Press Releases

105 posts

USDA Moves to Delay Long-Awaited Poultry Grower Protections

March 19, 2026
USDA has proposed delaying a rule that sets fair payment standards for poultry growers by 18 months, pushing implementation to the end of 2027. The rule aims to improve transparency and income stability for contract farmers. Advocates warn the delay would postpone long-awaited protections despite evidence these standards can work.
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Kavita Koppa and Mo Murrie, RAFI co-executive directors leadership team

RAFI Announces New Co-Executive Team

January 13, 2026
RAFI is pleased to announce the appointment of Mo Murrie to join Kavita Koppa as RAFI’s new co-executive leadership team. Both directors have risen through the ranks of RAFI and are uniquely positioned to move the organization forward in partnership.
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RAFI Announces 2025 Farmer Grant Recipients

August 28, 2025
RAFI is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 farmer grants: 42 farmers across 10 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands received $261,319 in support for infrastructure improvements, start-up costs, and innovative projects that strengthen farms and communities. Since 2020, RAFI has distributed more than $1.4 million to 241 farmers, continuing a legacy of grantmaking that helps small- and mid-scale farmers thrive.
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Photos of Edna and Kavita

RAFI Announces Leadership Transition

March 26, 2025
RAFI Board President Claire Kelloway is pleased to announce a leadership transition at RAFI and the appointment of Kavita Koppa as Co-Executive Director, joining Edna Rodriguez in a shared leadership model.
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New Rule Under the Packers and Stockyards Act Finalized

January 15, 2025
Today RAFI celebrates the finalization of the “Poultry Growers Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems” rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. This rule introduces a significant reform to the poultry tournament system that will allow poultry contract growers to reliably estimate their income for the first time in decades.
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Announcing Grantees for 2024 RAFI Infrastructure Grants

January 15, 2025
RAFI's Infrastructure Grants support the success of established farmers by helping install impactful infrastructure to spur the growth of their operations. Funds will be used for projects that will increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty efforts, preserve traditional and cultural farming practices, and assist local food economies.
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Introducing: The Grocery Gap Atlas

September 16, 2024
The Grocery Gap Atlas seeks to create opportunities for substantial data analysis that can more reliably inform policy decisions addressing concentration in the grocery industry, engage and educate the public, and highlight potential solutions to poor food access.
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New FSA Rule is a Win for Farmers

August 8, 2024
The USDA released a new rule in the federal register, "Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans". RAFI welcomes these changes and believes the new rule will result in reduced risk for borrowers.
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