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For Immediate Release: Jan. 27, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600
WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement today to urging U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk to pursue a robust appeals process on the recent decision of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that ruled against the United States’ implementation of the country-of-origin-labeling (COOL) law:
“NFU has a proud record of supporting COOL. We were instrumental in getting the COOL laws passed in 2002 and again in 2008.
“We will oppose any attempt to change that law. Fortunately, the WTO decision against U.S. country-of-origin-labeling did not find fault with our law. It simply found fault with the rules and regulations which were used to implement the law.
“As the office of the USTR contemplates its approach to the WTO decision, we urge them to mount a robust and vigorous defense of COOL.
“We are aware that behind the scenes attempts at negotiating a settlement to the WTO decision have some stakeholders arguing that we must weaken our law. We strongly disagree and urge a fervent defense.
“Consumers have a right to know where their meat comes from – and they overwhelmingly want to know just that.”
The labeling law was passed as a part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and amended in 2008. COOL requires retailers to notify their customers of the source of certain foods. Canada and Mexico filed a complaint against the United States’ law, which led to the recent ruling. The deadline for filing an appeal to the WTO decision is March 23, 2012.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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For Immediate Release: Jan. 24, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600
WASHINGTON (Jan. 24, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement following President Obama’s State of the Union Address today:
“We are pleased that the president and the administration have renewed their pledge to the United States’ energy independence. As the president said, we need to seek ‘a future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.’ Homegrown energy is how we keep money, jobs and families in rural America.
“Rebuilding the economy begins in rural America. It begins with U.S. family farmers and ranchers who provide food, fiber and American-made fuel. The farm bill is largest investment in rural America, and in order toensure family farms and rural America can continue to prosper, it must be passed in 2012.
“We are encouraged by the president’s announcement of the formation of a trade enforcement unit. Trade is a necessity for U.S. agriculture, but we must all play by the same rules. This group will be critical to farmers and ranchers, ensuring that they have a level playing field in marketing their products.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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For Immediate Release: Jan. 23, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600
WASHINGTON (Jan. 23, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision in National Meat Association v. Harris in which the court ruled that hogs suffering from fatigued hog syndrome are fit for slaughter once they have rested and recovered from their travel. NFU was a party on the victorious side of this lawsuit. The decision overturned an earlier ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which prevented such animals from being slaughtered.
“We are pleased that the Supreme Court used sound science to determine that animals that are fatigued from being transported are simply tired, not sick, as the state of California attempted to allege,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.
The lawsuit was filed by National Farmers Union and a group of agricultural organizations in response to a California statute that would have prohibited non-ambulatory animals, including those with fatigued pig syndrome, from being used for human consumption.
“These animals represent absolutely no health risk for consumers, so they should not be removed from the supply chain,” said Johnson. “Removing them only decreases the number of animals available for consumption and drives up food costs, while increasing bureaucratic red tape. The Supreme Court’s ruling is supported by science, and benefits consumers, slaughterhouses, and America’s family farmers and ranchers.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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For Immediate Release: Jan. 19, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600
WASHINGTON (Jan 19, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted comments today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Reporting Rule.
“The EPA does not need to collect any more information from CAFOs in order to monitor water quality,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “By utilizing existing data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and relevant state agencies, the EPA can adequately access necessary information regarding CAFOs and water quality.”
The proposed rule would require CAFOs to submit basic operational information to the EPA so the agency can more effectively carry out its permitting programs on a national level and ensure that CAFOs are implementing practices to protect water quality and human health.
“NFU supports the implementation of alternative mechanisms for promoting environmental stewardship and compliance,” said Johnson. “This alternative is in alignment with NFU policy and would work more efficiently than other data collection efforts. By expanding technical assistance, outreach tools, and partnerships, this alternative provides an avenue to address the most significant water quality problems.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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For Immediate Release: Jan. 17, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600
WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement today after Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program, which sets voluntary standards for conservation and water quality and recognizes farmers and ranchers who meet those goals:
“NFU applauds USDA, EPA, and the state of Minnesota for pioneering the Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. This initiative will help bring balance between goals of producing food, fiber and fuel while preserving soil health and improving water quality.
“As an added benefit, farmers who proactively agree to adopt these standards will have the assurance that they are protected from new requirements during their agreement in addition to financial and technical support. The program is a win for agriculture and the environment.
“This program comes just as many other conservation programs are being cut and helps to provide farmers in Minnesota with incentives to protect the environment. If utilized on a national level, this program could help offset some of the impact of losing a number of conservation programs and ensure that our conservation and environmental policies and protections continue to be forward-looking.”
Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson added, “Minnesota farmers are great stewards of the land and that is why it is a perfect fit for us to work with the USDA and EPA on this new program regarding conservation practices. Farmers will have buy-in and ownership of this program and will be counted on to offer technical advice to the EPA and USDA regarding conservation practices on the landscape of Minnesota.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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