Farm & Ranch Freedom's Citizens Lobbying Day - Austin

The Texas Food Policy Roundtable is hosting "Farm to Capitol" on Friday, April 29 to brief legislators and their staff on food policy issues in Texas.  In connection with the event, FARFA will be holding its second citizens lobbying day from noon to 5 pm. 

The event is an opportunity for farmers and consumers from all over the state to come together to speak up for our local food producers. You will have the chance to learn about the legislative process, meet legislators and their staff, and learn how to be an activist in support of our food freedom.

Please make your plans today to join us on April 29. And please invite others from your area to join you!  Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to invite some friends along for the ride to Austin?  How about young family members who might benefit from the educational experience of seeing our state government in action?  Are you a member of a CSA or milk group with others who might like to carpool or caravan to Austin?  The more people we have, the more the legislators will hear our voices and see our commitment to local foods and family farms.

Can’t make it to Austin?  No problem!  Plan to meet with your legislators' district office on the same day.  We can provide you with materials and help you prepare.    

Make Plans

1)  Find out who your State Representative and State Senator are.  You can look them up online at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/   You can also find out by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630.

2)  Send us your name, address, email, and phone number to info@farmandranchfreedom.org or by phone at (254) 697-2661.  If others from your district have already scheduled a meeting, we can let you know.

3)  Call your Representative and Senator's offices.  Introduce yourself, including the fact that you're a constituent.  Tell them you'd like to set up a meeting on Friday, April 29, to discuss agriculture and food issues.  Ideally, ask for a meeting between 1:30 pm and 4 pm.

4) If they can't schedule a meeting with your legislator for that day, be willing to accept a meeting with a staffer.  Staffers often have a lot of input on the issues!  (Note: if the legislator is planning to be in their district that day, another option is to ask for a meeting in the district instead)

5)  Let us know who your legislators are and what time your meetings are scheduled for.  That way, if others from your district contact us later, we can coordinate the meeting.