The federal Farm Bill is an enormous piece of legislation renewed by Congress every five years that largely shapes the U.S. agriculture and food system. With their unique knowledge base, ecologists are well-positioned to inform key aspects of the Farm Bill, especially issues concerning agricultural research and resource conservation mechanisms. In this workshop, staff from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) will provide an overview of the Farm Bill, including the latest news on its status in Congress, ways sustainability science can inform the bill’s conservation and research provisions, and how the legislation can drive greater adoption of agroecological approaches in agriculture. From there, we will offer insight and tools to empower ecologists to effectively engage in the policy process, including how to craft an effective message to successfully communicate with members of Congress. Workshop participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the Farm Bill, its impact on scientific advancement in agriculture, and concrete tools for using their expertise to influence the outcome. Lunch will not be served, bring your own lunch!