Kellogg Company and Meijer have joined forces with The National Young Farmers Coalition to support the next generation of farmers in the United States. With the average age of American farmers hovering around 60, the partnership aims to provide funding and resources to help young farmers access farmland and financing. Through the One Million Acres for the Future campaign, the partnership will fund 12 Midwest farmers to participate in the Young Farmers Land Advocacy Fellowship.
As part of this fellowship, young farmers will receive support to advocate for themselves in Washington, D.C., and access to regional gatherings to share ideas and best practices. The investment from Kellogg and Meijer will also benefit farmers of color, who often face additional challenges in accessing the resources they need to thrive in the industry.
“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 of Sales Accounts, Kellogg Company. “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. As two Michigan-based companies, this is particularly important, as Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country.”
The partnership between Kellogg, Meijer and The National Young Farmers Coalition will also underwrite the creation of online and in-store communications to promote their collaboration. This will help raise awareness about the critical need to support young farmers and ensure a robust supply chain for future generations.
“We greatly appreciate the support from Kellogg and Meijer,” says Payge Lindow, Michigan Organizer for Young Farmers. “Uplifting farmer voices into policy advocacy while building a strong community of young farmers to support one another along the way is crucial as farming transitions into the hands of these young farmers.”
The investment in young farmer leaders by Kellogg and Meijer will play a critical role in shaping the future of farming in the Midwest. By addressing the challenges young farmers face in accessing land and financing, this partnership will help ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for agriculture in the region. Through advocacy and working with the USDA, Young Farmers aims to provide resources and support to young farmers across the country, and this partnership will help to achieve that goal.
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
1 Comment