FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2017
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
[email protected]
SAN DIEGO – The National Farmers Union (NFU) 115th Anniversary Convention concluded today following the adoption of the organization’s policy book and special orders of business. Nearly 500 family farmers and ranchers convened in San Diego both to engage in thoughtful policy deliberations, as well as to learn from agricultural experts and each another.
The adopted policy book and special orders of business will guide the organization’s government affairs priorities over the course of the next year, including the current farm crisis and upcoming deliberations on the 2018 Farm Bill.
“As a family farmer and rancher-led organization, our grassroots policy adoption process is the most important part of our annual convention,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “This year, NFU delegates adopted strong language to address a variety of issues facing family agriculture and rural communities, including the depressed farm economy, corporate consolidation, and international trade.”
The convention featured two high-level panels on federal farm bill and conservation issues, as well as remarks from industry leaders from a variety of agricultural sectors.
“Our programming provides members with the opportunity to learn more about the issues facing their operations and communities, and it sets the stage for how the national organization should address those issues back in Washington,” said Johnson. “With deliberations beginning on the upcoming farm bill, this year’s panel discussions provided valuable insight, important context, and diverse viewpoints that will shape the debate.”
As a means of providing the organization a prescriptive set of priorities, 136 delegates from 33 states approved six special orders of business:
~ Family Farming and Crisis Relief
~ Family Farming and Farm Bills
~ Family Farming and Trade Policy
~ Family Farming and Leading the Way on Climate Change
~ Family Farming and Expanded Higher Ethanol Blend Utilization
~ Family Farming and Dairy Policy
Full text of the adopted policy manual will be available soon at www.nfu.org.
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To download an audio file of Roger Johnson’s quote, visit our website at nfu.org/audio.
Stay Connected
Follow along with NFU’s 115th Anniversary Convention using the hashtag #NFU2017, and follow NFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also download the NFU Convention app here.
About NFU
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.
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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