Regulation in Farming: A Collaborative Approach

Regulations in farming are not inherently bad—they can play an important role in maintaining food safety, environmental stewardship, and humane practices. However, how we help family farms achieve compliance is crucial. It’s one thing to say, “You must meet this new standard—good luck figuring it out.” I believe this is the wrong approach.

Instead, we should ask, “Here is a new regulation—what support do you need to achieve compliance?” Whether it’s financial assistance, technical support, or additional labor resources, collaboration with family farmers ensures a stronger, more secure food supply chain while preserving independence from large corporate farming operations.

Independent family farms are the backbone of our agricultural system and rural communities. They ensure that our food supply remains resilient and diverse. As a society, we must invest in and protect these farms by:

Providing Targeted Support: Grants, low-interest loans, and cooperative extension services to help farms meet regulatory standards without undue hardship.

Collaborative Policy Design: Involving family farmers in the regulatory process to ensure new rules are fair, achievable, and beneficial to both farmers and consumers.

Modernization and Innovation: Funding programs that enable farms to adopt modern technology and practices, improving efficiency and competitiveness while maintaining their independence.

The Stakes Are High:

If we fail to support family farms, we risk losing them to corporate consolidation, threatening both our food security and the livelihoods of rural communities. With the right investments and a commitment to collaboration, we can ensure that independent family farms not only survive but thrive—strengthening our economy, protecting our food supply, and upholding the values of self-reliance and sustainability.

Or, as I see it plainly: without these farms, we’re all screwed.