National Family Farm Coalition Presses Congress for Farm Policy Changes

Dozens of farmers and advocates visited Congressional offices to urge action on issues impacting family-scale producers.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) held a fly-in event in Washington, D.C. on February 18-19, where dozens of farmers, ranchers, and advocates visited nearly 50 bipartisan Congressional offices to press for changes to federal farm policies. The coalition met with key members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to share the challenges facing small and mid-scale producers, and to advocate for legislation that would provide greater protections and support for family-scale farms.

Why it matters

The fly-in coincided with the release of the House Agriculture Committee's draft Farm Bill, presenting an opportunity for the NFFC to demonstrate the real-world impact of agricultural policies on farming communities across the country. The past year has been turbulent for many farmers due to funding freezes, government agency cuts, and tariff policies that have exacerbated existing challenges like record-high debt and farmland prices.

The details

During the fly-in, the NFFC sent a clear message to Congress that the 'status quo' of catering to agribusinesses and multinational corporations is failing most farmers. The coalition called for a Farm Bill that guarantees fair pricing, just treatment, and greater protections for small and mid-scale producers. They also sought co-sponsors for key legislation related to fair credit, local food systems, beef labeling, farmland access, and dairy crisis relief.

  • The NFFC fly-in took place on February 18-19, 2026.
  • The House Agriculture Committee released its draft Farm Bill around the time of the fly-in.

The players

National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC)

A coalition of farmers, ranchers, and advocates who work to advance policies that support family-scale food producers.

Glenn Thompson

Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania's 15th district and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

Angie Craig

Democratic Congresswoman from Minnesota's 2nd district and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.

John Boozman

Republican Senator from Arkansas and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Amy Klobuchar

Democratic Senator from Minnesota and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

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What they’re saying

“NFFC's fly-in is an opportunity to exercise our constituent voices for the farming community across the US. Being on the Hill to share our farmers' stories is a crucial step in bringing their voices into the room. Meeting with the Kentucky delegation reminds our elected officials of the needs of small scale farmers in their home state. Being a voice for farmers across KY and the United States is a powerful democratic experience.”

— Sandra Ballew-Barnes, Fresh Rx Coordinator with Community Farm Alliance in Kentucky

“The fly-in was an empowering and educational experience. I saw the value of working alongside other advocates for issues impacting family farms and ranches. I truly felt like together we can make a difference!”

— Heather Bilden, Owner-operator of Coulee Creek Ranch in Lavina, Montana and member of Northern Plains Resource Council

What’s next

The NFFC plans to continue farm policy discussions in Congress and will continue to advocate for a transformational Farm Bill that prioritizes the needs of family-scale producers.

The takeaway

The NFFC's fly-in event demonstrates the importance of family farmers and ranchers having a voice in the policymaking process. By directly engaging with Congressional representatives, the coalition was able to highlight the real-world impacts of agricultural policies and push for reforms that would better support the vitality of small and mid-scale producers.