Standing Up to ICE

The start of this year has seen an escalation of horrific violence, unconstitutional detentions, and fear as a result of ICE occupations in Minnesota, Maine, Illinois, California, and so many other communities. As many have noted, this crisis continues to show how the best of society can stand up to the worst, from community members joining hand in hand to protect undocumented neighbors, local restaurants feeding and shielding protesters, and mutual aid groups coordinating support. 

Even as the Trump administration finally ended operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis and plans to “significantly drawdown” ICE agents in the area, much trauma and confusion remain. Thousands of people have been abducted and are being held in detention centers with no way to contact their families. Mark Muller, Executive Director of the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, who is based in Minneapolis, recently shared, “the impacts on the welfare of new immigrants, the overall economy, children’s mental health and educational progress, and distrust in federal authorities will be long-lasting.” The fallout from the ICE occupation will not disappear when federal activity shifts or the news cycle moves on. Now, as the McKnight Foundation’s Muneer Karcher-Ramos writes, communities in Minneapolis “require partners who are willing to stay, invest, and help rebuild the stability that every family deserves.” 

The Department of Homeland Security remains shut down as Congress has yet to agree on a plan to fund the agency. So far, Republicans have continued to knock key demands from Democrats, including a proposal that immigration enforcement agents seek judicial warrants before entering private property. Staying alert and prepared if ICE is in your area remains paramount. This Know Your Rights guide, prepared by the Native American Rights Fund, and this upcoming Farm Commons webinar on ICE access to farm property, are helpful starting points. 

House Agriculture Committee releases Farm Bill text with several “poison pills”

On the food and agriculture policy front, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA-15) has scheduled a Farm Bill markup for the week of March 1 after the initial timeline was delayed due to weather concerns. The Farm Bill text (the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026), released earlier this month, includes many of the same provisions included in the House Farm Bill language introduced in 2024, which was reported out of the House Agriculture Committee with only Republican support.

This Farm Bill text does not restore the staggering $187 billion in SNAP cuts and unprecedented cost-sharing requirements included in H.R.1. It also fails to adequately fund new opportunities to expand local and regional food systems, severely stunting their potential to improve farmer viability and community health. As a result, many organizations across the food and farming sectors, which have historically worked together to pass Farm Bills, are calling on Congress not to advance this bill. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, for example, shared the following statement: 

“Last summer’s reconciliation package separated key farm safety net improvements and made deep cuts to nutrition programs — two pillars that have traditionally been negotiated together as part of a comprehensive Farm Bill. Splitting these from the rest of the Farm Bill weakened the bipartisan coalition that typically accompanies the legislation. This markup is the first Farm Bill after that split, and it shows. 

 “This isn’t the Farm Bill we want, and it’s not the Farm Bill we need. While we appreciate the continued effort to advance a Farm Bill, lawmakers are failing to seize the opportunity to deliver bold, comprehensive reforms that will truly support America’s family farmers and ranchers.”

The Farm Bill markup is a crucial opportunity to educate members of the House Agriculture Committee on the impacts of the SNAP funding crisis. If you are a funder curious about how your organization can support training and technical assistance opportunities for state agencies grappling with H.R. 1, or want insights into how state legislators are responding to SNAP cuts, please consider joining our SNAP Working Group, co-hosted with Grantmakers In Health, and email me at [email protected].  

The Farm Bill text also includes a provision titled “Uniformity of Pesticide Labeling Requirements,” which would limit the ability of states to modify federally registered pesticide labels. This attempt to pass a pesticide labeling preemption represents one element of a multi-pronged and aggressive effort by the pesticide industry that could severely limit the ability of farmers, farmworkers, families, and communities to seek legal accountability for pesticide harms. In fact, just a few weeks ago, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments in Monsanto v. Durnell, with a hearing expected this May. This case could establish sweeping federal preemption that bars state failure-to-warn lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers, potentially dismissing thousands of pending cases and extending immunity across all 57,000 pesticides registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Earlier this week, the Trump administration also signed an executive order directing USDA to promote domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, infuriating MAHA and exposing Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s hypocrisy.

To learn more about the pesticide industry’s campaign for legal immunity and why this is a critical moment for funders, we encourage you to join our upcoming funder briefing in collaboration with Funders for Regenerative Agriculture, Health and Environmental Funders Network, and URSA Collective on April 2. 

Where we go from here 

Overall, we are seeing a continued rise of corporate influence over politics, a deeply concerning endorsement of a “might makes right” world view, and increasing threats to the institutions that uphold our democracy. This includes the Trump administration’s calls to “nationalize” voting ahead of November’s midterm elections, and the impending decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which will determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. 

These forces are not insurmountable. As communities continue to navigate and respond to the onslaught of emergencies this administration inflicts, it is time to double down on support for policy advocacy and movement-building infrastructure and shift power to frontline communities. We must ensure that networks, coalitions, and organizers have the resources to champion the food system – and the society – we all want to see. 

To this end, please register for the upcoming webinar, “Withstanding the Assault: Strategies for Philanthropy to Support Frontline Organizations and the Communities Most Impacted,” on February 27. Panelists, as well as leaders from the Food & Farm Democracy Initiative (FFDI) founding organizations (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, RAFI, Red Clover Collaborative, and Regenerative Agriculture Foundation), will ground-truth how philanthropy can effectively respond to this reality. We hope to see you there.

This month, we are shining a spotlight on Black Farmer Fund (BFF), a community investment fund channeling patient capital and technical support to Black food systems entrepreneurs across the Northeast, with a mission to nurture Black community wealth and health.

Beyond accessible financing for farmers, BFF practices economic democracy by involving community members and unaccredited investors in shaping how capital flows to build wealth and create a resilient, equitable food economy. To date, BFF has raised and deployed $14M+ and invested in 14 businesses that are advancing a strong Black food system. 

Black Farmer Fund formally joined SAFSF membership in 2025, after many years partnering with BFF’s co-founder and president, Olivia Watkins, as a member of SAFSF’s Board of Directors in a non-member seat.
 

This week, SAFSF will send an email inviting members to complete the 2026 Member Survey — The survey covers your experience with our programs and services, and will directly shape how we grow and support the membership. The survey closes April 6, but early responses will inform Board discussions in late March — and mean fewer reminder emails in your inbox. Stay tuned for the link! We look forward to hearing from you.

EPA Repeals Legal Basis for Regulating Greenhouse Gases.
What it Means for the US — and the World

This month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule overturning its own “endangerment finding” — established after years of scientific analysis — that concluded that greenhouse gas pollution endangers human health and requires regulation. Revoking the finding now gives the administration authority to erase greenhouse gas pollution limits from cars, power plants, and industries. David Widawsky, U.S. Director of World Resources Institute, breaks down what is at stake for U.S. households, why this deregulation could increase legal risks for businesses, and what comes next.

Institute on Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP):
Climate-Smart Farming on the Rise in Midwest States

IATP extensively analyzed federal conservation cost-share programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), with a focus on numbers of applications and awards, the share of program dollars going toward industrial agriculture, and differences in implementation across states. Specifically, they looked at how the top 10 practices across the 12 Midwest states shifted between 2021 and 2024.  

They found that once funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) started being disbursed in fiscal year 2023 (FY2023), on-farm practices defined as “climate-smart” and their facilitating practices began to dominate the top 10 practices in every Midwest state. But changes to EQIP funding in the recent budget bill and the Farm Bill extension may reduce access to climate-smart practices made possible by EQIP going forward.

MAD AGRICULTURE Analyzes USDA’s New
Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (RAI)

In December 2025, USDA announced the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (RAI), positioning it as a significant new investment in regenerative agriculture at a moment of major transition for federal conservation funding. MAD AGRICULTURE Science Director Dane Kane very helpfully explains how the program is funded (hint: this is not a new pool of money but a repackaging of existing conservation programs), and the requirements for farmers to access the new initiative. Still, the list of regenerative practices covered under RAI is a step in the right direction. 

Webinars

Convenings

Small Farms and the Future of AgTech
From Community Alliance With Family Farms (CAFF)

While agricultural technology has advanced rapidly, innovation has largely centered on large-scale, capital-intensive operations. Small farms – despite their outsized contribution to local economies, biodiversity, and food security – are often excluded from these advances. The gap between the tools available and those that are practical, affordable, and relevant for small-scale operations remains wide.

A new CAFF report aims to fill that gap by identifying the specific technology needs of small-scale farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley, examining barriers that limit or slow adoption, and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, funders, technical assistance providers, and technology developers.

New Report Exposes Critical Resources Needed to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) in School Meals – From School Nutrition Association

A new report released by the School Nutrition Association details operational challenges for school meal programs, including barriers to offering local foods and resources needed to expand scratch preparation and reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods (UPFs). 99 percent of 1,240 surveyed school districts said they need more funding to expand scratch preparation and reduce ultra-processed foods. The report ties those needs to a broader funding squeeze, with 94.9 percent of directors reporting serious or moderate concern about their program’s financial sustainability three years out. 

As School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard made clear, “Congress must step up to ensure schools have the funding and resources to build on their successes and effectively implement changes to school nutrition standards.” This report further underscores why the Chef Ann Foundation, an SAFSF member, recently brought the National School Food Workforce Advisory Committee to Capitol Hill to brief congressional staff on the challenges school food professionals face and the solutions Congress can provide.

USDA Releases Analysis of Comments on Reorganization Proposal 

A newly released analysis shows USDA received overwhelmingly negative feedback on its plan to relocate 2,600 Washington D.C. area staff into five regional hubs across the country. Thousands of current and former employees, lawmakers, and other stakeholders said it could lead to a significant brain drain and disruptions to key farmer-support programs. 

USDA solicited emailed comments from the public between August 1 and September 30, 2025. USDA received nearly 47,000 responses, most of which were from form letters or part of an organized campaign. Of the 14,000 remaining messages, 82% expressed a negative sentiment, according to USDA’s analysis of the responses. Just 5% expressed a positive tone. For more, read this Government Executive deep dive into the comments. 

Having already lost 20,000 employees thanks to DOGE’s assault on the federal civil service, more staff losses at USDA will further strain the programs that benefit farmers and communities. These disruptions could also further delay decisions on cases filed through USDA’s National Appeals Division. 

More than 420 Organizations Sign Letter Urging Lawmakers to Reject Industrial-Scale Fish Farms in U.S. Waters 

A broad coalition of 421 fishing groups, food advocacy organizations, and conservation organizations, farmers, businesses, aquaculture producers, chefs, faith-based organizations, and Tribal groups signed a letter urging leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Natural Resources to oppose the Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act (MARA Act of 2025). 

Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), the bill paves the way for industrial-scale, carnivorous finfish farms in U.S. federal ocean waters for the first time under the guise of research and development. However, the coalition of signers makes clear that the MARA Act “threatens wild fisheries, coastal communities, and the long-term health of our oceans,” and calls on Congress to instead “invest in existing community-led, responsible seafood systems – such as sustainable wild fisheries, low-impact aquaculture, shellfish and seaweed farming, and community-based seafood processing.” 

To learn more about the harms of offshore finfish farming and what values-based aquaculture looks like in practice, SAFSF members can read this blog by SAFSF Policy Program Manager Maggie Mascarenhas.

The Clif Family Open Call Grants Program

The Clif Family Foundation is accepting applications for its Open Call grants, offering one-year general operating support ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for 501(c)3 organizations working at the grassroots level to advance food and agriculture systems change. Priority is given to organizations with strong community ties, operating budgets under $8MM, and work focused primarily in the United States. Applications are reviewed twice yearly, with the next deadline on March 1, 2026.

Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) 

CSCI is now accepting applications for grants to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects. The grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process.

Awards include funding, as well as training and technical support. Ranging from $75,000 -$115,000 per award, funds can be used over a 12-month period to advance activities such as risk assessments, community engagement, project prioritization, and implementation. The initiative will be accepting grant applications through March 12, 2026, and expects to announce awards this summer.

First Nations Development Institute Native Food Sovereignty Grant

First Nations Development Institute is accepting applications for its 2026 Native Food Sovereignty Grants, awarding multiple grants of $10,000 to $40,000 each to Native-led and Native-serving organizations working to establish and safeguard Native food traditions. Eligible focus areas include: First Foods and Maternal Health; Native Farm to School; GATHER Emerging Organizations and Programs; and Governance of Native Food Systems.

Tribal government programs, tribal §7871 entities, Native-controlled nonprofit organizations, and Native-controlled community organizations are eligible to apply by March 17, 2026.
 

Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA Opens 2026 Farmer Grants

RAFI’s Beginning Farmer Stipends (Southeast U.S.) support farmers with up to three years of experience owning and operating their farm. Funds can be used to cover improvements to the farm’s current operation/enterprises. For questions, please email [email protected]. 

RAFI’s Southeast US Infrastructure Grants opened yesterday. The funds are available for farmers with three or more years of experience owning and operating their farm. Funds will be used to improve the current infrastructure or create new infrastructure needed to support the farm’s viability. 

Food Justice for Kids Prize

Newman’s Own Foundation, Humanitix, The Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory have announced the launch of the 2026 Food Justice for Kids Prize with up to $1.4M in grant funding to be shared among 14 innovative organizations across the U.S.

The Hind Foundation Standard Grants Program

The Hind Foundation Standard Grants Program (rolling) supports community-based projects proposed by nonprofit organizations that are at least three years old and have visible impacts in California. Areas of funding include ecosystem conservation, historical landmark restoration, plant and wildlife protection, and land conservation.

California Farmland Conservancy Program

The CA Department of Conservation California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP): Land Improvement Projects and Agricultural Conservation Easement Grants (rolling) support the voluntary acquisition of conservation easements and restoration of and improvements to agricultural land.

Mother Jones: Facing Deportation, Haitian Meatpacking Workers Voted to Strike Anyway

A powerful on the ground report into the largely Haitian immigrant workforce at a JBS beef plant in Greeley, Colorado, where workers voted 99 percent in favor of a strike over dangerous conditions and an expired contract, even as the Trump administration fought in court to revoke their legal status and deport them. 

Food & Power: Are Manure Digesters Doing More Harm Than Good?

A recent piece from Food & Power examines how federal subsidies for manure biodigestors on industrial livestock farms may be fueling consolidation, increasing pollution in rural communities, and crowding out more cost-effective renewable energy investments. This piece highlights a coalition of over 30 environmental organizations that are pushing USDA to pull the plug on funding them altogether. 

The New York Times Exposes the Patchwork Chaos of New SNAP Restrictions

A growing wave of state waivers, spearheaded by the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again push, is banning soda, candy, and other items from SNAP-eligible purchases, creating a dizzying, inconsistent set of rules that are confusing consumers, overwhelming grocery retailers, and raising urgent questions about food access for low-income families. 

Investigate Midwest Explores the Barriers Blocking the Next Generation of Farmers

A new investigation examines the compounding barriers facing beginning farmers today, from growing land costs to agricultural consolidation to tariff pressures and shrinking federal support, and explores what meaningful shifts are needed to ensure the next generation can build viable livelihoods in agriculture. 

Civil Eats to Launch “First Person,” a Series of Perspectives on Native Foodways 

The new year-long series will feature the voices of Indigenous food leaders who are reaffirming the value of Native foodways and celebrating their resurgence after centuries of suppression and near-erasure.