FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on ways the FCA can help better support small and mid-sized farms producing for local and regional markets. I support the FCA's efforts to be more inclusive of these farms and particularly hope that when adopting the new rule, you will consider a few issues of key importance. First, I believe it is imperative that the FCA have a plan for outreach to local farmers and producers. Without such outreach, the diversity of farmers who take advantage of FCS benefits is sure to be skewed to those farmers with enough infrastructure and institutional savvy that they already know about their options. We need to reach all the farmers, particularly those underrepresented, such as people of color, new immigrants, women and urban farmers. Second, once the FCA is supporting a diverse group of farms, it is important that these farmers be included in the process of providing financing. As such, please include in the new FCS rule a provision requiring that a certain percentage of Board positions are to be held by local and regional farmers and producers. Once again, I appreciate your commitment to getting much needed capital to local and regional farmers. As someone who makes it a point to support local farmers through personal as well as business purchases, I recognize that our regional food system needs to continue to grow to meet the rising demand for good, local food. Thank you, Michaela Hayes Crock & Jar