Dear Friends,
Over the past 18 months we have seen an election that has divided our nation and our communities. The recent media coverage, or exit polls, or a thousand other instances could bring us to despair of the current challenges facing our country. We encourage everyone to continue to reflect on these realities, but we also want to turn our attention to the future.
In this moment, we renew our commitments to justice, equality, and sustainability now and for generations to come.
We believe in a country where all have the opportunity to succeed. As an agricultural nonprofit organization, we work everyday to make that more possible for thousands of family farmers. Our staff is made up of both long-time advocates and farmers, and we will always stand with and fight for those throughout the agricultural community who face injustice, exploitation, or discrimination—whether they are farmers, workers, or consumers.
It should go without saying, but must be said, that we stand against racism, sexism, and xenophobia, and that we commit ourselves to working against policies and practices that would increase the growing inequality and injustice in our society, promote racial or class divides, or put people in danger.
Lastly, we renew our deep conviction that creating the world that we all want to live in will take bringing people together, often across social divides and through unlikely partnerships, to find our common ground.
Thank you for reading. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy autumn and holiday season.
All the best,
The Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA Staff
