National Farmers Union

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2007) – Farmers Union members from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., March 27-28, to walk the halls of Congress for rural America. As part of NFU’s spring legislative fly-in, more than 100 family farmers and ranchers will meet with policy-makers on issues vital to rural America, including the 2007 Farm Bill; the fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget resolution; and emergency disaster relief.

NFU members will arrive in Washington at a very crucial time, with consideration of the FY2008 budget resolution and emergency disaster assistance, included in the FY2007 supplemental appropriations bill, on the floors of the Senate and House.

“It is vital that budget resources be available for the 2007 Farm Bill so rural Americans may address the challenges in agriculture and fully take advantage of the exciting new opportunities available in the countryside,” NFU President Tom Buis said.

NFU supports a farm bill that includes a counter-cyclical safety net, comprehensive energy and competition titles and a permanent disaster program among other provisions.

“A quality farm bill is vital to rural America,” Buis said. “Producers from across the country have weighed in and helped us develop the provisions we would like to see included in this legislation. We look forward to working with Congress to see that future farm policy reflects the best interests of America’s family farmers and ranchers.”

Fly-in participants will reiterate their support for disaster assistance. The House and Senate Appropriations committees both included disaster relief in the FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill. This will provide assistance for producers who suffered losses in either 2005, 2006 or 2007. NFU members will further press Congress to pass a permanent disaster program and reform current risk-management tools.

Farmers and ranchers will also ask Congress to oppose budget cuts to agriculture. The 2002 Farm Bill has saved roughly $20 billion yet, because of this, there will be less funding available for the 2007 bill. Additionally, agriculture programs have been victim of budget cuts through the reconciliation and appropriations process.

In conjunction with the fly-in, NFU is hosting a dairy summit on Monday, March 26 and will join the International Federation of Agricultural Producers and the Center for American Progress for a trade conference March 28-29.