The “Farmers First Agenda” aims to revolutionize American agriculture by supporting family farms while ensuring affordable, healthy food reaches every American table.

At a Glance

• The initiative, supported by the America First Policy Institute, focuses on lowering production costs for farmers and reducing food costs for families
• Family farmers are crucial to America’s economy, contributing 14% of jobs and 5% of GDP
• Key leaders like Ambassador Kip Tom advocate for fewer regulations and increased consumer education about fresh food options
• The agenda promotes bringing farm-fresh foods to American homes and schools as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement
• Leveraging America’s abundant agricultural resources will help rebuild regional food systems and support rural communities

Revitalizing Rural America Through Family Farms

Family farms form the backbone of America’s agricultural identity and economic strength. The food and agriculture sector employs 14% of the U.S. workforce and contributes nearly 5% to the GDP, making it a vital economic engine. However, as family farms decline, rural communities face increasing unemployment and economic hardship. The “Farmers First Agenda” seeks to reverse this trend by promoting policies that put farmers at the center of America’s food system, reducing regulatory burdens that drive up costs and limit innovation.

According to industry experts, investing in local and regional food systems can trigger significant economic benefits for rural communities while ensuring consumers have access to fresher, healthier food options. By strengthening these local networks, the initiative aims to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and rebuild America’s agricultural heritage for the 21st century. The agenda recognizes that when family farms thrive, entire communities prosper alongside them.

Leadership Behind the Movement

At the forefront of the “Farmers First Agenda” stands Kip Tom, former Trump Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. As vice-chair of the initiative, Ambassador Tom brings extensive agricultural experience to guide what he describes as a “renaissance of agriculture” in America. The agenda has gained support from federal officials at the USDA and HHS, creating a coordinated approach to agricultural policy reform that serves both producers and consumers.

Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner and fifth-generation farmer, has joined the effort, highlighting the barriers faced by American farmers. Shell points to excessive regulations and unfavorable trade agreements that impede the distribution of American-grown food to consumers.

These leaders emphasize that the initiative crosses political boundaries, focusing instead on the shared goal of strengthening America’s agricultural system and improving public health through better nutrition.

Bringing Farm-Fresh Food to American Tables

A core component of the “Farmers First Agenda” involves educating consumers about the benefits of including more fresh, natural foods in their diets. Ambassador Tom highlights the importance of helping Americans understand the value of incorporating more red meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruits into their meals.

The initiative also focuses on bringing farm-fresh foods directly into school systems, beginning with whole milk and fresh produce, to improve children’s nutrition from an early age.

“Today we have many choices at the grocery stores, more than we’ve ever had since when I was a child, but we need to make sure consumers understand the benefits of putting more red meat, more dairy, more vegetables and fruits into our diet.”, said Ambassador Tom.

Dana Cavalea, owner of Freedom Farms, notes a growing consumer interest in understanding food origins and quality. More Americans are questioning where their food comes from and recognizing the taste and nutritional differences in locally produced options. This consumer awareness creates new opportunities for family farms to connect directly with buyers through farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs, strengthening local food systems while providing fresher options to consumers.

Leveraging America’s Agricultural Advantages

The United States possesses tremendous agricultural resources, including vast expanses of high-quality farmland and extensive waterway networks for transportation. The “Farmers First Agenda” aims to maximize these natural advantages by fixing supply chain issues and supporting innovation throughout the agricultural sector. Proponents believe these improvements will help America reclaim its position as the world’s leading supplier of food, fiber, and energy while ensuring domestic food security.

“Now is the time for our country to recognize and call on family farmers’ ingenuity, strength and value to our past and our future. We can have strong local economies, green energy, a clean environment, healthy citizens and good food – all of these start with family farmers.”, said Willie Nelson, Farm Aid President.

The initiative recognizes that supporting family farms isn’t just about preserving tradition—it’s about embracing the future of American agriculture. By reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining safety standards, the agenda aims to unleash farmers’ innovative potential. This approach promises to deliver more nutritious, locally grown products to families nationwide while creating economic opportunities in rural communities that have faced decades of decline.