Food. Farms. Democracy.

Food. Farms. Democracy. Creating a better tomorrow together.

Why It All Matters

Exploring how sustainable food systems, civic participation, constitutional renewal, and community health/wealth are interconnected. We believe that Building the best possible foundation for survival, self-government, and collective responsibility will be achieved through stronger food systems and democratic practices.

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Welcome to Food + Farms + Democracy

When Food + Farms + Democracy started it was looking for America’s "central fire" – a location where communities would come together, listen to each other, share knowledge and make decisions for everyone's benefit. Food + Farms + Democracy is interested in learning how food systems and agriculture can work hand-in-hand with the way government works (governance) and how citizens contribute to their communities to create thriving communities. Food + Farms + Democracy wants Americans to consider how society organizes resources, relationships and democratic contributions.

A new generation of change

In line with Food + Farms + Democracy's vision for America, we have now entered into our 9th generation since 1776. This new generation is challenged to update government systems, public services, and citizen participation methods so that they provide better service to citizens and communities. In order to achieve this, the ultimate goal of Food + Farms + Democracy is to identify and fill significant gaps in what Americans know about food, farming, democracy and the interdependencies required to Support collective survival.

Revitalize democratic participation
Enhance local food systems
Sustain agriculture
Foster constitutional/civic dialogue
Create resilient communities

Our mission

We want to educate people regarding the strong linkages between food production, environmental stewardship, community resiliency and democratic involvement. We hope to inspire individuals to become active participants in developing systems which impact daily life through education, advocacy, research and public discourse. Based upon the conviction that healthy societies need healthy food systems and meaningful citizen participation, Food + Farms + Democracy promotes awareness, cooperation and long-term solutions.

Featured Projects

Connecting food systems, farming, and democracy for community resilience.

Platforms for food & farm development

Creating concepts, policies and discussions that enhance local and regional food systems.

Renewing democracy

Examining ways to increase civic participation; public processes and community-based decision making.

Promoting informed discussions about updating present systems and institutions to address today's challenges.

Updating the constitution

Food & farm resource library

Find educational content, research, community organizations/networks and advocacy resources related to sustainable agriculture, food access/security, local food systems and citizen participation/democratic participation.

Categories of resources

National food & farm resources
Regional & state resources
Democracy/citizen engagement
Community organizations/networks
Public policies/advocacyRevitalize democratic participation

Founding visionary/founder

Debbie L. Hillman established Food + Farms + Democracy as a continuous effort to establish links among food systems, environmentally responsible practices, community wisdom and democratic values. Through writing, advocacy and public engagement, Food + Farms + Democracy inspires u.s. Citizens to analyze the systems that influence the lives of their families and future generations.

Participate in the discussion.

To build sustainable food systems and healthy democracies we need the participation of everyone. Please explore available resources, engage with some of the projects we're working on, and help shape a future based on accountability, sustainability and community.