WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) last week concluded its annual Legislative Fly-In, which brought more than 250 family farmers and ranchers to Washington to meet with members of Congress and demand quick, decisive action to reverse the crisis in farm country.
“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait. Farmers Union members from across the country have made it clear that they need Congress to provide support immediately to reverse the building crisis in farm country,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Many policymakers this week reiterated the importance of farmers’ voices. Our members shared their stories. We now look forward to Congress acting on their behalf, for farmers’ sake.”
Throughout the week, NFU members met with members of Congress as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Farmers shared firsthand accounts of the economic, trade and market challenges affecting their operations.
At USDA, senior leaders from the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provided updates on programs and initiatives. NFU members called for increased staffing in local offices and stronger investments in farmer-focused programs.
DOJ’s Antitrust Division hosted members for a listening session with Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater and senior staff. Discussions focused on antitrust enforcement and the need to strengthen competition laws to ensure fairness for farmers and protection from corporate monopolies in the marketplace.
Farmers also met with senior officials from the White House and USTR to emphasize the importance of stable trading relationships. They expressed concern that ongoing tariff uncertainty and market volatility are putting added strain on family farm operations.
Find more photos from the Legislative Fly-In here.
