The Texas Food Policy Roundtable
is hosting "Farm to Capitol" on Friday, April 29 to brief legislators
and their staff on food policy issues in Texas.  In connection with the
event, FARFA will be holding its second citizens lobbying day from noon
to 5 pm. 

The event is an opportunity for farmers and
consumers from all over the state to come together to speak up for our
local food producers.
You will have the chance to learn about the
legislative process, meet legislators and their staff, and learn how to
be an activist in support of our food freedom.

Please make your plans today to join us on
April 29. And please invite others from your area to join you!  Wouldn't
this be a great opportunity to invite some friends along for the ride
to Austin?  How about young family members who might benefit from the
educational experience of seeing our state government in action?  Are
you a member of a CSA or milk group with others who might like to
carpool or caravan to Austin?  The more people we have, the more the
legislators will hear our voices and see our commitment to local foods
and family farms.

Can’t make it to Austin?  No problem!  Plan
to meet with your legislators' district office on the same day.  We can
provide you with materials and help you prepare.    

Make Plans

1)  Find out who your State Representative and State Senator are.  You can look them up online at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/   You can also find out by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630.

2)  Send us your name, address, email, and phone number to info@farmandranchfreedom.org or by phone at (254) 697-2661.  If others from your district have already scheduled a meeting, we can let you know.

3)  Call your Representative and Senator's
offices.  Introduce yourself, including the fact that you're a
constituent.  Tell them you'd like to set up a meeting on Friday, April
29, to discuss agriculture and food issues.  Ideally, ask for a meeting
between 1:30 pm and 4 pm.

4) If they can't schedule a meeting with
your legislator for that day, be willing to accept a meeting with a
staffer.  Staffers often have a lot of input on the issues!  (Note: if
the legislator is planning to be in their district that day, another
option is to ask for a meeting in the district instead)

5)  Let us know who your legislators are
and what time your meetings are scheduled for.  That way, if others from
your district contact us later, we can coordinate the meeting.

Event Location: 
Texas State Capitol
112 E 11th St
78701 Austin , TX
Phone: 254-697-2661
Date and Time: 
Friday, April 29, 2011 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm