Alan Lewis is director of government affairs and food and agriculture policy for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, a 60-year-old health food chain operating more than 90 stores in 15 states. He is active in many trade organizations and grassroots groups and sits on the Boulder County Food and Agriculture Policy Council. Lewis’ focus is on communicating with local and federal policymakers using frameworks that are non-confrontational and inclusive but ultimately sustainable. He has lived for extended periods in Portugal, Haiti and Dominica, where he developed an appreciation for the variables of agriculture production and food systems within different geographic, cultural and economic contexts.