Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead the world in sustainability
A bountiful harvest for Nebraska farmers is a reminder that agriculture plays a vital role in shaping our communities, economy and future. Building on generations of hard work, our state’s producers are key to ensuring our agricultural legacy is prosperous and sustainable. Their innovation and dedication must be recognized and fully rewarded. This is why the Aksarben Foundation created the Total Value Agriculture Programme.
The program, launching in 2023, aims to connect sustainably produced goods in Nebraska to growing global market demand. Our mission is simple but vital: ensure Nebraska agriculture is considered the most sustainable agricultural supply chain in the world. Full Value Agriculture focuses on helping producers achieve economic profitability through sustainable practices and recognizes Nebraska as a leader in agricultural innovation.
As we celebrate our first year, I’m excited to share the progress we’ve made with the help of agricultural leaders across the state, as well as our plans to further empower Nebraska producers.
Laying the Foundation: First-Year Milestones
The foundation for full-value agriculture was laid at the Governor’s Agriculture and Economic Development Summit in Kearney, Nebraska, in August 2023. Sustainable commodities connect Nebraska producers to global demand. Since then, we have been working hard to ensure our vision becomes a reality.
One of the most significant accomplishments we were a part of came in August 2024, when Governor Pillen secured $307 million in federal funding through the state’s Priority Climate Action Plan and Implementation grant application. This funding will provide critical resources to producers to help them adopt permaculture practices and continue to contribute to Nebraska’s leadership in agriculture. Leaders from agricultural organizations across the state are involved in the collaborative effort, and we are proud to play a role in developing strategies and securing these funds.
But our work goes beyond securing funding. Over the past year, we have engaged in critical discussions about the future of agriculture in Nebraska. In December 2023, we convened agricultural leaders from across the state to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing producers. The conversation focused on how best to position Nebraska agriculture for long-term success in a rapidly changing world.
Additionally, we traveled with members of the Governor’s team to communities such as Alliance and North Platte in early 2024 to gather public input on Nebraska’s Climate Action Plan. These discussions help develop a comprehensive strategy for our state’s agricultural and energy needs, ensuring that the voices of Nebraska producers are at the forefront of our efforts.
future vision
As we enter year two, the future of full value agriculture is bright. We are committed to continuing our mission of supporting Nebraska producers through four key pathways:
Economic profitability of sustainable practices: By identifying strategies that align with global needs, we aim to ensure that producers reap the economic benefits of their innovative practices. Statewide Extension: We will continue to work with Nebraska agriculture leaders and stakeholders to ensure full value agriculture initiatives meet the needs of producers. Agriculture Market Intelligence: Through our LinkedIn platform “FVA Insights” we will provide market intelligence on the latest trends in permaculture to keep producers informed and ahead of the curve. Ag Initiative: We will continue to speak out on behalf of Nebraska producers and advocate for policies that protect the agricultural industry and promote sustainability.
The way forward is clear. Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead the world in permaculture, and Full Value Agriculture will support producers to make that happen. Our producers deserve recognition and fair compensation for their hard work, and we are committed to working with them to ensure this happens.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, we invite all Nebraskans to join us in celebrating the achievements of our state’s producers and supporting the jobs of the future. Together we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Nebraska agriculture.
As crops are harvested from the fields and producers prepare for winter, we are grateful to every producer who contributes to Nebraska’s legacy of agricultural success. We are proud to be on your side.
