Ag Futures Alliance

The AFA Ventura Constitution

The following is an excerpt from the guiding document for the operation of the Ventura AFA.

For a complete version, please download the PDF

Constitution of the Ag Futures Alliance

Our Purpose

To support and enhance an interdependent and viable agriculture in Ventura County in perpetuity through an alliance that values dialogue and cooperation and where a diversity of affected views and interests are represented.

Definitions

Viable and Interdependent take into account:

1. Profit
2. Avoidance of harm
3. System-wide planning that makes sense
4. Time frame long enough to know what is “viable”
5. Biologically integrated approach
6. Considers the people next door
7. Mediated problem solving process
8. Flexibility and choice

Viable means can live, satisfies, worth doing, remains competitive, can function, thriving.

Interdependent means every person has value; all components needed; agriculture is not in a vacuum it is subject to the forces which work on it; returns value to different components involved; relies on natural resources, labor, capital; respectful use of resources; enhancement of resources; and subject to global markets.

Sustainable means any actions we take today do not impede our ability to continue acting in the same way into the future.

Principles are:

1. Not platitudes
2. Deeply held beliefs
3. Descriptive, not prescriptive
4. Divided into two categories: 1) Organization and 2) Practice

Principles define how we will work together by clarifying:

1. Ethics of how we will behave when we decide we belong together
2. Means and conduct by which the purpose will be pursued
3. Fundamental beliefs against which all subsequent decisions and actions will be judged

Principles of Organization

Recognizing that mutual trust and a common purpose are the basis for reaching consensus, the Ag Futures Alliance has set forth the following principles to guide behavior of the organization’s members as they work to set goals and define activities. We recognize that the current process is merely the first step in a series of continuous steps that are needed to achieve our common purpose.

1. In order to develop mutual trust, we respect the right of each individual to have viewpoints, beliefs and values. This means we speak in ways that respect others’ opinions.
2. Those participating in the organization represent elements of the community that are integral to the fulfillment of our purpose. They include: agriculture, labor, environmental advocacy, education, media, local government, and other interested community members with a demonstrable commitment to the purpose of the organization.
3. We actively listen to one another with the intention of building mutually acceptable solutions from identified points of agreement.
4. Through mutual learning we seek common understanding of complex problems.
5. We encourage ideas that are new and creative.
   In order to protect the process, we do not attack or intimidate others.
6. We seek to forge reality-based solutions. Therefore, we precisely identify points of disagreement and common ground.
7. We use open, honest and robust dialogue to achieve consensus in making decisions. Consensus is defined as a mutually accepted group position or an agreement good enough for all members to move ahead. “Good enough” means that there is no strong objection by any one or more group members and those who are not in full accord give their consent to the consensus position established by the balance of the group.
8. In order to provide space for everyone to contribute, we keep our statements as brief and clear as possible and no one person or subgroup will dominate the exchange.

Principles of Practice

Recognizing that we will need to periodically remind ourselves of our core beliefs, that the actions of the Alliance must be consistently implemented over the long-term, that the community’s consent is needed to achieve our purpose, we have set forth the following principles to guide implementation of our programming.

1. We believe that all people, across generations, are linked to each other and interdependent through our social, ecological, and economic systems; further, we are accountable for the effects of our decisions on each other and future generations.
2. We believe that all parts are better understood through their relationship to the whole, and that a change in one part may influence other parts, thereby affecting the whole.
3. We will promote policies that ensure that the Earth’s resources, including soil, air, and water, are not systematically degraded.
4. We commit ourselves to an ethic of mutual respect and responsibility. We recognize the right of all members of the farming community (e.g. farmers, farm workers) to fair compensation for their contributions.
5. We will work to create a safe environment for all members of our community. We further recognize that, when we consider safe application of agricultural chemicals, special consideration must be given to those community members who are most vulnerable (children) and most exposed (farm workers).
6. We work to facilitate the dissemination of appropriate information and the understanding of issues and resources, so that in conflict resolution we can attain outcomes which reflect a balance of interests, without any losers. Further, we will educate the public regarding the complexities of interdependent agriculture.
7. We will work to bring about over time, to the greatest extent feasible, biologically integrated farming systems.
8. We encourage practices, behaviors, and uses of technology that are consistent with our Purpose and Principles, and discourage those that are not.
9. We believe in preemptively building partnerships, and working proactively in our community in order to stay ahead of conflict.
10. We seek to create a community in which agriculture is supported because its role is understood.
11. We recognize the shared responsibility as stakeholders in the agricultural community to promote policies that ensure social equity and justice for farm workers and their families.

What We Do

Underlying Assumption

Recognizing that AFA lacks official regulatory power, we believe our influence will come from

1. the moral authority earned by the members’ dedication to improving the community,
2. respect for others and integrity in our dealings, and
3. rising above traditional adversarial roles. With this in mind, the AFA will undertake the following activities:

Build Consensus within the Alliance and Community at large

1. Define the vision that best ensures the future of agriculture
2. Provide a forum for exploring/illuminating “reduced risk” systems of production
3. Provide a forum for addressing conflicts and solving problems

Supply Information

1. Be a responsible and objective voice for agriculture while speaking out against irresponsible actions.
2. Supply general information or context that enhances the community’s sustainability.
3. Be a resource to reporters.
4. Provide continuing education opportunities.

Enhance Sustainability

1. Advocate for systemic changes in local rural and urban cultures and institutions that are needed to help agriculture and local communities in a transition toward sustainability.
2. Remain ahead of and propose long-term solutions to challenges faced by agriculture.
3. Encourage adherence to safe farming practices that respect environmental and social needs.
4. Develop a consensus building process that will generate a blueprint for sustainable communities.
5. Work with our constituencies to help them embrace and to allow collaboration and cooperation with traditional antagonists and thereby alter behavior patterns inside and outside of agriculture.
6. Support the effective enforcement of all labor, health and safety, and pesticide laws to improve access to decent working and living conditions for farm workers.
7. Advocate for increased access to healthcare and childcare for farm workers and their families.