FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2012

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
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Tony Jarboe, 202-314-3104
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WASHINGTON (May 18, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) joined a coalition of organizations in support of testimony presented by Agriculture Energy Coalition Co-Director Ryan Stroschein to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. In the testimony, the coalition urged Congress to ensure robust funding for the 2012 Farm Bill Energy Title.

“Rural America has been at the epicenter of our nation’s emerging new renewable energy and bioproducts industries, and farmers, ranchers, rural small businesses and rural economies have already begun to realize the benefits,” Stroschein said during the testimony. “American agriculture, and the rural communities it supports, have demonstrated that they have the vision, entrepreneurialism, optimism, and tenacity to continue to develop these important and lucrative new industries if provided the tools to do so.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the Rural Energy for America Program saved or created 15,000 jobs between 2009 and 2011.

“The energy title is critical not only because it invests in rural America, but also because it is leading to the commercialization of second generation renewable fuels,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “By producing renewable fuels here in the United States, we can become more energy secure while preserving our natural resources.”

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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Click here to view the coalition testimony