Pasa Sustainable Agriculture

While the federal funding freeze continues to challenge us, it is precisely during these times of uncertainty that we are reminded of the importance and power of community. As we reflect, we find ourselves looking back fondly on our 34th Conference—so much has happened recently that it’s hard to believe it was just two short months ago! We are so grateful for this beloved annual event and the opportunity it presents to gather and connect—and that’s something worth celebrating. To the more than 1,600 attendees who joined us in learning, sharing, and growing together, and to the countless others who supported the Conference in other ways: thank you. We are deeply grateful for the time we spent together and the inspiration it continues to bring today. It feels more important now than ever to continue fostering community and inspiring more allies to fight for sustainable farms and food systems. Special thanks to photographer Anh Thai for capturing the spirit of this community so beautifully. Please enjoy the full photo gallery of our time spent together at #Pasa2025 here: https://lnkd.in/eBDmpHSA

As we close out #FarmWorkerAwarenessWeek, we lift up the majority immigrant workforce that feeds us and take a look back at our Farm and Food Worker Relief Program. The program granted a one-time $600 relief payment to frontline farm workers and meatpacking workers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Swipe through to see the program’s impact, and learn more in our 2024 Impact Report here: https://lnkd.in/ekXP3DGN

ICYMI: Pasa’s Executive Director, Hannah Smith-Brubaker, was featured on PBS News this week to shed light on how farmers have been affected by the federal funding freezing. “Farmers trusted that the agreement they had with us and that we have with the federal government was unquestionable.” She told reporter William Brangham. “It's heartbreaking to tell a farmer who is counting on it, and the season doesn't wait and the climate doesn't wait.” Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/eyhxk6yr

Join us at Lancaster Farmacy this weekend for an enlightening workshop on seed saving with Amirah Mitchell, seed keeper and founder of Sistah Seeds. In this session, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of crop botany and discover how to seamlessly integrate seed saving into your farm or garden plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to cultivate knowledge and community. Learn more & register here: https://cvent.me/grAwZO

HAPPENING THIS WEDNESDAY: Join us virtually on March 26 at 6:30 pm to hear from Pasa’s Executive Director Hannah Smith-Brubaker and Policy Team, plus farmers in our community affected by the federal funding freeze, to discuss how we can navigate these challenges together, what actions Pasa is taking, and most importantly—how you can help. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eNax_ncn #FederalFunding #FederalFundingFreeze #StandWithFarmers #FundOurFarms #SustainableAg #PasaSustainableAgriculture #PasaFarming #Pasa

Come out and join us at an upcoming event—whether out in the field or virtually from your homes—and connect with other growers and community members. Swipe through to explore our events schedule and share with folks in your network who may be interested. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/e9tp266h #sustainablefarming #sustainableagriculture #sustainableag #urbanag #farmworkshop #seedkeeping #seedsaving #regenerativeag #agriculture

Join us for a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 pm, when Pasa Executive Director Hannah Smith-Brubaker and our Policy Team will share about the ongoing federal funding freeze, its impacts on our organization and the farmers we serve, and our hope and vision for how we'll navigate it together as a community. Register in advance to receive the link to attend. See you there!

We’re taking this fight to the next level: the courtroom. ⚖️ Yesterday the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Public Rights Project jointly filed a lawsuit against the US government for unlawfully withholding approved federal funds. Pasa is proud to announce that we are being represented as a plaintiff in this pivotal case, alongside a number of other nonprofits and cities across the country. This is a crucial fight, and we’re standing together to ensure that commitments made to farmers are upheld. “Pasa has spent decades building trust, delivering on our promises, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the farmers we serve. This legal challenge is not just about us—it’s about every farmer, every community, and every promise that should never have been broken,” said Pasa Executive Director Hannah Smith-Brubaker in an email to our community. “We are not backing down; we are not walking away. We are fighting because the stakes are too high, the consequences too great, and the cause too just.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/evw-ncMi

Across the country, farmers are facing the direct impact of the federal funding freeze. For Wild Hope Farm in South Carolina, the shutdown of the Local Food Purchase Assistance programs means the loss of up to 25% of their wholesale sales, risking wasted produce and significant financial setbacks. Meanwhile, a sheep dairy in Pennsylvania, unable to access approved grant funding for pasture expansion, now faces the daunting choice of going into debt to continue its growth. These stories highlight the real consequences for farmers and communities who rely on these programs. The future of local agriculture is at stake. If you’re a part of the food system and have been affected, please share your story with us here: https://lnkd.in/eNeTF2hD #FederalFunding #FederalFundingFreeze #StandWithFarmers #FundOurFarms #SustainableAg

Members of Congress will be in their home districts from March 17–22. This coincides with #NationalAgWeek, so it’s the perfect time to share the impacts of the federal funding freeze on farmers and urge them to take action. It’s always best to schedule an in-person meeting, if possible, but sending an email or leaving a voicemail can also be powerful. For tips on finding your Congress members’ contact information and suggested scripts, check out our federal funding freeze resources page: https://lnkd.in/esa9gq8p #FederalFunding #FederalFundingFreeze #StandWithFarmers #FundOurFarms #SustainableAg