What is Farm Foundation, NFP?
Farm Foundation, NFP is a section 501(c)(3) public charity that serves as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster deeper understanding of issues shaping the future for agriculture, food systems and rural regions. The Foundation works to develop, disseminate and/or publicly present educational materials or scientific research findings which contribute to informed discussions and foster debate among all stakeholders.
Farm Foundation, NFP does not lobby or advocate. Our 76-year reputation for objectivity allows us to bring together diverse stakeholders for discussions on issues and public policies. The Foundation addresses issues significant across the face of agriculture and rural America—regardless of geographic, livestock or crop boundaries.
The roots of Farm Foundation, NFP stretch back to 1933, when national leaders of agriculture, business and rural America, led by Alexander Legge, then president of International Harvester, and Frank Lowden, a former Congressman and governor of Illinois (1917-1921), formed a charitable trust called Farm Foundation. They supported development of a non-governmental organization to focus on the economic issues specific to agriculture and the people of rural America. The original trust organization continues to provide substantial financial support and oversight through its 29-member Board of Trustees. Farm Foundation, NFP, which was formed as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation in 2009, handles all active operations and programs.
Who runs the Foundation today?
Farm Foundation, NFP is a section 501(c)(3) public charity, directed by a Board of Directors comprised of leaders in production agriculture, agribusiness, food retailing and academics. The Foundation is not affiliated with any business or organization. Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of President Neil Conklin.
What does Farm Foundation, NFP do?
Farm Foundation, NFP is in the business of knowledge-building. It works to develop, disseminate and/or publicly present educational materials or scientific research findings which contribute to informed discussions and debate, bringing together all stakeholders to foster deeper understanding of agriculture, food systems and rural regions.
Farm Foundation works with diverse stakeholders including:
- Agricultural, business and community leaders who are struggling with issues of change on a daily basis,
- Non-government organizations with interests in agriculture, the food system and rural regions,
- Public policy makers and government officials charged with implementing policy for agriculture, the food system and rural regions, and
- Researchers, analysts and educators working on diverse issues in the rapidly changing world economy for food, feed, fiber and fuels.
Through conferences, workshops and special projects, these diverse groups build human capital, engage in dialogue on timely public issues and policies, and build knowledge-based networks for U.S. agriculture and rural people. To extend the impact of information and knowledge generated at these events, we use executive summaries, Web postings, scholarly publications and other communication tools, including Farm Foundation Issue Reports.
The products of these events and activities are intellectual capital that policymakers can use in building sound state and federal policies for agriculture and rural America. Through their support of and work with Farm Foundation, work can be accomplished that individuals or individual sectors of agriculture and rural America cannot do alone.
Are you a lobby group?
No. Legge and Lowden created Farm Foundation as an objective group, not involved in political lobbying. It is a tenet the Foundation’s Board of Trustees has strongly upheld. It is key to the Foundation’s ability to work effectively. The Foundation’s reputation for objectivity creates “agenda-free” discussion and debate of timely issues. We bring stakeholders and their diverse—often conflicting—viewpoints to the table for meaningful professional discussion, dialogue and debate on cutting-edge issues. The result is an objective, comprehensive overview of critical issues, policy options and potential consequences.
Agriculture is such a diverse industry, and a huge sector of the nation’s economy. How can you possibly do programs that impact everything?
Yes, agriculture is a diverse and complex industry. It would be impossible for Farm Foundation, NFP, or any organization, to address every issue. Our expertise and focus is economic and public policy issues impacting agriculture, the food system and rural regions. The Foundation’s work focuses in six areas:
- Agriculture in the Environment
- Energy and Agriculture
- Food, Agricultural and Trade Policy
- Agricultural and Food System Productivity, Research and Technology
- Food Quality, Safety and Consumer Perceptions
- Viability of Rural Regions
Does Farm Foundation, NFP maintain a large staff to carry out this work?
The Foundation leverages its own financial and human resources by partnering with private and public-sector organizations to explore issues, impacts and potential solutions. Farm Foundation melds its leadership with the intellectual capital of industry and academic professionals across the country to develop innovative approaches to address cutting-edge issues. Rather than duplicate the expertise that already exists in agribusinesses and academic institutions, we invest our time and resources to complement and enhance their impact.
What impacts do you have? What do Farm Foundation programs accomplish?
When we measure program impacts we look at things like:
- The more than 1,000 individuals, representing more than 500 different businesses and organizations, who have participated in Farm Foundation Forums, sharing perspectives and gaining insights into the views of others on timely issues.
- The farm cooperative executive who reported that the insights gained from a Farm Foundation-sponsored conference improved the bottom line of his company.
- The farmers who made more informed decisions about participation in farm programs following a Farm Foundation training session.
- The new congressional aide who, with new insights on agricultural issues gained at a Farm Foundation-sponsored staff briefing, was better able to advise a Senator.
- The university researcher who developed a new research program after listening to farmers and agribusiness leaders at a Farm Foundation conference.
Where does Farm Foundation, NFP get its money?
About half of the operating budget of Farm Foundation, NFP is funded by earnings from the trust endowment established by Mr. Legge and Mr. Lowden more than 70 years ago. The remainder of the budget is generated from contributions for specific projects, or funding from unrestricted gifts made by individuals and corporations who share our commitment to agriculture, food systems and rural regions. Farm Foundation, NFP also has cooperative agreements with government agencies. Management of the Farm Foundation trust’s endowment is the responsibility of the Farm Foundation Board of Trustees.
How can I be part of Farm Foundation?
Farm Foundation, NFP is not a membership organization. To fulfill our mission and maximize our human and financial resources, we partner with other foundations, NGOs, government agencies, and professional organizations. There are numerous opportunities to participate in Farm Foundation conferences each year.
Individuals and corporations can support the work of Farm Foundation, NFP through the annual fund drive, project-specific funding or through contributions to Farm Foundation, NFP or its endowment managed by the Farm Foundation trust.
In a rapidly changing world, the demand for the type of work Farm Foundation does is increasing. Farm Foundation has the operational flexibility to respond to timely needs, but financial resources are also required. Through the annual fund drive, project-specific funding and growth of the endowment, we are better able to address cutting-edge issues in a timely manner.