2011 RC Newsletter PLOW to PRINT

Fall/Winter 2011 COALICION-RURAL-COALITION NEWSLETTERVolume 1, Issue 1 PLOW to PRINT Rural News that Penetrates the Surface Producers struggle with climate disasters in MA and OK Outreach Coordinator: Angela Adrar Climate disasters have increased to recover some crops to haveInside this issue: in intensity and frequency as ready for Thanksgiving. High scientists have predicted; with Tunnels are a NRCS tool forPolicy Shop 2 droughts, hurricanes, storms and conservation, Rural Coalition floods wrecking rural livelihoods worked very hard to have them and along with them the possibil- included in the 2008 Farm BillNew Technology: 2 ity for our small farmers and and implemented at Flats Men- ranchers to stay afloat in this tor Farm. But it is unjust to economic market. see that there is no insuranceUSDA Program Profile 3 product that can make up Two of our members organiza- these end of season losses in tions; Flats Mentors Farm inCultural Corner 3 specialty crops for these hard Farmer at Flats Mentor Farm in Lan- Massachusetts and the Oklahoma working producers. caster, Massachusetts Black Historical Research Project Credit: www.telegram.com (OBHRP) are working hard to In August, disaster declarationsRural Youth 4 recover respectively, from floods were announced for 67 coun- and droughts in the United As a result, OBHRP, which has ties in Oklahoma due to theMembers Report 6 States. served Oklahoma producers for heat and a combination of more than a decade, is coordinat- In September, tropical storm Lee drought, hail, and most re-USDA Discrimination 8 ing an effort to bring emergency sent enough rain to wipe out cently fires that have resultedCases: An update relief to African American, Ameri- most year end production at in very little hay available in can Indian and other small-scaleEvents Calendar 10 Flats Mentor Farm with most the state. Producers are unable producers in Oklahoma. Our farmers totally devastated. Pro- to feed cattle and are losing ject Director, Maria Moreira unstoppable board member, animals or are being forced toInternational Solidarity 10 stated, “only two farmers are Willard Tillman of OBHRP in coop- sell livestock at very low prices. able to sell at the Farmers Mar- eration with Randall Ware and These losses have caused se- ket.” They are working on more the Kiowa Nation vere economic damage and RSVP TODAY flood control improvements. harm the producer’s ability to High tunnels are being used now (continued on pg. 5) rebuild herds in the future. WASHINGTON, DC Winter Forum Nov 30th and Dec 1st Nothing Grows from the Top Down United Methodist Building Executive Director: Lorette Picciano Annual Gala Dinner Fall has come (well, maybe and human family around the and your contributions, on the winter also) and with it, country, and now also in El hay lift for rancher in Okla- December 1, 2011 Mother Earth reminds us of Salvador and South Asia and homa who experienced the National Press Club the beauty in change and gives Turkey, so negatively affected hottest summer on record. us pause and reflection on the by natural disasters this year. Our National Rural GatheringRC Member’s Meeting season past. The year has been Our board member Willard in Shawnee, OK was a summer December 2nd, 2011 filled with many moments of Tillman continues his hard highlight with over 250 partici- More Info: Page 8 gratification in our work, but work, with support from Farm pants. (continued on pg. 9) also prayers for our members Aid, Family Farm Defenders

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Policy Shop: From Field to Policy Policy Advisor: Tracy McCurty As the Fall Equinox ap- ted numerous Comments to revision of land management proaches, it is an appropriate the United States Department plans. time to reflect on Rural Coali- of Agriculture (USDA) regard- One of our primary recom- tion’s collective work and pol- ing proposed regulations that mendations involved the devel- icy accomplishments this har- would impact the rural farm opment of a detailed frame- vest season. Like our member families and communities we work to ensure the protection farmers and farmworkers, the serve. In May, the Rural Coali- of cultural and historic re- Rural Coalition has been active tion with our partners drafted sources; management of areas planting and harvesting and submitted Comments to of tribal importance; protec- through our policy, advocacy the USDA Forest Service Plan- tion of wilderness, wild and and fieldwork. ning Committee regarding revi- scenic rivers; and other uses Tracy McCurty, sions to the Forest Planning Rural Coalition Notable Rural Coalition that protect the cultural vi- Comments regulations to ensure the par- brancy of indigenous commu- Policy Advisor ticipation of historically under- This past season, the Rural nities. We further recom- served populations in the de- mended that the framework Coalition drafted and submit- velopment, amendment and (continued on page 6) New Technology: Get Involved for ACTION “With over 600 million Outreach Coordinator: Bryn Bird FaceBook users and 2 billion videos streamed Only a few years ago social here to stay and has an incredi- Tube, social media is an engine every day on YouTube, media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, bly powerful impact on the for social change. social media is an engine Youtube) was a platform for world we live in. The Univer- for social change.” youth to share their daily life sity of Washington has pub- Rural Coalition is working to and gossip with each other. lished a study finding that so- harness this form of communi- For many, this type of commu- cial media played a central role cation and community organiz- nication seemed to be a fad in organizing the political de- ing asks you to join us! and a free form of entertain- bate surrounding the 2011 Please “fan” us on Facebook. ment. Egyptian Revolution. With Follow us on Twitter However, over the past year over 600 million Facebook View our videos on Youtube. we have seen social media is users and 2 billion videos Share Pictures on Flickr. streamed every day on You- (continued on pg. 5) Staff Highlight: American Sustainable Business Council’s (ASBC) Sustainable Agriculture Intern : Marguerite Conroy A= Angela Adrar summer here at the Rural working with the Latino Farm- RC Outreach Coordinator Coalition. Every time is a ers and Ranchers as well as new experience and today I Rural Coalition. M=Marguerite Conroy ASBC am speaking to… Sustainable Agriculture Intern A: Tell us a little bit about M: My name is Marguerite what you have been working ASBC A: Okay, so we’re here actu- Conroy. I am a student at the on, between ASBC , Sustainable Agriculture ally preparing for our first College of Charleston. I am in NLFRTA and the Rural Intern: newsletter and we wanted to my last year and I am interning Coalition. Marguerite Conroy showcase some of the amaz- here with American Sustain- ing talent that we get every able Business Council and I am (continue on pg.6)

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3Cultural Corner: Language Access (English and Español)Language Access Specialist: Laural ValdesCommunication is key in ally. This past June I had the ing in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Itbridging gaps; when communi- privilege of attending an was a very gratifying experi-ties and organizations can re- ‘Interpreting for Social Justice’ ence; not only did I learn morelate their struggles and accom- training by Roberto Tijerina about the movement, but I wasplishments without language from the Highlander Research able to facilitate others’ under-being an impediment, progress and Education Center in Flor- standing as well.ensues. The Rural Coalition ida along with other volunteerhas been a pioneer organiza- interpreters from the Farm La comunicación es clave paration in ensuring language ac- Worker Association of Florida, formar redes fuertes; cuando lacess to build solidarity and where we gained insightful comunidades y las organi-fortify our movement. My ex- training/tips of successful in- zaciones pueden unir sus lu- Laura Valdes is Ruralperience working with the Ru- terpreting. I applied this chas y logros sin que el idioma Coalition’s, Languageral Coalition this summer has knowledge at the Rural Coali- Access Specialist (continued on page 5)helped me to grow profession- tion’s National Rural Gather-USDA Program Profile: APHISThe Animal and Plant Health markets and promoting stock and poultry. APHISInspection Service (APHIS) trade; and veterinarians also help to con-may not be a familiar house- trol/eradicate certain domestic • Limiting the damage wild-hold name to all Americans, diseases like brucellosis in cat- life can cause to farms andbut this agency of the U.S. tle, low pathogenic avian influ-Department of Agriculture ranches. enza in poultry, and scrapie inprovides a vital function for APHIS has staff in all 50 sheep and goats.producers and growers: helping States, several Territories, and When a foreign animal diseaseto keep their animals and crops more than 40 countries world- outbreak is detected, APHIS APHIS programs helphealthy and safe from foreign wide. APHIS employees in- establishes quarantines—in ranchers and farmersdiseases and pests. clude scientists, veterinarians, cooperation with State offi- safeguard the health of biologists, insect experts, and livestock, poultry, andAPHIS serves the agricultural cials—to help prevent the plant specialists. They work crops in addition tocommunity in many ways, in- spread of the disease to unaf- with growers, producers, andcluding: fected producers and to pro- helping combat trade organizations; State, local tect their access to local and invasive species.• Safeguarding the health of and Tribal governments; and international markets. APHIS livestock, poultry, and other stakeholders to find solu- has successfully eradicated crops; tions to farm animal and plant foreign animal disease out- health issues.• Combating invasive spe- breaks in the United States cies; APHIS works to protect and such as classical swine fever, improve the health, quality, exotic Newcastle disease, and• Working with other Fed- and marketability of farm ani- highly pathogenic avian influ- eral, State, and local part- mals, animal products, and enza. ners to respond to agricul- veterinary biologics. APHIS tural pest and disease out- For crop producers, APHIS specialists monitor and identify breaks, as well as natural safeguards plants and trees threats to animal health, and disasters like hurricanes against risks associated with work with State and local offi- and floods; the entry, establishment, or cials to respond to foreign• Opening new international disease outbreaks in U.S. live- (continued on pg. 4)

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Rural Youth: We All Belong to Mother Earth Poem recited at the 2011 National Rural Gathering by Farmworker Youth We all belong to Mother Earth, When I’m standing, leaning, bend- Mother Earth does not belong to us. ing, kneeling under the hot sun, working in the field trying to bring some sustenance. There’s No Borders, We don’t need a piece of paper to feel we belong. Words can cause a lifetime of pain and prejudice. We Just want Color of skin makes no difference. Justice!!! Stereotypes tear us down, stifles, cripples the human race can’t We all are Equal. We all are Human you see the pain, Beings. We all exist all together the look on my face? upon our majestic Earth Mother. USDA Program Profile: APHIS (continued from pg. 3) Americans value many kinds of help with a wildlife damage spread of invasive plant pests wildlife found in our country. management issue, please call and diseases, as well as harmful But as farmers and ranchers the Wildlife Services toll-free foreign weeds. To carry out know, wild animals can also number at (866) 487-3297. this mission, APHIS surveys damage their crops, kill their for pests in the United States East of the Mississippi River animals, and even pose risks to and want to discuss or report a and monitors data from humans. APHIS’ wildlife ex- Rural Coalition is around the world to develop pest or disease detection or perts can provide farmers and learn about requirements for working in partnership strategies to keep pests out of ranchers with effective and the United States, and to con- agricultural import/export, you with APHIS ; environmentally safe solutions trol or eradicate those that do may contact the Eastern Re- to problems with wildlife. gion Veterinary Services office Join our animal health gain entry. At ports of entry APHIS also monitors and sur- team by emailing across the country, APHIS at (919) 855-7250 or the Plant veys for wildlife diseases such Protection and Quarantine Bryn@ruralco.org works with Department of as highly pathogenic avian in- Homeland Security officials to Eastern Region office at (919) fluenza, West Nile virus, 855-7300. inspect agricultural imports chronic wasting disease, and We are submitting and treat any shipments that Lyme disease. In addition, West of the Mississippi, please comments on the APHIS might introduce a pest of con- APHIS works to prevent the contact the Western Region proposed rule on cern. APHIS’ scientists and spread of wildlife rabies in the Veterinary Services office at Animal Traceability specialists develop scientific United States. APHIS also (970) 494-7400, or the Plant send your input to methods to prevent, detect, helps to protect and preserve Protection and Quarantine Tracy @ruralco.org identify, and control or eradi- our Nations’ natural re- Western Region office at (970) cate these pests. When an sources—such as wetland habi- 494-7500. by December 1st, 2011 invasive pest or disease does tats, forests, and threatened You can also find APHIS and manage to enter the country, and endangered species—from its activities on the Internet at Find out more click here early detection is the key to wildlife damage. www.aphis.usda.gov preventing it from becoming established and spreading. APHIS stands ready to be of service to you. If you need

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5Producers struggle with climate disasters in OK and MA(continued from pg.1) are playing to producers across the State and Other Feed Sup-a coordinating role to distrib- that are in need. plies may be delivered to ourute hay to surrounding com- central distribution point atmunities, and have established Donating Funds: Funds are 2620 Coltrane Rd., Oklahomaa central distribution point. urgently needed to cover distri- City, OK 73121 c/o OBHRP, bution costs. All donations are Inc.On August 26, 2011– the first tax deductible. Please make Donate online at:of the hay lifts arrived in Okla- checks out to OBHRPI with http://ruralco.org/homa, with thanks to Farm the memo "Disaster ReliefAid, Family Farm Defenders Fund" and send to Oklahoma Black Historical Research Pro- Or Contact:and other groups. Hay and Willard Tillman. ject, 2505 N.W. 118th Street, Willard Tillmanfunds for transport of hay are Executive Director Oklahoma City, OK 73120 or Executive Director-OBHRPstill urgently needed and will OBHRP donate on line from the link (405) 201-6624continue to provide assistance from the ruralco.org site Hay Wtillman2@cox.netNew Technology: Get Involved for ACTION(continued from pg. 2) to policy items, farm team ac- Twitter, or other social mediaRural Coalition is also creating tions, USDA deadlines, and outlets yet? Please ask us and JOIN OUR CELL PHONEa Cell Phone Action Net- other action opportunities. If we will be happy to walk you ACTION NETWORK:work you can text, joining the Cell through a tutorial. Don’t be Phone Action Network is sim- afraid, we all had to ask once Text: RuralCoOver 86% of Americans own a ple!! Helping to create change too! to number: 77007cell phone, and 75% text daily. doesn’t get easier than this!!Texting is a great way for Rural Contact Bryn@ruralco.org or and follow the promptsCoalition to send out “action Text: RuralCo to number: Angela@ruralco.org for a help- sent to you in aalerts” quickly. By joining the 77007 and follow the prompts ing hand or assistance with cell message to getnetwork you will receive in- sent to you!! phone action alert set-up. involved!!stant text messages alerting you Have you joined Facebook,La Esquina Cultural: La Comunicación es Clave (Español)(continued from page 3) les sea un para la Justicia Social,’ con pretar exitosamente. Yo apli-impedimento, el progreso se Roberto Tijerina del Centro qué este conocimiento en lapuede realizar. Mi experiencia Highlander Research and Edu- Asamblea Rural Nacional de la Check out the shorttrabajando con la Coalición cation, en Florida junto con Coalición Rural en Shawnee, “Born in the USDA”Rural este verano me ha ayu- otros interpretes voluntarios de Oklahoma. Honestamente fue culture and languagedado a crecer profesional- la Asociación de los Traba- una experiencia genial; no solo access video created bymente. Este junio pasado tuve jadores del Campo de Florida, aprendí más acerca del our members at the 2011el privilegio de atender el en- donde adquirimos un entre- movimiento, pero también National Rural Gather-trenamiento ‘Interpretando namiento útil de cómo inter- logre facilitar la comunicación. ing.. Click here

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1CENTER FOLD: MEMBERS REPORT 1264 Apopka Boulevard ● Apopka, FL 32703 (407)886-5151 phone ● (407)884-6644 fax www.floridafarmworkers.org REPORT ON OKLAHOMA TRIPFARMWORKER ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDARURAL COALITION’S NATIONAL RURAL GATHERINGOKLAHOMA – JUNE 2011From June 21-25, 2011, the Farmworker Association of Florida took a delegation of 56comprised of community leaders, Board members, youth, and staff, to the Rural Coali-tion’s National Rural Gathering. Farmworker leaders were organized from 6 differentagricultural communities throughout Central and South Florida to represent their com-munities and participate in this important event.The workshops that the leaders participated in include: USDA outreach to sociallydisadvantaged farmers, food sovereignty, energy alternatives, land use and access,revisions to the Farm Bill, and youth in today’s agriculture. The delegation also partici-pated in small group work where they discussed protecting the land, local food sys-tems, saving seeds and culture, genetic modification, farmer-worker solidarity on agri-culture and immigration issues, struggles and dignity of rural peoples, and climate andenergy crises.The youth participated in the National Youth in Today’s Agriculture Youth Assembly,where they put together a short film showing the realities that they face in their com-munities, including peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence in their com-

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1munity, home, and school. Also, youth supported simultaneous translation needs dur-ing the conference.Two FWAF staff members conducted a session on USDA claims and processes withLatino small farmers. Another FWAF staff member participated on a panel about localfood systems, and provided details about how FWAF’s community farm in Fellsmerebegan and has evolved into an exemplary project led by farmworker families who arecommitted to increasing the local supply of fresh food in their community. Participantsalso had the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing farmworkers, farmers,and rural peoples in Honduras, Cameroon, and Brazil from representatives from thosecountries.We appreciate the support from Rural Coalition which enabled us to have a large Flor-ida delegation participating in this important event.

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Policy Shop: From Field to Policy (continued from page 2) Farm Credit System institu- these committees, institutions, be developed with the input of tions are not accessible to the and organizations to assist in representatives from indige- underserved farmer and have the development of marketing nous communities and that the failed to conduct outreach to plans. Furthermore, we rec- value of their scientific and our communities to educate ommended that the final rule traditional knowledge be rec- them regarding the institution’s should emphasize the impor- ognized. Additionally, we rec- programs and services. In the tance of allowing institutions ommended that the proposed words of Rudy Arredondo, to use discretion in determin- regulation be expanded to in- President of the National La- ing whether farmers are credit- clude specific language regard- tino Farmers and Ranchers worthy and eligible to borrow.Randolph County, Indiana ing the manner in which Fed- Trade Association and RC If the Farm Credit System in-(1910) erally Recognized Tribes will Board Member, “The Farm stitutions want to make signifi- be engaged in the monitoring Credit System is further be- cant strides in serving histori- process and what funds would yond the reach of the farmer cally underserved farming be identified to encourage this than a commercial bank. We communities, these institutions specific outreach and engage- never felt this was a source of must recognize that their credit ment. assistance.” requirements should be more In July, the Rural Coalition Despite this reality, the Rural flexible. with our partners drafted and Coalition is committed to dis- For a copy of the Comments submit- submitted Comments to the mantling all forms of institu- ted by the Rural Coalition, email Farm Credit Administration tional racism and recom- Tracy McCurty, Policy Advisor, at “the Farm Credit regarding amendments to its mended that the Farm Credit tracy@ruralco.org. In the near System is further regulations to require each System institutions cultivate future, all of our Comments will be beyond the reach of Board of Directors of each meaningful relationships with made available on our website. the farmer than a Farm Credit System to adopt a the USDA Minority Farms commercial bank, human capital plan as well as a Advisory Committee author- marketing plan within its over- ized by the 2008 Farm Bill and We never felt this was all operational and strategic now established, community- a source of assistance.” plan that emphasized diversity based organizations that serve - Rudy Arredondo and inclusion. In preparing socially disadvantaged and President of the National our Coalition’s Comments to limited resource farmers, 1890 Latino Farmers and Ranchers the proposed rule, we spoke to and 1994 Land Grant Colleges several members about the and Universities, and grantees Farm Credit System and there under the 2501 Outreach and was a universal perception Technical Assistance Program amongst our members that the as well as identify persons from USDA Discrimination Cases an Update Policy Advisor: Tracy McCurty Garcia and Love Update within our coalition that the the $50,000 cap on damages settlement agreements involv- from discrimination, omission At this year’s Rural Coalition of USDA guaranteed loans as Assembly in Shawnee, Okla- ing the Latino and Women’s discrimination cases were de- part of the debt forgiveness, homa, the Assembly adopted a and the absence of an appeals “Resolution to Support Equita- veloping in a manner that was devoid of equality, justice and process.Latino Farmers from the 1930s Photo ble Treatment for Farmers inCourtesy of WhatCom of History and the Garcia, Love, Keepseagle dignity. The most problematicArt. and Pigford Cases.” The Reso- aspects of the current settle- On July 18th, the RC Resolu- lution was produced out of a ment agreement are the lack of tion and an accompanying deep sentiment of chagrin comparable class treatment for letter were sent to President Latino and Women farmers, (continue on page 7)

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 9USDA Discrimination Cases an Update(continued from page 6) attended the Pigford II Fair- support from Class Counsel.Barack Obama, U.S. Attorney ness Hearing that was held in Tracy Lloyd McCurty, PolicyGeneral Eric Holder and federal court and presided by Advisor for the Rural Coali-USDA Secretary of Agriculture Judge Paul Friedman. The tion, formally read the state-Thomas Vilsack. To date, the purpose of the hearing was to ment prepared by the RuralRural Coalition, National La- discuss the various aspects of Coalition and our members totino Farmers and Ranchers the proposed settlement and to the Court. The Rural CoalitionTrade Association, the Colo- afford farmers, community- strongly supported the recom-rado Latino Farmers and based farming organizations, mendations of the FederationRanchers Organizing Commit- and other interested parties the of Southern Cooperatives and Bureau of Indian Affairs Here istee, the Federation of Southern opportunity to make formal also urged the Court to give Louie Pierre, a farmer on the FlatheadCooperatives/Land Assistance remarks to the Court regarding due consideration to the pro- Reservation in Montana aroundFund, Land Loss Prevention their objections, recommenda- grammatic relief incorporated 1920.Project and the Minority Agri- tions or modifications to the in the Keepseagle Consentcultural Producers continue to proposed settlement. The Decree as well as the equitycommunicate directly with hearing was a poignant culmi- provisions in the 2008 FarmLatino producers as well as nation for Black farmers and Bill. Specifically, the Ruralcommunity based farming or- their long battle against the Coalition urged the Court toganizations comprised of La- USDA, an institutional force consider incorporating thetino producers regarding the that has sought to destroy the creation of an USDA Om-ever shifting posture of the Black farmers’ right to exist as budsperson and the establish-Garcia case. well as erode Black rural land- ment of a Loan Council, both ownership. For hours, Black key programmatic components “An injury to oneThe Rural Coalition will con- elder farmers and their descen-tinue to work with all the farm- of the Keepseagle settlement, is an injury to all.” dants (some of whom traveled into the final Pigford II settle-ers and ranchers we serve until to Washington, DC from as far -Latina labor unionall the outstanding claims are ment. as Mississippi and Louisiana), leader and Activistsettled for every producer who shared their personal and fa- Luisa Morenohas been subjected to unfair milial narratives of their experi- Furthermore the Rural Coali- (Congreso de lostreatment. In the words of ences with USDA over decades tion recommended that the Pueblos) 1910-1922Luisa Morena, "An Injury to One and how their families suffered settlement agreement specifi-is An Injury to All." immeasurably by being forced cally compel USDA agencies from the land. serving African American andPigford II Update Ralph Paige, Executive Direc- other socially disadvantaged tor of the Federation of South- producers to regularly collectI see why there is such a thing as ern Cooperatives/Land Assis- and provide the racial, ethnic,ancestor worship. I could not love my tance Fund, spoke on behalf of and gender participation rate the Federation of Southern data required under Sectionsharecropping ancestors more if I had 14006 of the Food and Agri- Cooperatives as well as thecreated them myself. That black Network of Black Farm culture Act of 2008 and to alsoSoutherners still love nature and Groups and Advocates. Paige utilize this data as requiredrevere the earth is the legacy of a offered three recommenda- under Section 14007 of the Act tions to the Court regarding to proactively access civil rightspeople whose innate elegance and compliance and to investigate the proposed settlement: Im-dignity was always expressed in the plementation of an Appeals strategies to improve participa-essentials. Process, Extension of the 180- tion of African American pro- Day Claims Process and Ex- ducers in all programs serving-Alice Walker pansion of the Pigford II class producers. Recognizing thatOn September 1, 2011, Rural to include all groups of farmers the Black farmer will never be 1910 Black Farmer in the USCoalition Executive Director, that were left out of the “Late made whole from a meagerLorette Picciano, Policy Advi- Claim” settlement agreement. settlement fund, the Rural Coa-sor, Tracy McCurty, and nu- Unfortunately, none of these lition also urged the Court tomerous RC Board members recommendations garnered any address Black rural land loss.

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 November/December 2011 Events • 11/3 : USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee Meeting Albuquerque , New Mexico Rural Coalition’s Winter Forum • 11/4: 1st Annual Planning Workshop, MD Small Farms Pre-Conference UMES, Eastern Shore, Maryland. & 6th Annual Gala • 11/6: 2:15-3:45pm: 15th Annual CFSC Conference Workshop Advocating Be- yond Food : Building Unity for a Just and Sustainable Food/Farm System, Oakland Cali- BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!! fornia.This is a time to observe how far we have • 11/9: United States Food Sovereignty Alliance Assembly, Farmer and Farmworkercome while working towards continued suc- break out Sessions Chinese Presbyterian Church, Oakland, Californiacess in the future, all while having a greattime. We will be discussing Farm Bill priori- • 11/9-12: Walking in Many Worlds, Spirit of One, American Indian Mothersties and action in farm and rural teams, tech- Conference, Shannon, North Carolinanology for community based agriculture com-merce risk protection, uniting coalition ef- • 11/17: Food Justice Series; Environment, Food, and Health, Busboys and Poets,forts, and taking a look at our long history. Washington, DCPlease don’t forget to mark your calendar and • 11/18: Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project Small Farms Conference,keep an eye out for more information regard- Oklahoma City, Oklahomaing the Winter Forum, Gala Dinner andAnnual Meeting. • 11/30-12/2: Rural Coalition Winter Forum, Gala, Board &Members Meeting Washington, DC Contact: winterforum@ruralco.org andcheck our website ruralco.org for registration • 12/4-6: Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) Tuskegee Univer-information and program updates sity, Alabama BOOK BY NOVEMBER 25th, 2011 • 12/5-9 : Intertribal Agricultural Council (IAC) 25th Anniversary Symposium, Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada International Solidarity: Interview with Franck Bieleu Film Director of “The Big Banana” Outreach Coordinator: Angela Adrar During our National Rural Cameroun and uses the people, a very hard to produce banana that is Gathering, we caught up with type of modern slavery. They use sold in Europe and they do not Cameroonian Director employees to produce bananas and make a very good living. There is The National Latino Franck Bieleu, to talk to him this corporation remunerates these use of chemical agents that are really Farmers and Ranchers about his controversial film, employees very badly. bad for the environment and the Trade Association “The Big Banana,” censored A: Does this “corporation” company really doesn’t care about (NLFRTA) hosts a in Cameroun. Franck had have a name? using this chemical agent in the monthly networking been invited by Agricultural country polluting therefore the envi- Happy Hour at the F: Yeah, PHP, Plantacion Haut Missions, to speak on a panel ronment and bringing a very big National Press Penja. Owned by a French Com- Club in on International Land Grabs risk for the population that or the and to screen his new movie. pany, Companie Frutiere and Dole, Washington, DC. population Dole owns 40% of Companie Email: A: What is The Big Ba- Frutiere, basically it owns PHP. A: How about the issues of nana about? The documentary is about banana Land Grabs because we Ramona@ruralco.org to get on the invite list! F: Big Banana is about a corpo- exploitation and the effect it has on were talking about that here. ration that exploits bananas in the local population. So people work (continue on page 9)

PLOW to PRI NT Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 11Nothing Grows from the Top DownExecutive Director: Lorette Picciano(continued from pg. 9) can American, Latino and DC 20005, about a block fromThe delegations included 70 Women’s claims against the one of the Occupy DC sites.Youth in Today’s Agriculture USDA -- Claims processing for We hope any future travel youmembers, who visited a rodeo the Keepseagle (American In- have to DC includes a stop inand a ranch, and joined us for dian producers) case is now to visit with us. We have beenour visit to historic Wewoka, underway through December). enjoying a small populationseat of the Seminole Nation, to Our policy team has been explosion within the Ruralstudy the history and culture of holding regular conference Coalition with Tracy’s newestthe Seminole and the Black calls every week to discuss son Tumari joining us on In-Seminole communities. We various pending USDA regula- ternational Woman’s Day inreviewed our project work and tions and gather member input March, and we are now anx-had fun using role-playing to for comments. We have re- iously awaiting the birth ofbetter understand how rela- cently completed a letter relat- baby Kingston to outreach ing to the upcoming 2012 coordinator Angela Adrar! Ms. April 2011tionships and interactions can Farm Bill and ensuring socially We also welcome Ayisah Rural Coalitionand should look. With the disadvantaged farmers and Yusef, our intern, and Ramona Vice Chairperson:strong support from USDA ranchers and farmworkers have Martinez, who has come on Georgia GoodOklahoma State Rural Devel-opment and other USDA staff, a seat at the table. Much of the board to manage programs for shape of that debate may be National Latino Farmers and South Carolina Africanwe collaborated on skit called determined by the pending Ranchers Trade Association. American History Calendar“Born in the USDA.” OurCBO leaders took on the roles deficit reduction talks in the And we celebrated in Octoberof USDA in the past, with US Congress, but our close with our Vice Chairperson,current USDA staff modeling attention and action are Georgia Good, who was hon-the future. Click this link to needed. You are most welcome ored as “Ms. April” on theenjoy the first 9 minutes that to join our “Farm Teams” for South Carolina African Ameri- join our Farm Teamswere captured on film: http:// these calls, by emailing can History Calendar. and/or policy calls bywww.youtube.com/watch? bryn@ruralco.org, or to sign We look forward to seeing emailing:v=PrTe9M_Iojo. up for action alert from the everyone here in DC at our link on our website. bryn@ruralco.orgOur policy advisor Tracy Lloyd Winter Forum and annual din-McCurty was Rural Coalition’s And if all of that was not ner on November 30-voice during the Pigford II enough, we moved offices as December 1, with a short an- or sign up for actionsettlement hearing, testifying well! We are now around the nual meeting on the morning alert from the link onfor the fair resolution of Afri- corner at 1029 Vermont Ave of December 2 for all our ruralco.org website. NW Suite 601 Washington, members.International Solidarity: “The Big Banana”(continued from pg.8) the local farmers, the small farmers officials, congressmen, ministers andAre they actually grabbing but now a days that the European they help the company to grab theland from the local Market is growing PHP needs to land from the people.producers? have more land because they need to Watch the full interview withF: Yes that is actually what is provide more bananas to the Euro- Franck via this YouTube link. pean Market. To make more ba- Check out the Trailer for “the Bighappening basically what happens in Be forewarned; after you watch Banana:Cameroun, there is a lot of land in nanas they need more land. They take that land from the local pro- the film you will find it hard to http://vimeo.com/23024167Cameroun, problem is that the land buy bananas that are not To screen the film in your commu-is owned by the government. The ducer with the help of the government because within PHP there are elected labeled fair trade. nity contact:government has rented this land to franck@thebigbananamovie.com

BECOME A MEMBER RURAL COALITION has moved! The Rural Coalition/Coalición Rural is an alliance of farmers, farmworkers, indigenous, migrant and working people from the1029 Vermont Avenue United States, Mexico, Canada and beyond working together to-Suite 601Washington ward a new society that values unity, hope, people and the land.DC, 20005Phone: 202-628-7160 Together we work to:Fax: 202-393-7160 • Educate rural communities to influence and ACT on policy.E-mail: ruralco@ruralco.org • Bring equitable access and fair returns for our diverse small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. • Establish just and dignified working conditions for farmworkers.Check our Webpage for updates! • Care for the earth & bring safe and healthy food to consumers.http://ruralco.org • Build unity & beneficial relationships in this country and beyond. www.facebook.com/RuralCoalition With strong roots in the movements for human, civil, indigenous and Farmworker rights, Rural Coalition members share the belief youtube.com/user/ruralcoalition that rural communities everywhere can have a better future. @ruralco The Rural Coalicion Newsletter: “Plow to Print” is published several times annually. Share your comments and suggestions with flickr.com/photos/ruralco angela@ruralco.org. We want to hear from you and share your stories. Staff Highlight : American Sustainable Business Council’s (ASBC) Sustainable Agriculture Intern (continued from pg. 2) to speak on behalf of farmers M: Oh definitely. I think one when the up coming Farm Bill of the nicest things about M: With the Rural Coalition I comes to debate. So that’s working for Rural Co. is: yes, have been working a lot with what I have been doing. you get some intern work… organizing a lot of their meet- doing copying, you know of- ings. They had the assembly, A: So cool, tell me how it felt fice stuff, but there are actu- out in Oklahoma, which was a to spend the summer with ally… each one of the women large success and they are also this coalition of rural folks, I have worked with has indi- preparing for their Gala, which in an urban city. vidually come up to me and is coming up in December. made sure I was enjoying my I’ve been working on a lot of M: We are an office of all la- experience, making sure that I small projects for them includ- dies here, which sounds terrify- got to do something that I ing some research on hy- ing, but it’s actually really great. found was interesting, which Interns: Marguerite Conroy’s and drofracking as well as research We have a great group of for me was going on the Hill. Laura Valdes End of Internship for industrialized hemp. With women. We all get along and So, I got sent to as many hear- Staff Lunch, Washington, D.C. American Sustainable Business it’s been so much fun. We had ings as Tracy could dig up. So, Council, I have been working such, I have had such a great I’ve had a great summer here. (Left to Right: Marguerite Conroy, with them on their Sustainable summer here and I’m going to Lorette Picciano, Tracy McCurty, Agriculture policy and princi- miss everybody. Rudy Arredondo, Mapy Alvarez, ples, which is really how that For more on this interview Laura Valdes and Angela Adrar) over laps into Latino Farmers A: Are you going to recom- check out the YouTube video: and Ranchers and Rural Coali- mend it to future interns to http://bit.ly/qMFT4p tion. We are trying to come up come through? with a strong group of voices

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2011 RC Newsletter PLOW to PRINT

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