Ask Farm Aid

Alicia is Farm Aid's issues researcher and writer and has had experience doing serious sleuthing on America's food and farm system. In fact, she's studied everything from farm business budget sheets to the nutritional content of milk samples—and everything in between! She carries a Bachelors degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Tufts University and a Masters Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Science and Policy from Tufts' Friedman School of Nutrition. She loves nothing more than engaging more people in the conversation about Good Food and great farmers, so put her skills to the test. Not all questions can be highlighted, but all will be answered. So go ahead, Ask Farm Aid.

• How does the occupy movement relate to farmers?
• January 2012

• What can you tell me about family farm turkey?
• November 2011

• How will labeling genetically engineered food do anything for family farmers?
• October 2011

• Word is big cuts are in store for farmers in the upcoming Farm Bill. What is the Farm Bill and what will budget cuts mean for family farmers?
• September 2011

• I’ve been seeing a lot of farm plots spring up around the city. I didn’t even realize people could farm in cities—how can I get involved in this!
• August 2011

• This year’s weather has been a nightmare and lots of farms in my area are struggling. What help is there available for farmers struck by disaster?
• July 2011

• I watched "Food, Inc." recently and was surprised by how animals were treated and meat was produced in America. This seems crazy to me. Why can’t we get meat from better sources?
• June 2011

• A lot of farmers in my area are leasing their land for hydraulic fracturing — is it good or bad? What do farmers say?
• June 2011

• What's a food hub? How can they help me?
• April 2011

• High farm prices are in the news — are farmers getting rich?
• March 2011

• I know the U.S. government just allowed a few new GE crops on the market — should I be worried?
• February 2011

• How can I find food from local farmers during the cold winter months?
• January 2011

• A year-in-review on corporate concentration in agriculture.
• November 2010

• Can you tell me about starting farm to school programs? I’m a farmer and I’d love to provide schools in my area with healthy food.
• October 2010

• No offense, but what has Farm Aid really done all these years aside from put on a good concert?
• September 2010

• I really want to get local meats, but they don't seem to be available. Why is that?
• August 2010

• Answering reader questions with our report, "Rebuilding America’s Economy with Family Farm-Centered Food Systems"
• July 2010

• I just read an article that anticipates 200 dairies will go under in my state by the end of 2010. Why are dairy farmers in so much trouble right now?
• June 2010

• How is credit affecting family farmers right now?
• May 2010

• What exactly is a family farm? How does it differ from a factory farm?
• April 2010

• What's up with food safety? Could new laws hurt family farmers?
• March 2010

• How can a food system that offers so much variety be constricting consumer choice?
• February 2010

• I keep hearing about "concentration" in farming. What does that mean and how does it affect me?
• January 2010

• What’s Farm Aid’s grant program all about? Where does all the money go?
• December 2009

• Why are you thankful for family farmers? The Farm Aid staff responds.
• November 2009

• What are some ways people can get involved in farm activism?
• October 2009

• I've been seeing a lot of interest lately in seed saving. It seems like a lot of work, why bother?
• September 2009

• Are factory farms still a threat to America’s family farmers?
• August 2009

• Do you have any tips for how to fit a farmers market into my busy life?
• July 2009

• What’s the best way to get more farm fresh food into my child’s school cafeteria?
• June 2009

• How do I get involved in the dairy crisis at the grassroots level?
• May 2009

• How can we fix the food safety system without hurting family farmers?
• April 2009

• How exactly are GE crops regulated? And how can I be sure that I am protected?
• March 2009

• Dairy farmers are struggling for survival right now - why?
• February 2009

• Is there a reason why Farm Aid doesn’t grant more to individual farmers?
• January 2009

• How is the credit crisis affecting farmers and agriculture in America?
• December 2008

• What does the change in administration mean for family farmers?
• November 2008

• Where do John McCain and Barack Obama stand on agricultural issues?
• October 2008

• Does Farm Aid know of any programs that help young people start their own farm?
• September 2008

• Just how does Farm Aid decide where to host the show each year?
• August 2008

• Laura looks back on three years answering your questions
• July 2008

• I try to buy local and from family farmers whenever possible. Why is it so hard to find meat from area farmers?
• June 2008

• How do you decide who is and isn’t a family farmer? How many family farmers are there in the United States?
• May 2008

• I see raw milk from time to time at my local grocery, some folks say it’s good –others say its dangerous- what’s the deal?
• April 2008

• I seem to be spending more and more at the grocery store these days. Is it true that corn prices and ethanol are making my food cost more?
• March 2008

• I feel like I used to see a lot more in the news about GMOs. I haven’t managed to keep up to date and now I’m not really even sure what’s out there. Could you give me a little update on GMOs?
• February 2008

• What’s going on with the Farm Bill? Didn’t it pass recently? Is there anything good for family farmers in it?
• January 2008

• What do farmers do in the winter?
• December 2007

• What are you serving for Thanksgiving?
• November 2007

• How did Farm Aid replace the typical concert foods at Farm Aid 2007 and what were the criteria?
• October 2007

• What do Farm Aid folks do during the winter?
• September 2007

• Can you suggest some ways to drink locally or seasonally?
• August 2007

• Is it legal and humane to keep chickens in the city?
• July 2007

• Is it possible to compost in the city?
• June 2007

• Should everyone who wants to lessen their impact on the environment consider giving up meat?
• May 2007

• Can you suggest farm related activities for kids to do?
• April 2007

• Am I supporting family farmers when I purchase a product labeled organic?
• March 2007

• Can you help me simplify my food shopping in a way that still supports my values?
• February 2007

• What New Year's resolutions can I make that will support family farmers?
• January 2007

• How does Farm Aid help family farmers, where does the money go?
• December 2006

• How can I find a family farm turkey for Thanksgiving?
• November 2006

• Is it possible to shop locally on a budget?
• October 2006

• Why can't I get any of this "delicious food from family farmers" at the Farm Aid concert?
• September 2006

• Do you have any advice for developing classroom activities involving good food?
• August 2006

• Who are the farmers in the United States?
• July 2006

• What kind of work is Farm Aid doing with biodiesel?
• June 2006

• When will tomatoes be available in farmers markets?
• May 2006

• Are factory farm birds safer than outdoor birds?
• April 2006

• Could you tell me a little about the food in New Orleans today? Can you even get local foods in the city?
• March 2006

• What is biodynamic farming?
• February 2006

• Why do different companies promote different kinds of pasteurization for milk?
• January 2006

• How can I eat seasonally year-round if nothing is growing in my area?
• December 2005

• With all of the devastating elements that farmers have to face, who can help them when a disaster comes?
• November 2005

• Why is it so hard to find fresh, locally grown produce in my area of Staten Island, NY?
• October 2005

• What is a "family farm food system"?
• June 2005

• How can I find a farm near me?
• May 2005

• What does April on the farm mean in different states?
• April 2005

• Who are the corporate players in the meat industry?
• March 2005

• What questions can I ask my grocer?
• February 2005

• An Introduction to Ask Laura
• January 2005

• What is grass roots organizing?
• August 2005

• Where does school food come from?
• July 2005