For over twenty-five years, the Kansas Rural Center (KRC), a non-profit research, education and advocacy organization, has been educating and advocating for a diverse, sustainable, economically profitable Kansas agriculture. 

Our work focuses not only on the producers of food and how it is produced, but also on consumers and the health, safety, and availability of food to rural and urban citizens alike.  Our vision encompasses independent family farms, healthy rural communities, and a safe and healthy food supply, with increasing emphasis on local and regional food production supported by partnerships between farmers and consumers.

The public policy issues we are most concerned with, whether in federal farm policy or at the state level, are:

• Tying appropriate levels of government support to family farms to conservation practices and protection of natural resources.
• Ensuring conservation of our natural resources to provide long-term productivity and food security.
• Providing rural development programs that build on the strengths and values found in rural Kansas.
• Ensuring adequate and available supplies of good food for the most vulnerable in our society.

The Kansas Rural Center works for public policies that enhance sustainable farming practices as well as a sustainable local and regional food system. The Farm Bill and other related federal issues are regularly covered in KRC’s newsletter, Rural Papers.  In addition, Action Alerts and Updates are distributed by email to those who request the service.  To receive them, contact Mary Fund at 785-873-3431 or ksrc@rainbowtel.net.  They are also posted on our website.  We also monitor agricultural issues at the State Legislature on a case-by-case basis. 

• Read the latest KRC 2007 Farm Bill Action Alerts.

Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: The Kansas Rural Center is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (SAC) a nationwide alliance of twenty-seven farm, rural and conservation groups, that together advocate for federal policies and programs that support the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources and rural communities. Together KRC and SAC monitor the debate for the next Farm Bill and the implementation of Farm Bill programs, offering analysis and information via news releases, Action Alerts and other activities.  SAC Weekly Updates detailing developments in the 2007 Farm Bill discussions and implementation of farm programs are available at the SAC website.

• Visit the SAC website.

KRC Policy Guidelines: In 2006, the Kansas Rural Center Board of Directors developed, reviewed and approved a series of policy guidelines for the KRC as we develop future projects and make recommendations for public policy or respond to public policy.  These included guidelines on:

• Livestock Production
• Energy
• Trade
• Transition to Conservation Supports

• You may read the KRC Policy Guidelines here.

2007 Farm Bill Advocacy:  In October 2006, KRC developed a statement  on the 2007 Farm Bill outlining our primary concerns and recommendations. 

• Read the position of the KRC on the 2007 Farm Bill.

KRC is currently organizing farmer advocates who will provide input into the 2007 Farm Bill development, and who will carry sustainable agriculture's concerns and recommendations to Congress.

For more information on the Kansas Rural Center and farm and food policy,
contact Mary Fund at 785-873-3431 or ksrc@rainbowtel.net

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