CNFA takes a very practical approach to agricultural policy reform—that business drives the need for reform, whether the issues are related to crop production, environmental impact or the safety of food going to the consumer. In the course of implementing our integrated agricultural enterprise development programs, we often identify policy issues that are constraining an industry. As those constraints are identified and quantified, CNFA identifies solutions and takes a proactive approach to influence the need for reform through policy reform roundtables, ad hoc meetings and discussions with key staff and stakeholders, publicity campaigns, meetings and briefings with international donor community and active participation with key government officials in drafting legislation and developing government agricultural strategies.

To achieve policy reform, CNFA uses a combination of human resources. Most CNFA projects include a policy component that is undertaken either by a dedicated staff member or by the project leader. At times, CNFA might supply direct technical assistance, such as setting grades and standards for food products or providing local or international specialists to draft legislation. CNFA also has a robust Farmer-to-Farmer program that offers opportunities for agricultural volunteers to help organize associations that advocate policy reform.

CNFA places a high priority on building close working relationships with appropriate government officials. In Moldova, for instance, CNFA has been especially successful and has even assisted the Ministry of Agriculture in developing its overall strategy.