Gone are the days of sitting on the sidelines and assuming that’s good enough. Advocates for family farming cannot simply stay informed, watch what happens, and react when necessary. That era is over.
Agriculture in Washington State is facing sustained pressure from policy decisions, regulatory expansion, and rising costs that are often crafted without meaningful input from the people who actually grow our food. Playing defense has kept farmers busy, but it hasn’t delivered the change needed to ensure a positive future for family farming here.. If we want different outcomes, we need a different posture. Proactive. Strategic. Engaged. Loud.
As we enter a new year and a new legislative session, Save Family Farming is shifting further into a proactive stance. That does not mean reckless or reactive. It means organized advocacy, clear messaging, and a growing network of people willing to speak up early and often. It means making sure our leaders–and the urban public they rely on for support–not only know about what farming does to benefit us all, but also see the truth about those attacking farming and harming the public good. The good news is this: there are more ways than ever to step into this work with us.
✓ Sign Up for Our Newsletter and Stay Involved
Our newsletter is the backbone of our communication. It is where we break down what policies and challenges are facing agriculture, explain how proposed policies affect farming and food production, and outline where engagement is needed. If you don’t already receive it, simply sign up on Save Family Farming’s homepage. It is information designed to prepare you for action. If you care about agriculture, this is where you can stay connected and informed.
✓ Join Our Text Alert System for Real Time Advocacy
Timing matters–in the legislative process, and in responding to false accusations against farming. Testimony windows open and close quickly. Committee votes happen fast. Our text alert system is built for moments when action cannot wait. When an issue or bill needs public comment, we want you to know and act. With just a couple taps on your phone, you can send messages directly to elected officials, agency heads, and committee members, clearly stating your position and calling for action. This is efficient, effective advocacy that fits into real life. Sign up for text alerts now!
✓ Share Our Content and Help Shape Public Opinion
Policy does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by culture, narrative, and perception. When you share Save Family Farming’s content on social media, you are helping agriculture show up in conversations where it is often misunderstood or ignored. Use your networks. Start conversations. Challenge bad assumptions. Comment often. The more people who understand what is at stake, the harder it becomes to sideline agriculture in decision making.
✓ Donate and Invest in a Stronger Voice
Advocacy requires resources. Research, communications, events, analysis, content creation, and coalition building all take funding. Donating to Save Family Farming is more than charity. It is an investment in effective representation for farms and ranches across the state. The stronger our financial base and partnerships, the louder and more credible our voice becomes in the places where decisions are made.
✓ Watch for Our Upcoming Media Training
Too often, agriculture is spoken about rather than spoken with. Our upcoming media training is designed to change that. This opportunity will equip participants to confidently engage with reporters, podcasters, radio hosts, and commentators. When farmers and advocates tell their own stories clearly and accurately, it cuts through noise and reframes the conversation. This is how perspectives shift and policies follow. Plan to be a part of our upcoming media training event next month. More details will be coming soon!
✓ Join Us January 29 in Olympia for Farming on the Brink
On January 29 at 5:00 PM, we will be at the Washington State Capitol for a screening of Farming on the Brink. This event is more than a film showing. It is a moment to bring legislators, staff, farmers, and advocates together to confront the realities of farm labor challenges and rising labor costs. The conversation that follows is just as important as the film itself. Being present matters. If you’re able to join us in Olympia on January 29th, we’ll save a seat for you!
There are many ways to engage with Save Family Farming, and every one of them strengthens the collective effort. Advocacy is not reserved for experts or insiders. It belongs to anyone who understands that agriculture is essential and worth defending with intention.
We need your voice. We need it informed, active, and unafraid to be heard. This is the year to step forward, not sit back. Let’s do this together!