Who Are They?
The National Young Farmers Coalition is a grassroots organization founded on the guiding principles of fostering the next generation of farmers, whether they are first year apprentices on a farm or someone looking to make a career change. They support practices and policies that will grow and support the farmers of today and tomorrow.
(www.youngfarmers.org)
What Do They Grow?
The National Young Farmers Coalition was founded in 2009 first and foremost by a new generation of farmers looking to support their peers. It started out as a conversation between three young farmers who were discussing the challenges facing them and others in their shoes. Challenges many young farmers face include securing loans, access to affordable farmland, and student loan debt. NYFC seeks to break down these barriers that young farmers are facing today. The coalition is headed by a board of directors, including farmers, farm service providers and social entrepreneurs. Not only are young farmers part of the coalition but a range of members that include, but are not limited to, established farmers, farm service providers, good food advocates and conscious consumers are also part of the movement. The coalition supports independent family farms, sustainable farming practices, affordable land for farmers, fair labor practices, training and more.
The National Young Farmers Coalition also provides information to starting your own chapter in your region. NYFC chapters support advocacy, policy change, and partnership between those in the community. The chapters are a platform for young farmers to build success in their own endeavors, as well as providing support and connection to their peers. Currently there are 26 chapters in 25 states.
The National Young Farmers Coalition is a grassroots organization founded on the guiding principles of fostering the next generation of farmers, whether they are first year apprentices on a farm or someone looking to make a career change. They support practices and policies that will grow and support the farmers of today and tomorrow.
(www.youngfarmers.org)
What Do They Grow?
The National Young Farmers Coalition was founded in 2009 first and foremost by a new generation of farmers looking to support their peers. It started out as a conversation between three young farmers who were discussing the challenges facing them and others in their shoes. Challenges many young farmers face include securing loans, access to affordable farmland, and student loan debt. NYFC seeks to break down these barriers that young farmers are facing today. The coalition is headed by a board of directors, including farmers, farm service providers and social entrepreneurs. Not only are young farmers part of the coalition but a range of members that include, but are not limited to, established farmers, farm service providers, good food advocates and conscious consumers are also part of the movement. The coalition supports independent family farms, sustainable farming practices, affordable land for farmers, fair labor practices, training and more.
The National Young Farmers Coalition also provides information to starting your own chapter in your region. NYFC chapters support advocacy, policy change, and partnership between those in the community. The chapters are a platform for young farmers to build success in their own endeavors, as well as providing support and connection to their peers. Currently there are 26 chapters in 25 states.
How Do They Help New Farmers Grow?
Here are some ways The National Young Farmer Coalition can help you:
Here are some ways The National Young Farmer Coalition can help you:
- RESOURCES- Get plugged in with a directory of resources that range from farmer to farmer training in your state to getting financed.
- LAND AND JOBS- Are you looking for land, a job or an internship? The National Young Farmers Coalition has a comprehensive list of different data bases that will connect you to what you are looking for. The national listings have something for everyone no matter what state you are in.
- FINDING THE RIGHT CREDIT/ CAPITAL- Finding the finances to pursue a job in farming is often one of the most daunting tasks a young farmer faces when starting out. Get your foot in the right direction by learning what types of credit and capital options are available to you. The coalition lists and gives a brief description of different loans that are available for farmers to get you started.
- GET CERTIFIED ORGANIC- The coalition provides a guide on the steps to getting USDA Certified Organic.
- GET CONNECTED- The website provides a forum for you to get connected with other farmers if you have any questions. Subjects include anything from policy, farm life and business management.
Blog by Alyse DeLeon
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