By: Billy Mitchell Totes, fish baskets, buckets, RPCs, and more – harvest bins on a farm go by many names. At the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association conference, TOFGA for short, farmers Lorig of Middle Ground Farm and Finnegan of Steelbow Farm presented about the bins they love, how and why they use them, … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2022 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack unveiled a new opportunity that will support farmers and ranchers in their efforts to fight climate change. The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities will fund pilot projects to accelerate the role farmers and ranchers play in providing … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2022 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Judiciary Committee, Antitrust Subcommittee held a hearing on “Addressing the Effects of Economic Concentration on America’s Food Supply.” In testimony submitted by National Farmers Union, President Rob Larew documented the extreme corporate concentration in America’s farm and food system … Read More
By: Billy Mitchell & Tricia Wancko Y’all, it is cold outside. Sure, colder in some places than others—how Montana Farmers Union members survive the winter without their eyebrows freezing off, I’ll never know—but we’re all feeling the chill of winter and looking for some warmth and coziness. If you’re like us, nothing gives you the … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 2022 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] WASHINGTON, DC – This afternoon, the White House hosted an event to discuss competition and capacity building in the meat supply chain. President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese announced the Administration’s Action Plan … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized new greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks without including requirements that could have increased the use of ethanol. The rule updates GHG Emissions standards through Model Year 2026. “The EPA … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – PA has announced their regulatory agenda for Fall 2021, which included designation of renewable diesel fuels derived from canola oil as “advanced biofuels” under the RFS program. “NFU has long advocated for increased use of biofuels due to their tremendous benefits for … Read More
By: Billy Mitchell Soil gives us so much. It feeds us physically by providing incredible local food to eat. It feeds us emotionally as a medium for beautiful flowers that are feasts for our eyes and hearts. It even feeds us spiritually, giving us soft grass to picnic on with loved ones and trees perfect … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 8, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its 2020, 2021 and 2022, renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). As released, the new standards raise volumes moving forward; unfortunately, they also, retroactively lower the already finalized 2020 volumes. … Read More
By: Billy Mitchell and Tricia Wancko Although miles apart, the East and West coasts of the US share a lot of things like beautiful views and amazing wildlife. Another thing they share? Both coasts have communities of small-scale growers who care about improving their food safety and food quality practices. Over the past few weeks, … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – For every dollar Americans spend on Thanksgiving meals this year, farmers and ranchers will earn approximately 14.3 cents, according to National Farmers Union (NFU). “Ordinarily, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with our loved ones and enjoy a big meal,” said NFU … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – Yesterday, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act was officially introduced, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) Companion legislation was also announced in the U.S. House of Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Cindy … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – This afternoon, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NFU President Rob Larew was in attendance at the White House signing ceremony and issued the following statement. “Today is a great day for American agriculture. The Infrastructure Investment … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2021 Contact: Emma Lindberg [email protected] Washington—National Farmers Union has announced the 2022 Women’s Conference to connect women in agriculture and provide education on applicable business skills and innovative marketing tactics. “Farming is never a one-woman job,” said Emma Lindberg, Education Director, National Farmers Union, “It takes a village to run … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which is a key part of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda. This historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill finally addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker (202) 557-5328 [email protected] GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—Today, NFU President Rob Larew joined a panel discussion at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to discuss the future of climate-smart agriculture. The panel, moderated by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, included farm and ranch, environmental, and private industry representation. During … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker (202) 557-5328 [email protected] Washington—Today, the Build Back Better Framework for the budget reconciliation bill was released, including landmark investments to help family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and the entire economy. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this framework and urges Congress to finalize and pass the … Read More
By: Billy Mitchell & Tricia Wancko Montana Farmers Union took root in their state as homesteaders—a classic way to say local food producers—who discovered the necessity of working collaboratively to create a regional and sustainable food system. With a similar purpose, the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC) works to grow Montana’s local food economy … Read More
This Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Local Food Safety Collaborative and National Farmers Union want to honor the contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers across the nation. Key to the success of the agriculture and food industry in the U.S., members of this community work hard to ensure … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker (202) 557-5328 [email protected] Washington – Today, EPA announced Rod Snyder’s appointment as the new Agriculture Advisor to the EPA. Snyder formerly served as President at Field to Market and his appointment was supported by leading farm and agriculture organizations. In making the announcement, the Agency said, … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker (202) 557-5328 [email protected] Washington – Representing National Farmers Union in a hearing today before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on the “State of the Livestock Industry,” Scott Blubaugh detailed the negative impact consolidation has on family farmers and consumers. “Promoting competition has been and continues to … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker (202) 557-5328 [email protected] Washington – Earlier today, the Senate and House took final action on the Continuing Resolution to fund federal agencies through December 3. The bill, currently awaiting President Biden’s signature, provides $10 billion in much needed disaster relief for losses incurred by farmers and … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2021 Contact: Mike Tomko, (410) 446-8829, [email protected] Hilary Kirwan, (202) 572-3277, [email protected] Justin Darisse, (240) 426-5912, [email protected] Lyndsey Medsker, (202) 557-5328, [email protected] Washington – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is encouraged by USDA’s announcement today inviting proposals to advance voluntary climate-smart farming and forestry practices. The alliance is … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – In comments filed this week with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Farmers Union strongly encourages the Agency to make appropriate regulatory changes to support increased use of mid-level ethanol blends, including high octane, low carbon fuels. In the comments filed … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – This month, a federal judge in Minnesota ordered a class-action lawsuit against JBS, Tyson, National Beef, and Cargill to proceed. In the case, National Farmers Union is among the plaintiffs alleging that America’s four largest beef packers conspired to suppress the price … Read More