FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2012

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
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Tony Jarboe, 202-314-3104
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WASHINGTON (May 15, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in recognition of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s 150th Anniversary:

 “It was 150 years ago today that President Abraham Lincoln had the foresight to establish the USDA to acquire information through ‘practical and scientific experiments’ and to collect and propagate ‘new and valuable seeds and plants’ and distribute these to the nation‘s agriculturists.

“Since that time, USDA has served the family farmers and ranchers of this country very well. With their help, U.S. farmers and ranchers are able to produce the safest, most affordable, most abundant food supply in the world.

“USDA will continue to lead us into the future as we deal with issues such as climate change and into a 21st century Green Revolution. Renewable energy is critical to creating and keeping jobs in rural America and has the potential to help America become more energy independent.

“For 150 years, USDA has been serving all Americans, both rural and urban. We must remember the department’s past contributions and recognize the significance of its continued leadership on critical issues.”

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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