WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee passed its Fiscal Year 2024 agriculture funding bill. The legislation includes harmful provisions that would prevent USDA from completing long-awaited Packers and Stockyards Act rules to protect family farmers and ranchers from abuses of market power by the meat industry. The bill also makes unacceptable … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) is proud to endorse the Farmers First Act of 2023, which aligns with our commitment to address the mental health crisis in farm and rural communities. The bipartisan bill, introduced today by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) … Read More
May 2023 The cherry blossoms have bloomed, and the paddleboats are out on the Tidal Basin, as spring is in full swing in Washington, DC. The season’s usual batch of visitors have started to arrive in droves – tourists, middle and high school students on their Washington field trips, and most importantly, quite a few … Read More
WASHINGTON – NFU President Rob Larew advocated for ethanol to play a larger role in the transition to low-pollutant vehicles during an Environmental Protection Agency hearing today. “NFU has long urged EPA to support rural America by promoting higher-level blends of ethanol as a cost-effective means of achieving required and improved octane levels, and we ask … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the creation of 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers that, according to a release from USDA, will “provide national coverage coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources, … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew appeared before the United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade for a hearing titled “Commodity Programs, Credit, and Crop Insurance – Part 1: Producer Perspectives on the Farm Safety Net”. In his testimony, President Larew highlighted Farmers Union priorities for the 2023 Farm … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement on E-15 to be sold during the summer driving season: “Today’s announcement from EPA is good news for farmers and consumers heading into the summer travel season. Drivers will see increased choice and competition, farmers will see more … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, after months of work from National Farmers Union (NFU), Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU), PIRG, and Right to Repair advocates around the country, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law the Consumer Right to Repair Agricultural Equipment Act (HB 23-1011). This law will give farmers and ranchers in the state of Colorado the … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released a letter in support of the nomination and confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Under Secretary Torres Small has tirelessly served family farmers and ranchers, not only in New Mexico, but throughout … Read More
WASHINGTON – To support the next generation of American agriculture, National Farmers Union (NFU) today announced the eleven participants selected for its eleventh Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) cohort. Over the course of nine months, attendees will participate in four sessions focused on technical training, mentorship, and leadership development. Established in 2011, BFI was created to help … Read More
April 2023 Fresh off our 121st Anniversary Convention in San Francisco, NFU returned to Washington with a fresh policy book and a slate of special orders to champion. This year, the appropriations timeline has tightened considerably, as pressure builds on Capitol Hill for spending cuts amidst divided government and the upcoming budgetary and farm bill … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks reintroduced the Next Generation Fuels Act in the United States House of Representatives, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through low-carbon, renewable fuels, like ethanol. Farmers and consumers stand to gain from the economic and environmental benefits brought about by this legislation. “When it comes to renewable energy, … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota reintroduced the Next Generation Fuels Act in the United States Senate, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through low-carbon, renewable fuels, like ethanol. Farmers and consumers stand to gain from the economic and environmental benefits brought about by this legislation. … Read More
March 2023 Throughout February and early March, NFU was busy preparing for our annual convention. The convention was a success, with nearly 500 family farmers and ranchers and guests in attendance. Farmers Union delegates and members from across the country gathered to set NFU’s policy priorities for the year and heard from agricultural experts and … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) concluded their 121st Anniversary Convention held in San Francisco, California. With an agenda that was focused on the ability of NFU and Farmers Union members to create change, delegates and attendees heard from United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, keynote speaker Dr. Glenda Humiston, Speaker Emerita … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the 121st Anniversary Convention of National Farmers Union (NFU), Luke Runyon of Greeley, Colorado was awarded the 2023 Milt Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism. Luke Runyon is a reporter covering the Colorado River Basin for public radio station KUNC. His investigations show how water issues can both unite and divide communities … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the 121st Anniversary Convention of National Farmers Union (NFU), Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a proposed rule regarding the voluntary “Product of USA” label for meat, poultry and egg products. NFU applauds this proposed rule which will close loopholes that allow meat from imported animals to be labeled as “Product of … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the opening banquet of the 121st Anniversary Convention, National Farmers Union (NFU) presented Sarah Vogel of North Dakota and Doug Peterson of Minnesota with the 2023 Meritorious Service Awards, the highest honor presented by Farmers Union. Sarah Vogel was presented with the award for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to World … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – National Farmers Union’s (NFU) 121st Anniversary Convention kicked off today in San Francisco, California where the programming is highlighting the ability of Farmers Union members to make change at the local, state, and federal level. “Our members are leading the way on farm policy from the local to federal level,” said NFU … Read More
WASHINGTON – Following a proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Farmers Union (NFU) issued a statement in support of expanded access to E15 for consumers set to take place before the summer driving season next year. “We appreciate EPA’s efforts to increase the use of ethanol in this proposal. Expanded availability and adoption of … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today testified before the United States House Committee on Agriculture for a hearing titled “Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture.” In his testimony, Larew addressed the themes of the hearing. On inflation: “Family farmers and ranchers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of inflation. Supply … Read More
WASHINGTON, February 22, 2023 – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance today released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. The farm bill is essential legislation that impacts every family in America and has enormous potential to help the food, agriculture and forestry sectors achieve their climate mitigation potential while preserving and creating new economic opportunities. Further … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) announced support for a petition to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce provisions in the Clean Air Act (CAA) that allow farmers and ranchers to repair their own equipment. “Farmers need the Right to Repair. We face all sorts of challenges, and the freedom to repair our … Read More
February 2023 With the new Congress getting down to business and the House and Senate Agriculture Committee rosters recently finalized, NFU is eager to work with lawmakers to pursue our Fairness for Farmers campaign. This effort will carry into the 2023 Farm bill, as NFU continues to fight for legislation that establishes greater fairness and … Read More
By Aaron Shier, NFU Government Relations Director Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the United States. Due to multiple factors, including declining costs of solar energy systems and major new federal investment and tax incentives, significantly more solar deployment is expected over the next several decades. Increased solar deployment creates … Read More