Build Back Better: Our Call to Action and Roadmap for Rural America

After months of research and policy development, with conversations among diverse rural stakeholders across the U.S., Farm Action Fund (formerly Family Farm Action) released a transition plan to the Biden-Harris Administration titled “Build Back Better: Our Call to Action and Roadmap for Rural America.” This comprehensive plan details recommendations for the administration to successfully revitalize rural communities and was endorsed by 16 food, farm, and rural organizations.

We’re calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to take on five key issues:

Building a Bench in Rural America: Intentionally Involving Rural Americans in the Movement for a More Just Economy and Food System
Rooting Out Systemic Racism and Creating Opportunity for All
Democratizing the Agrifood System
Combating Climate Change through Rural Innovation
Modernizing Rural Infrastructure and Investing in Its People

As important as the policy path the Biden-Harris Administration chooses is the personnel selected to carry out the work of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Traditionally, political appointee positions have been stuffed with the well-connected in Washington, D.C. and state capitols. We encourage a new approach that pulls from the vast talent pool across the country.

Addressing increasing corporate consolidation in our food system requires a robust federal response that revives rural communities and includes them in the decision making process, letting them know they have not been forgotten.

Farm Action Fund and the 16 other organizations who have signed on to this transition paper believe that our food system is a key intervention point to bring about a more inclusive economy that addresses discrimination and respects our land, natural resources and neighbors around the world.

This plan is endorsed by Farm Action Fund, People’s Action, American Grassfed Association, American Economic Liberties Project, Farm Aid, Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Center for Food Safety, Open Markets Institute, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, RuralOrganizing.org, Humane Society of the United States, Revolving Door Project, Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, National Housing Law Project, and Climate Crisis Policy.