Building Understanding Between Farmers And Those Who Need Them
Mission
The world is demanding more than ever from the farm and ranch today. How, when and where you farm are of concern to more and more businesses and interest groups. The day of saying “I’m doing it my way and my way alone” is fading fast. Yet some of those asking for, even demanding change, do not fully appreciate the implications and ramifications of what they are asking for. There is always room for improvement in any business. Finding the smart way and the proverbial “win-win” requires a comprehensive understanding of both agriculture and conservation. Federal and state legislation, local government zoning, as well as procurement policies of major food companies, can if done poorly, drive folks out of farming and ranching. But if done with the proper understanding, pathways toward mutual goals can be successfully mapped. If you are looking for expertise in production agriculture and how it best fits into this rapidly evolving world of socially responsible production, I can help.
About Me
A lifetime in production agriculture including: farming in urban setting of NJ; advising farmers on water quality issues to improve the Chesapeake Bay; serving as a lobbyist for Virginia Farm Bureau; serving as president of the Virginia Poultry Federation; researching, permitting and building wastewater treatment solutions that irrigated reclaimed water on farmland and golf courses; administering the nation’s farm subsidy programs, disaster assistance programs and the Conservation Reserve Program for President George W. Bush; and serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Pork Board.
My thirty-plus years of experience in a broad range of agricultural settings equips me well to provide counsel and direction for those seeking to resolve issues or build community with farming or ranching interests.
-John A. Johnson
Areas of Expertise
Agricultural Policy
I served at USDA where I administered all of the commodity programs in Title 1 of the Farm Bill and I worked with state legislatures and local governments on a wide variety of agricultural issues ranging from tax credits to permitting requirements for Confined Animal Feeding Operations. This experience allows me to provide guidance to entities considering new policy initiatives.
Farm To Fork Issues
My understanding of the realities of farming and ranching, as well as my knowledge of the interests of retailers and consumers about where their food comes from, equips me to bridge the divide between parties who only know their own world, guiding them down a path to mutually beneficial goals.
Sustainability
Conservation is a passion of mine and I have been privileged to work on many projects that put farming on a more sustainable path and led to major conservation benefits. Having been recognized for my work on water quality for the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and wildlife conservation, I am able to guide competing interests to mutually beneficial environmental goals.
Reviews
“John’s strategic vision, coupled with his ability to get things done, made him an outstanding partner at the National Pork Board.” Chris Novak, CEO at CropLife America
“While at USDA, John was an innovative thinker and had the follow through necessary to get the job done in a large Federal agency. He motivates and manages people with skill and ease!” Chuck Connor, President and CEO at National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Let’s Get in Touch
Contact
Founder, John Johnson
Office: (540) 896-4043
[email protected]
Location
570 Spring Oaks Drive, Rockingham, VA 22801.
