The Alliance’s successful lobbying on Capitol Hill

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By Alliance President Terry Gips

The Alliance for Sustainability’s Policy Program of our Campaign for Sustainability, Health, Equity and Kindness (S.H.E. Kindness) sent a delegation to the US Capitol June 13-14 to meet with US Senators and Representatives. It was led by Alliance Board Chair and organic Georgia farmer Collie Graddick and myself from Minnesota. We were accompanied by young organic farmers from the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative that Collie advises. On June 13, I joined leaders from the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) to meet with the New Democratic Coalition on key sustainability priorities.  

On June 14 we participated in the ASBN and Regenerate America Farm Bill Lobby Day on Capitol Hill to assure the inclusion of key regenerative, organic and equity provisions in the upcoming Farm Bill, which only is modified every five years. Here’s a list of our proposals, which were all well-received by each of the 6 Congressional offices we met with, although Republicans may block any spending increases. Here are photos and descriptions of who we met with, including the offices of both Georgia US Senators Warnock and Ossoff, along with 4 US Representatives from GA and MN.       

Let us know if you’d like to be involved 

The American Sustainable Business Network and the Alliance for Sustainability sharing policy proposals with the New Democratic Coalition on Capitol Hill, June 13, 2023.
The US Capitol Farm Bill lobbying team from the Alliance for Sustainability and the West Georgia Farmer’s Coop, including Alliance Board Chair Collie Graddick (upper row left) and Alliance President Terry Gips
June 14, 2023
Alliance Board Chair and Georgia organic farmer Collie Graddick sharing American Sustainable Business Network and Regenerate America recommendations for the Farm Bill with staff from Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, Hayes Meredith and Caleb. Collie was accompanied by young organic farmers from the West Georgia Co-op that he advises.
Alliance President Terry Gips (left) and young organic farmers from the West Georgia Co-op presenting American Sustainable Business Network and Regenerate America recommendations for the Farm Bill with staff from Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, Hayes Meredith and Caleb.
The Alliance delegation led by Board Chair Collie Graddick meeting with Kenneth Cutts (right), Chief of Staff for Rep. Sanford Bishop (D, GA), top Democrat on budget/approprations for agriculture.
Meeting with Kenneth Cutts (right), Chief of Staff for Rep. Sanford Bishop (D, GA), top Democrat on budget/approprations for agriculture.
The Alliance delegation meeting on the Farm Bill with Kenneth Cutts, Chief of Staff for Rep. Sanford Bishop (D, GA), top Democrat on budget/approprations for agriculture. Yes, that's his view of the Capitol!
Meeting with Ryan Morgan (3rd from left) from Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office (D, MN)
The Alliance proposing regenerative, organic and equity provisions to the Farm Bill with the House Agriculture Committee staff. Left to right: Alliance President Terry Gips, Alliance Board Chair Collie Graddick, Minority Counsel Michael Stein and young organic farmers from the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative McKenzie Bruce, Miracle Bruce, Kendra Williams and CJ Bruce.
Our meeting with the House Agriculture Committee Minority staff on marketing, financing, and research provisions for the Farm Bill. Michael Stein (sitting), Minority Counsel for Rep. David Scott (D, GA), the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.
Alliance and West Georgia Farmers Cooperative meeting on the Farm Bill with Robert Redding (right), Agriculture Legislative Assistant to Representative Drew Ferguson (R, GA)
Alliance Board Chair Collie Graddick with Robert Redding (Ag Legislative Assistant to Rep. Drew Ferguson - R, GA), Kendra Williams, CJ Bruce, McKenzie Bruce (behind), Miracle Bruce and Patricia Lewis.
Alliance Farm Bill meeting with staff from US Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Nathan Dadap, Fellow and Caroline Li, Legislative Correspondent (on right)
Meeting with staff from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Nathan Dadap, Fellow (second from right) and Caroline Li, Legislative Correspondent (on right)
Our final Farm Bill meeting was with the office of US Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Left to right: Alliance Board Chair Collie Graddick, CJ Bruce, Miracle Bruce, McKenzie Bruce, Kendra Williams, Patricia Lewis, Nathan Dadap and Alliance President Terry Gips. Thanks to the American Sustainable Business Network and Regenerate America for organizing and setting up all of our meetings for the Farm Bill DC Lobby Day.

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