MISSION AND VISION
Mission
Farmers Rising builds sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people.
Vision
We envision a dynamic and enduring partnership between farmers and consumers one rooted in economies, ecologies, and cultures that respect the land and honor the people who work it. We believe healthy food is a human right. We celebrate the beauty and complexity of the living earth, encourage authenticity, self-reliance, and cooperation, and work toward systems that can sustain generations to come.
Organizational Objectives
Our primary organizational objectives include:
- Practicing and teaching sustainable and regenerative farming;
- Building a collaborative and supportive farmer community;
- Teaching holistic farm finance and business skills;
- Expanding access to land and locally grown food;
- Developing a vibrant, creative community centered around local food;
- Advocating for policy change that prioritizes small, diversified farmers;
- Connecting our farmers to market outlets
- Demonstrating to farmers and eaters how sustainable and regenerative farming impacts the climate and natural resources; and
- Creating and strengthening supportive partnerships to broaden impact.
Strategic Directions
In early 2021, we engaged in a collaborative strategic planning process that included our full staff and board. Through this in-depth and meaningful work, we established four strategic goals to guide our efforts in the year ahead.
Dismantling Oppressive Systems and Practices
Even with the best intentions, we recognize that there are processes and practices both internal and external that can limit participation from people in divested communities. We are committed to identifying and reducing these barriers so that everyone has full and equitable access to, and can benefit from, all that we offer.
Investing in Our Staff, Board and Spaces
We know our mission can only be achieved when our staff and board members are equipped and empowered with spaces that are both fitting and inspiring to work and create in. We are re-centering our focus on investing in these three areas so that we can build the collective strength and power needed to inspire meaningful change.
Re-Conceptualizing Our Resource Development
The pandemic changed the way we interact with one another and the causes we care about, creating new opportunities to rethink how we cultivate our resources. Our fund development team has embraced community centric fundraising principles, and we are innovating new ways to encourage individual giving, increase earned income, and deepen our relationships with the communities we serve.
Revitalizing and Renewing our Core Partnerships and Brand
Our organization thrives because of deep-rooted partnerships throughout the region. Our relationships with the communities around us shape how we design impactful programming that meets the needs of our stakeholders. We are renewing our commitment to these partnerships while also strategically expanding our reach to ensure everyone who can benefit from our programs has access to them.