Meijer and Kellogg Company unveiled Wednesday a partnership with The National Young Farmers Coalition, a group that supports young farmers wanting to succeed in the industry. The National Young Farmers Coalition works to shift power to and provide resources for the next generation of working farmers, particularly farmers of color, by uplifting their stories and needs into policy.
Funding from the two companies will help cover honorariums for 12 Midwest farmers, including five from Michigan, who participate in the coalition’s Land Advocacy Fellowship as part of their 2023 Farm Bill platform called the One Million Acres for the Future campaign.
"Kellogg's Better Days is our promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, creating better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030," says Amy Davis, VP of sales accounts at Kellogg, in a statement. "By investing in young farmer leaders and supporting their advocacy, Kellogg and Meijer can help shape the future of farming in the Midwest for generations to come. As two Michigan-based companies, this is particularly important, as Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country."
Funds will also underwrite the creation of online and in-store consumer communications that share the partnership between Kellogg, Meijer, and The National Young Farmers Coalition.
"Meijer has a longstanding commitment to our local growers, many of which we've worked with for decades," said Don Sanderson, Meijer chief merchandising and marketing officer, in a statement. "This partnership with The National Young Farmers Coalition will help young farmers, especially young farmers of color, while ensuring a strong supply chain in the future."
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