Kellogg and Meijer are partnering with The National Young Farmers Coalition to shift power to and equitably resource the next generation of working farmers, particularly farmers of color.
The funding from Kellogg and Meijer will help cover honorariums for 12 Midwest farmers, who participate in Young Farmers Land Advocacy Fellowship as part of their 2023 Farm Bill platform called the One Million Acres for the Future campaign.
The funding will support farmers in the fellowship to advocate for themselves in Washington, D.C., by providing travel for them to participate in regional gatherings, and underwrite the creation of online and in-store consumer communications that share the partnership between Kellogg, Meijer and The National Young Farmers Coalition.
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According to The National Young Farmers Coalition, the biggest challenge for young farmers is access to land. Improving access to financing for young farmers of color also is a problem the coalition seeks to address through its advocacy and work with the USDA.
“Kellogg’s Better Days is our promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, creating better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030,” says Amy Davis, VP, sales accounts, Kellogg. “By investing in young farmer leaders and supporting their advocacy, Kellogg and Meijer can help shape the future of farming in the Midwest for generations to come.”
“Meijer has a longstanding commitment to our local growers, many of which we’ve worked with for decades,” says Don Sanderson, Meijer chief merchandising & marketing officer. “But with any good business, it’s vital to create pathways for the next generation. This partnership with The National Young Farmers Coalition will help young farmers, especially young farmers of color, while ensuring a strong supply chain in the future.”