NFFC Annual Gathering Reflections

Last month I had the privilege to represent Rural Vermont at the National Family Farms Coalition (NFFC) annual gathering in Des Moines, Iowa. To be honest, without knowing much about NFFC prior to a month ago, I was more excited about going on a trip to a new place than about what might be in store for me at the gathering. But that changed very quickly over the ensuing three days as I met with, and learned from, some of the most passionate and engaged agricultural activists from around the country. Being a part of the Rural Vermont family in some form for two and a half years has allowed me to fight for the change I want to see in our state’s agricultural sector. And while this local action is arguably the most necessary, it’s easy to forget about others fighting parallel battles across the region, country, and globe. In a few short days I learned about indigenous land back movements from the Great Plains Action Society in Iowa, the campaign to block corporate salmon farming by Salmonberry Tribal Association in Alaska, Black land ownership initiatives by the Federation of Southern Cooperatives in Mississippi, and so much more. I felt nervous yet honored to share the great work that our very own Rural Vermont is striving for in front of these amazing individuals. And the glue binding all of us together in those moments? NFFC and their amazing team of staff and elected board officials. Think of them as the Rural Vermont or other aforementioned local group but nationally. Through current initiatives such as the 2023 Farm Bill Platform, Farmland for Farmers Act, and Fair Credit for Farmers Act, NFFC is working at the national scale to address the US dairy crisis for family dairies, remove barriers to land access for family farmers, and improve access to credit for all farmers. Needless to say, at the gathering there was a ton of information, even more acronyms, and quite a lot of farmers antsy to be in the field instead of sitting with nametags on. However, my greatest takeaway was that agricultural folks are some of the most spectacular folks there are, and the resilience we display in the face of adversity is astounding. Despite facing corporate land grabs, structural and interpersonal racism, and environmental degradation, the people I met for those handful of hours in the Midwest were some of the funniest, kindest, and most joyful. I truly believe that while we are all strong and capable in our own right, we have nothing to lose by showing up for one another and establishing resilience through community.

Best, Nour

Nour El-Naboulsi is currently Vice-Chair of Rural Vermont’s Board of Directors.
He is also a part time vegetable farmer, part time rugby player, and co-manager of The People’s Farmstand, a weekly farmstand providing local veggies to all, regardless of ability to pay.

2023 NFFC Annual Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nour is pictured 5th from left.