In this episode, "A Conversation About the State of America's Family Farms," Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold Stephano, both from Farm Aid, discuss issues impacting America's small and family farms.  

Hannah Tremblay is Policy and Advocacy Manager, where they manage Farm Aid's advocacy program and engage a broad coalition in support of policies that strengthen family farmers and family farm agriculture. Hannah has worked as an agricultural technical specialist and a farmer throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic since 2014.   

Caitlin Arnold Stephano joined the organization in the fall of 2021 as the Hotline Program Manager. Caitlin grew up riding the tractor at her Grandfather's cherry and apple farm in Eastern Washington state, and has been working in agriculture, farmer organizing, and advocacy since 2006. Caitlin holds a Master's in Sustainable Food Systems with a focus on farmer mental health  

In this conversation, Michelle speaks with Hannah and Caitlin about Farm Aid's mission to support family farmers, the implications of the ongoing stalled farm bill, the myriad of challenges farmers face, including economic policies that harm small farms, and the importance of community advocacy and supporting local farmers by purchasing their goods. Also covered in this conversation is the increasing demand for the Farm Aid hotline services, the impact of climate change and immigration policy on farming, and the need for improved disaster relief and support systems for farmers.   

The conversation emphasizes the critical role of local and federal policies in sustaining small farms and the importance of community engagement in supporting farmers.