Recommendations and template questions for discussing food and agriculture policy with candidates for local, state, and federal office.
The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) is a membership-based, farmer-driven nonprofit providing education, technical assistance, and advocacy in support of local, organic agriculture and small-scale farms in the Carolinas. In our advocacy capacity, we work with individual advocates, community organizations, and policymakers alike to center sustainable, local, and organic food and farming issues in policy at every level of government. Through training programs, resource development, legislation analysis, stakeholder listening events, and community engagement efforts, we prepare advocates and decision-makers to have constructive, productive conversations that move legislation and policy forward in favor of small-scale and sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
This 2026 Questions for Candidates resource equips you with food and farming policy-related questions you can ask candidates for elected office. Farm and food policy should be a part of every candidate’s platform, and asking these questions will ensure they consider these issues and reflect on their position on food, farming, food security, and the environment – and if they already have a farm and food policy platform, their responses will help you understand their positions. We encourage you to use this guide to discuss food system issues at public debates, forums, and town hall meetings.
The more candidates hear and learn about the importance of sustainable farming and food systems now, the more likely they’ll be to support policies that foster these systems once elected. Public discourse about these issues is critical to increase awareness and prepare to hold our elected officials accountable.
View the Questions for Candidates Resource in a New Browser Tabhttps://heyzine.com/flip-book/cfsa-2026-questions-for-candidates
Note: We welcome republishing and sharing of this resource by aligned food and agriculture organizations in the Carolinas and across the country! If you share this resource to your organization’s website, newsletter, or social media accounts, please be sure to credit the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in your posting, and include a link back to this original resource. Thank you for your support and partnership!
