Supporters of small and independent agriculture producers in Iowa have launched an initiative to raise awareness of rural issues as the midterm elections approach, pushing back against what they call the outsized influence of corporate and foreign-owned agricultural operations.
Farm Action Fund President Joe Maxwell said increased production costs, low commodity prices and tariffs on both exports and farm equipment have made it hard for small Iowa farmers to compete. He said many Iowa farmers are the latest in a long line of family businesses that can no longer compete.
“Sixty-three farmers a day are going out of business and consumers in our communities and in metropolitan regions can't afford their food,” Maxwell said.
Through its Rural Independence Initiative, the Farm Action Fund is encouraging Iowa voters to consider whether candidates running in upcoming elections have rural interests in mind.
Supporters of large and corporate agricultural operations contend the nation’s food security depends on a consistent supply of high-quality products.
Maxwell argued large farm operations are not feeding the nation as they claim. He said much of the food grown by foreign-owned companies does not stay in the U.S., leaving the country with an agricultural trade deficit.
“The reason is we're importing more and more higher-valued fruits and vegetables, food-type crops, and we're trying to export our way out with lower-valued feed and fuel crops,” Maxwell said.
The midterm candidate initiative is the first step in a strategy to raise awareness of rural issues that small-farm advocates intend to take into the 2028 general election.