A Farm Advocate is someone who works one-on-one with individual farmers to help them navigate the complex world of farm lending, state and federal regulations, contracts, and government programs in a way that increases their chance to stay on the land and be successful.
Photo: Chris Fowler
Farm Advocates are laymen or professionals who develop expertise to assist farmers who:
- Need financial counseling
- Have received an adverse decision from a federal or state agency
- Are dealing with disaster losses on the farm
- Are going into mediation or negotiation
- Need representation through administrative procedures
- Need someone to accompany them to a meeting or agency to ensure fair treatment and assist with communication
- Are dealing with contract negotiations or abuses
- Are navigating codes and regulations, including zoning, food safety, and property rights
- Need mental health or other social services
- Need legal counseling
Photo: Rob Amberg
