This small, Wisconsin-based grassroots organization was founded in 1994 to foster a farmer-controlled and consumer-oriented food and fiber system, based upon democratically controlled institutions that empower farmers to speak for and respect themselves in their quest for social and economic justice. To this end, Family Farm Defenders support sustainable agriculture, farm worker rights, animal welfare, consumer safety, fair trade and food sovereignty. FFD has also worked to create opportunities for farmers to join together in new cooperative marketing endeavors and to bridge the socioeconomic gap that often exists between rural and urban communities. Learn more at www.familyfarmers.org.
Photo: Ken Hawkins