sustainability, and rural development as career paths. By the celebration of this day in schools, students not only get to know the source of their food but they also get the awareness of the amount of effort involved in delivering it to their plates.

Engaging Students Through Experiential Learning

Geetanjali International School, a top Cambridge curriculum school in Bangalore, gives students the opportunity to learn through experience by making them partake in mini farming projects with the purpose of knowing the cycle of crops, attending workshops on the conservation of water and soil health, and interacting with farmers near their place to get acquainted with the traditional way of farming.

These activities make sure that the learning process is not confined to the walls of the classroom and thus, play a huge part in raising the curiosity and consciousness about agriculture in a non-traditional and amusing manner.

Fascinating Insights About Indian Farmers

India ranks second in the world when it comes to the production of fruits and vegetables.

Agriculture constitutes the main source of income for around 58% of Indian rural households.

Farmers' contribution to India's GDP is around 17-18%, thereby indicating their indispensable position in the economy.

Women farmers are a significant part of the agricultural workforce, comprising almost 33%, but they are still the ones who face the most difficulties in terms of land ownership and access to resources.

There is a rising trend of organic farming in India with over 2.5 million hectares of land being organically certified for cultivation.

The average age of Indian farmers is going up, thus it becomes all the more important to teach the younger generation to love agriculture.

I'm not talking about corporate farms or farmers either.  I'm talking about local farms, local farmers.  The Ma and Pa farms that refuse to mass-produce our food.  They refuse to use chemicals and genetically modified seeds to grow crops.  They refuse to use glyphosate on weeds or on wheat crops to dry the wheat quicker so they can get another planting in before the end of the season.  They refuse to abuse animals letting them roam as animals should instead of keeping them in dark, dank, dreary enclosed buildings where they never see the sun shine or breathe fresh air. 

Instead, cattle and sheep craze in untainted green fields, chickens and turkeys hunt and peck in the outdoors foraging for worms, bugs or whatever else they can find to consume from sweet Mother Earth. Swine roam and graze in woods and fields enjoying the freedom that any animal deserves.  

Real farmers refuse to sell out to China or to Bill Gates.  They won't sell out for money, giving up everything that generations of families worked so hard to build. They know that real food doesn't come from a cheap fast food chain or from a box that sits on a shelf in the center of the grocery store. 

Real food is grown and raised on God's green earth.  No additives.  If we don't stand up and protect our farmers, real food will vanish.  Health will be maintained through big pharma, a.k.a., Big Harma.  All you'll do is pop a pill for this ill or for that pain. Eventually you'll eat what they tell you to eat and like it!  Sound familiar? 

If we don't unite in local communities here in the States and around the world, we will own nothing and be happy.  Or will we?  15-minute cities?  Really?  Have you ever sat and thought what that would be like?  It is so easy to pull out your phone and let someone scan your phone to make a digital payment.  Have you ever thought what would happen if they turn off all that technology?  

Cash is still king for me.  I refuse to be a part of the destruction of society.  I refuse to take part in the destruction of our bees.  I will shop at any local farm within 30 miles of my home.  I will barter and/or volunteer and help them during peak seasons when the work is non-stop.  I will shop at local farmers' markets and get to know our farmers by name.  I will hug those farmers and thank them for all that they do to bring food to my table.  I'll thank God for our farmers and for our bees humming and working overtime to bring us health and the sweetness of everyday healthy living.  

Remember: No farmers, no food.  No Bees, no farmers!!  

I use my Substack to dig into topics like this—real food, real farmers, and what’s at stake if we don’t pay attention. If that resonates, you’re welcome to read along. https://donnaappelsherman.substack.com/