FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Community Farm Alliance (CFA) hosted its 23rd annual conference on Feb. 9 with the focus of the meeting on efforts to cultivate a more equitable, sustainable and locally integrated food economy (L.I.F.E.), an initiative started by the organization in 2003.<br>
In its two-plus decades of work, the CFA has billed itself as a grassroots organization that has created new farmers’ markets in underserved urban communities, developed Farm-to-Cafeteria programs that link local farmers with institutional buyers and promoted family farm-friendly policies in the state capital in an effort to create a local food economy.<br>
This year’s conference, entitled “Expanding the Circle of L.I.F.E.-Inclusion, Ideas and Action,” featured keynote speaker and National Family Farm Coalition President George Naylor, who led a discussion on building a national farm movement. Workshops were also available that included sessions on Farm-to-School Programs, the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and fostering Urban Food Systems.<br>
Additionally, the conference focused on legislation before the Kentucky General Assembly that the organization supports. House Bill 495, introduced by Democrat state representatives Rick Rand and Johnny Bell, concerns the NAIS. The law would basically prevent any state mandate concerning animal identification unless it becomes a federal mandate first.<br>
“This bill will establish some boundaries for our Kentucky farmers against a federal program that has had difficulty gaining momentum,” said Rand.<br>
The USDA backed off plans to make the system mandatory and many against the system feel the issue is being placed in the states’ hands to enforce – something Adam Barr, a farmer and CFA member, doesn’t think is a good idea.<br>
“In my opinion, the NAIS would create an umbrella bureaucracy and would help producers go out of business,” he said. “Our destiny is not to have NAIS because the federal government says so. Everyone should have a say in it. There should be a democratic process that leads to any NAIS mandate, not because the government is shoving it down our throats.<br>
“CFA is critical to the process of building a food and farm system in Kentucky that works for people. As a small family farmer, I’m proud to work with folks towards a food economy that can help protect farmland, encourage responsible land use, strengthen ties between urban and rural residents and address healthy food access concerns.<br>
“No one else in the state is doing anything like it, that’s why it’s so important,” he said.<br>
The other piece of legislation is HB 484, which would require public postsecondary institutions to purchase local ag products. The bill was introduced by state representatives Dwight Butler (R) and Charlie Hoffman (D).
“I’m glad to be able to work with CFA to accomplish something good for farmers and the agriculture community,” said Butler. “This bill is a win-win situation for Kentucky’s universities and our farmers, and I see lots of good coming from this.<br>
“As we move more and more toward diversifying our farms, it is important that we have markets. In order for farmers to stay profitable, we have to have markets, and I thank CFA for working with me on this and for pushing us forward toward those new markets.”<br>
CFA has worked to bring local commodities to urban areas for those who might not otherwise have access to fresh foods.
“We’ve realized that we have to develop a comprehensive set of policies that build on both the rural and urban bases, because our destinies are tied,” said CFA board member Dorcilla Johnson.
Initiatives by CFA members in Louisville include citywide buy-local legislation and incentives for neighborhood retailers to sell local food instead of only alcohol and “junk food,” added Johnson. Another project started by the group is a distribution business known as Grasshoppers LLC. According to CFA, the farmer-owned business provides the key element many food systems lack to meet the demands of small-scale retail distribution needs for local farmers.<br>
For more about the CFA, visit its website at www.communityfarmalliance.org