Washington D.C.— Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) launched the Farmers First Agenda that includes policies to protect and advance U.S. farmers and ranchers. More broadly and moving forward, AFPI will play a key role in developing bold policies in support of the American farmer and rural communities.
Specifically, The Farmers First Agenda calls for restoring long-term rural prosperity, increasing trade and export opportunities, rightsizing and reorienting government, restoring the dignity of work, working to end diet-related chronic diseases, and other issues. AFPI previewed related Farmers First priorities and recommendations in its The State of the Farm Economy as of January 2025 fact sheet published on National Agriculture Day.
AFPI has recruited a strong bench of patriots hailing from rural America with firsthand farming experience to stand behind the Farmers First Agenda and drive strong rural policy. Leading the policy effort behind AFPI’s Farmers First Agenda is Christie Mullin, who will serve as Chair of Rural Policy, Former Ambassador Kip Tom as Vice Chair of Rural Policy, Sarah Frey as Senior Advisor for Rural Policy and Tate Bennett as Director of Rural Policy.
Mrs. Christie Mullin, the spouse of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), has years of experience running Mullin Ranch’s cattle operations and multiple other small businesses. She is the embodiment of rural prosperity, and AFPI is fortunate to have her at its helm as a chief advocate for farmers and the rural way of life.
“I’m thrilled to take on this opportunity on rural policy at AFPI. As the mother of six beautiful children, and the spouse of a U.S. Senator representing a deeply rural state like Oklahoma, I understand the important role policy plays in shaping lasting solutions to help the future generations thrive in our fields, on our ranches, and throughout our farms,” said Mrs. Mullin.
Ambassador Kip Tom has grown corn and soybeans for decades at Tom Farms in Leesburg, Indiana. He has extensive agricultural policy leadership experience from his previous role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture under President Donald J. Trump. As Vice Chair, Ambassador Tom’s extensive background in farming and his relationships on the global stage equip him with unmatched expertise and dedication to co-lead AFPI’s rural policy work.
“The American farmers serve as the essential foundation of our nation by delivering food, fuel, and fiber globally,” said Tom. “AFPI and its Farmers First Agenda will promote policies that empower our farmers and provide them with essential resources and support to excel in today’s global economy.”
AFPI will issue rural policy products on an ongoing basis covering a variety of topics.
SOURCE: AFPI Press Release