Advocacy in Action
Are you a student who believes in the future of agriculture? Do you want to advocate for the future of farming, food security, and rural communities? We have an exciting opportunity just for you! The Advocacy in Action competition consists of high school and college divisions with students from around the Southeast. This event will unleash your passion for agriculture and empower you to make a difference. Advocacy in Action is your platform to showcase your knowledge, advocacy skills, and innovative ideas that can revolutionize the agricultural industry. Winners will earn bragging rights and also have the opportunity to win cash prizes!
For more information, contact Amelia Holland
ajholland@gfb.org | 478.474.0679 ext. 5405
Important Dates and Deadlines
AUGUST 28
Registration Deadline
SEPTEMBER 14
Video Submissions Due
SEPTEMBER 28
Advancing Teams Notified
OCTOBER 21
Finals at Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia
The Challenge
The Advocacy in Action Challenge is a two-part competition that aims to engage students in the areas of agricultural policy and advocacy. Round One will take place prior to the Expo and will require students to submit a 2-3 minute video response to an issues-based prompt. Round Two will take place on Wednesday, October 21st at the Expo and will consist of an in-person interview based on a second issues-based prompt.
The Prompt
Over the past 250 years, American agriculture has evolved in the commodities we produce and technology we use on the farm. What actions can policymakers take that will ensure the viability of agriculture for the next 250 years?
The Teams
The competition will be broken into two divisions: high school and collegiate (undergraduate). Teams will be made up of three students apiece. Each student will receive an "Advocacy in Action" t-shirt, available for pickup at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.
Round One: The Video
The prompt for the video portion of the competition is listed above. Videos will be due on September 14th. Each member of the team must participate in the video. Videos should be no shorter than two minutes and no longer than three minutes and should address, to the best of the group's ability, the provided prompt.
Expectations
Below are the videos from last year’s two winning teams- these are great examples of clear, compelling advocacy with strong production value. Use them as inspiration, but feel free to make your video your own and be creative! Be sure to take a clear position on the issue while acknowledging challenges, and show awareness of opposing viewpoints. The goal is to inform, engage, and advocate your way!
Round Two: The Interview
Following the September 14th deadline, videos will be reviewed and the top three teams in each division will be selected. Finalists will be notified by September 28th and provided with a second prompt. This prompt will serve as the guide for an in-person interview to take place at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on the morning of Wednesday, October 21st. Should a team be selected as a finalist, all team members MUST be able to attend the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Wednesday, October 21st.
For the in-person portion of the competition, each team will be paired with an agricultural lobbyist and/or policy professional who will serve as their "coach" for the day. Coaches and teams will be given thirty minutes to review the prompt and prepare for their interviews. Following the preparation segment, coaches and team will travel through the Sunbelt Ag Expo grounds to showcase their knowledge of the prompt with judges in three short, five-minute "elevator" interviews intended to replicate advocating at the State Capitol. As competition judges, these industry leaders will then convene to select a winner in each division. Winners will be announced at the award reception on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 21st.
Sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau and Sunbelt Ag Expo
The Awards
Students of the top three teams in each division will receive a monetary prize provided by Georgia Farm Bureau. Additionally, the first-place team in each division will be invited to attend Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol on February 9, 2027 in Atlanta, GA.
The Dates
August 28, 2026: Registration closes.
September 14, 2026: Video submissions are due.
September 28, 2026: Finalists are notified and the in-person interview prompt is released.
October 21, 2026: In-person interviews take place at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.
Contacts
Amelia Holland, Georgia Farm Bureau | ajholland@gfb.org
Rebecca Lovett, Oak + Willow Creatives | rebecca@owcreatives.co