An alliance created five years ago to support and promote farmers in their conservation efforts has reached a new level, with a broader focus, more innovative projects and an increasingly diverse set of partners.
On May 11, 2021, the group,
formed in 2016 as the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance, announced its transformation into Farmers for Sustainable Food, a nonprofit organization that provides resources, advocacy, support and empowerment for farmers who are innovating and demonstrating
sustainable farming practices. “Our vision is a sustainable food system in which farmers, their communities and the environment thrive,” said Todd Doornink, president of Farmers for Sustainable Food and a dairy farmer in northwestern Wisconsin.
“Our focus is on uniting stakeholders to collaborate across organizational lines, inspiring farmers to be leaders of change and empowering our partners to meet their goals.”
The Dairy Business Association and The Nature Conservancy originally
organized the alliance in Wisconsin around the goal of helping dairy farmers make tangible improvements to the environment and other aspects of their farms. Since then, additional partners have come aboard representing various parts of the food supply
chain, from individual farms and agricultural groups to food processors and food companies. And the group is facilitating greater opportunities to achieve environmental goals and promote progress in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the Upper Midwest.
Producer-Led Group Roadmap: A guide to farmers and their partners in conservation on the road to success
This document is the result of a collaboration
between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance (DSSA) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The intended audience for this roadmap is for groups that are either funded through
the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant (PLWPG) program at DATCP or for those groups that are currently functioning without funding from the program.
These farmer-led organizations foster innovation and shared learning among members
to bring about continuous measurable improvements in areas such as water quality and soil health by exploring on-farm conservation practices.
This document guides groups through all of the necessary steps to be successful as a farmer-led
watershed organization including setting goals, membership requirements, securing DATCP and outside funding, tracking outcomes, documenting progress, establishing communications, developing work plans and reporting.
Farmers for Sustainable Food supports farmer-led groups
Calument County Ag Stewardship Alliance | Calumet County CCASA is a nonprofit group of innovative farmers, committed community members and other professional partners dedicated to championing sustainable farming practices that
protect water quality and build healthy soil.
Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance |Lafayette County The Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance (LASA) is a farmer-led, nonprofit organization committed to faithful and sustainable stewardship
of our natural resources. Through innovation and collaboration, LASA identifies, shares and promotes conservation practices that demonstrate continuous improvement and preserve and enhance the quality of life in the community. View website.
Peninsula Pride Farms | Door and Kewaunee Counties Peninsula Pride Farms (PPF) is a farmer-led, nonprofit group of local farmers. Their mission is to be caretakers of the environment, we are committed to protecting,
nurturing and sustaining our precious soil, water and air. To foster environmental stewardship, we will promote practices with measurable outcomes that secure and enrich the future of our shared community. View website.
Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers | Sheboygan County The Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers (SRPF) explore farming strategies that lead to greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact
on the environment. Members of the alliance share information gained through field trials with fellow farmers in the hope of increasing the sustainability of farming across the basin. Lastly, the group strives to foster an understanding
of the role of agriculture in the community. View website.
Western Wisconsin Conservation Council | St. Croix County The Western Wisconsin Conservation Council (WWCC) is a farmer-led, nonprofit group of local farmers dedicated to promoting water conservation, environmentally
sound agricultural practices, and engagement with our communities. View website.
Yahara Pride Farms | Dane County Yahara Pride Farms is a farmer-led, not-for-profit organization working to improve soil and water quality. We strive to help advance new ideas and technology that balance water quality
improvement with farm sustainability and profitability. View website.
Contact Lauren with questions:
Lauren Brey Director of strategic relationships and sustainability (920) 883-0020 x107 Email
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