FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022
Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org, (202) 557-5328
DENVER – The National Farmers Union (NFU) 120th Anniversary Convention concluded today following the adoption of the organization’s policy book and special orders of business. More than 450 family farmers and ranchers convened in Denver, Colorado, to set policy positions and priorities that support American farm and ranch families and strengthen rural communities.
Delegates to the convention adopted the NFU Policy Book and six special orders of business that will guide the organization’s government affairs priorities over the course of the next year, especially as they relate to the tough economic circumstances and sustainability issues facing family farmers. Before the policy review began, they re-elected Rob Larew as president and elected Jeff Kippley as the organization’s vice president.
Convention attendees heard from notable speakers on the efforts to fight monopolies in agriculture through the Fairness for Farmers campaign and what we can learn from the pandemic.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack virtually headlined the general session, along with remarks from Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and Colorado Agricultural Commissioner Kate Greenberg.
Outside of the general sessions, attendees had the choice of several breakout sessions that include exploring NFU’s history of fighting for fair markets, engaging the next generation of agriculture leaders, addressing confusion on the carbon markets, and discussing the potential of biofuels.
“Between corporate consolidation, historically low farmers share, supply issues, climate change, and trade uncertainty, there are so many challenges in farm country right now,” said Rob Larew, NFU President. “But there are so many bright spots too. The Administration and federal regulators are working towards necessary changes, consumers are more interested in where their food comes from and how it’s made, new local and diverse agricultural markets are opening up. Conservation agriculture holds significant potential for financial and environmental benefits. Every day, new technologies are making it easier for farmers to improve efficiency and sustainability. And across the country, there’s a resurgence in support for family farm agriculture. So while this convention is a crucial opportunity to address the difficulties facing family farmers and ranchers, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate all the reasons we love agriculture and dedicate our lives to it.”
In order to provide the national organization with a set of priorities for the coming year, delegates approved six special orders of business:
- Family Farming and Biofuels
- Family Farming and Climate Change
- Family Farming and Dairy
- Family Farming and Farm Labor
- Family Farming and the Farm Safety Net
- Family Farming and Market Concentration
- Family Farming and Trade
- Family Farming and Truth in Labeling
Full text of the adopted policy manual will be available soon at www.nfu.org.
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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
