Jarrod Yates, Executive Vice President | Arkansas Farm Bureau
Food security is often discussed in terms of grocery prices, supply chains or global hunger. But at its core, food security is national security: a nation that cannot reliably feed its people is a nation vulnerable to economic instability, social unrest and external pressure.
In the United States — and especially in Arkansas — farmers and ranchers are not just food producers; they are frontline defenders of our country’s independence and long-term security.
America’s agricultural system is among the most productive and efficient in the world. Farmers and ranchers provide a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. That reliability is the result of generations of stewardship, innovation and hard work. Organizations like Arkansas Farm Bureau play critical roles in supporting that system by giving farmers and ranchers a unified voice in policy discussions that directly impact food production and rural livelihoods.
A secure food supply is the foundation of economic stability. In Arkansas, agriculture is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, sustaining rural communities and small towns. When farms and ranches thrive, local businesses thrive. When they struggle, entire communities feel the effects. Arkansas Farm Bureau works to protect farm profitability and rural economies through advocacy, education and member-driven policy solutions.
Food security is also deeply tied to national defense and global stability. Maintaining a strong domestic agricultural base reduces America’s reliance on imports and strengthens national independence. Arkansas Farm Bureau helps ensure farmers and ranchers remain viable and America retains control over its food supply.
In Arkansas, producers manage millions of acres of farmland, forests and rangeland. Their efforts protect wildlife habitats, reduce erosion, improve water quality and strengthen long-term productivity. Arkansas Farm Bureau actively promotes science-based conservation solutions allowing farmers to care for the land while continuing to feed a growing population.
Despite their importance, farmers and ranchers face mounting challenges. Rising input costs for fuel, fertilizer, feed and equipment strain already thin margins. Extreme weather events — droughts, floods and severe storms — are becoming more frequent and costly. Regulatory pressures and market volatility add additional uncertainty. Many farms operate one bad year away from closure.
That is why strong advocacy matters. Arkansas Farm Bureau exists to stand up for farmers and ranchers at the local, state and national levels. By joining Farm Bureau, members help shape policies related to crop insurance, disaster assistance, conservation programs, trade, labor and regulatory reform. Membership strengthens agriculture’s voice and ensures that decisions affecting food production are made with input from those who know it best — the people working the land.
Farm Bureau membership is open, not only to producers, but to anyone who believes in food security, rural communities and strong American agriculture. When consumers, landowners and agriculture supporters join Arkansas Farm Bureau, they help bridge the gap between farm and table and stand up for the people who feed us all.
National security conversations often focus on military readiness, energy independence or infrastructure. Food security deserves equal attention. A well-fed nation is a stable nation. A nation that supports its farmers and ranchers protects its economy, sovereignty and future.
