Leland Swenson

The search for a CAFF's new executive director has concluded successfully with the hiring of Leland Swenson.

Swenson comes to the Davis, Calif., based organization from the National Farmers Union, where he concluded 14 years of services as president in March this year. “"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve as the executive director for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers",” Swenson said. “"I’'m looking forward to strengthening the linkage and working relationship between family farmers and urban consumers throughout California".”

During his tenure with the National Farmers Union, Swenson increased that organization's budget by some 50 percent, planned and coordinated national public education campaigns on farm issues. In addition, he served in a number of leadership roles including chairman of the National Farmers Union Pension Plan, Farmers Educational Foundation and the National Farmers Union Foundation. While Swenson was with the National Farmers Union he was responsible for organizing and leading the historic 1999 National Agricultural Summit. The gathering brought together 29 of the nation's farm and commodity organizations to address serious farm economy conditions such as a farm safety net, industry concentration, risk management and international trade.

Swenson also organized the Rally for Rural America in March 2000. That event attracted thousands of farmers, church leaders, labor organizations and rural people to Washington, D.C. to send a strong message to Capitol Hill that the rural crisis was more than an economic crisis but also a social and cultural crisis in rural America. “"Working with CAFF, I want to provide positive and constructive leadership on important issues facing California's family farmers",” Swenson said. “"Keeping small farmers on the land and in business producing food in a sustainable manner is vital for local economies all over the state. Working together we can and will make a positive and beneficial impact on California".”

“Leland has been a national leader on family farm policy for more than 14 years,” CAFF Board President Judith Redmond said. “He had proven his ability to manage a national staff, organize effective grassroots action and lead exciting programs. Leland will provide important leadership as CAFF implements its biological farming and food systems programs using strategies of community organizing and policy advocacy.”