The National Healthy Soils Policy Network is composed of organizations that advocate for state-level healthy soils policies with farmers and ranchers at the center. Since CalCAN originally convened this group in 2018, the Network grown significantly, in both scope and representation across the country and now Devon Hamilton has been hired to better support our Network members. 

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My name is Devon Hamilton, and I’m excited to serve as the National Healthy Soils Policy Network’s new Coordinator! My background is an intersectional approach to food justice advocacy work, that includes community organizing, sustainable agriculture, youth education, and food services, among other roles. Originally from Leimert Park Los Angeles, I started my journey in agriculture in Wisconsin, where I spent eight years between college and work at UW Madison.

My time in the Midwest transformed me, exposing me to the outdoors and deep impacts of agriculture and the food system. This turning-point came after attending the Detroit Black Urban Grower’s Conference and seeing Black farmers for the first time in my life. Since then, I’ve served over a dozen different roles in Wisconsin’s food and agriculture scene, from sustainable agriculture to community cookouts and organizing.

While serving as Michael Fields’ Associate Policy Director, I supported work most notably involving soil health, water quality, and youth education. I also served as a board member for REAP Food Group and the Mellowhood Foundation, in addition to being a member of NSAC’s Organizational Council and a Co-Chair of their Diversity Committee.

In addition to my work with CalCAN, I’m also the founder of Grillin’ For The People (G4TP), a barbecue and gardening community centered business, and serve as a cook at Post & Beam LA. I’m beyond excited to step into this role with the National Healthy Soils Policy Network (NHSPN), learn more about the current state of agriculture in my home state, and ethically support one of the most diverse and powerful food systems in the world. Being from a community and identity on the frontlines of the impacts of climate change, CalCAN and NHSPN’s prioritization of climate in this work is a refreshing perspective that I deeply appreciate and connect with.

I’m very much looking forward to supporting this work, while also exploring new intersections and opportunities to build community, understanding, and advocacy across diverse stakeholder groups to California’s agriculture systems.