To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of NESAWG’s It Takes a Region conference we’re talking with food systems organizers and practitioners who are at the forefront of change in our region. What have these leaders seen over the past 25 years, and where do they see us heading? What do we need to know about the opportunities and constraints imposed by our current political climate, and how can we move together, as a collection of diverse communities, into a united food movement? Our first reflection is from Jose Oliva, co-director of the Food Chain Workers Alliance, who generously shared his story and the work of food chain workers around the country who are innovating tactics and building power to transform not just labor conditions in the food system, but how our communities and institutions navigate complex social and environmental issues.

"As someone who enjoys working with different people and facilitating dialogue and solutions, it has been an exciting opportunity to work alongside farmers and farmworkers to implement the Milk with Dignity Program to improve conditions on dairy farms. " Learn more about the work of Rafaela Rodriguez, a social worker who is currently working with the Milk with Dignity Program and her work as lead auditor for the third party monitor called the Milk with Dignity Standards Council.

The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program application deadline for the 2017-18 academic year is April 28, 2017.

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is soliciting proposals for their Community Food Systems Conference.