WASHINGTON – Today, 300 Farmers Union members from across the country joined together in Washington, DC to advocate for family farmers as part of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In. Over the course of the week, Farmers Union members will attend hundreds of Congressional meetings and meet with fifteen federal agencies.
“Our legislative fly-in comes at a pivotal time for agriculture and food policy as the 2023 Farm Bill is imminent,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “We don’t just need a farm bill – we need the right farm bill. We know that when family farmers and ranchers speak out, decision makers listen.”
For the opening session of Fly-In, Farmers Union members heard from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, along with a variety of panels featuring speakers from USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Farm Production and Conservation mission areas.
In his remarks to Fly-In attendees, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed farm bill programs, along with the importance of USDA programs that are working to stem the loss of family farms.
Farmers Union members are prioritizing their support for Fairness for Farmers legislation in the 2023 Farm Bill, which includes a competition title so that family farmers, ranchers, and our communities have access to fair, open, and competitive markets. Additionally, members are advocating for a strong farm safety net and climate change policies that support farmers and ranchers.
Since 1909, Farmers Union members have traveled to Washington, DC as part of the organization’s grassroots policy and advocacy work. For more information on NFU’s policy priorities, visit nfu.org/fly-in.
Photos taken by NFU staff and members throughout the week will be shared on the NFU Flickr Page.