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
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
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
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
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) will be hosting the College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from February 16 – 19. Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from experts in the field of cooperatives, participate in interactive learning activities and workshops, and tour co-ops in the Twin Cities. The event … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Deb Fischer (R-IA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with 18 other cosponsors, reintroduced the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, a bill that would bring greater fairness to the cattle sector. “Family farmers and ranchers need open and transparent cattle markets in order to receive … Read More
WASHINGTON, December 13, 2022 – After five years of outreach and education by farm groups, a new poll shows increased awareness and willingness to talk about the opioid crisis among rural adults, compared to 2017. Sixty percent say adults in their community are more aware of the crisis than they were five years ago, and … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a decision to allow canola to be used as a feedstock for renewable diesel, which National Farmers Union (NFU) has advocated for. “This administration gets it – biofuels are good for the environment, good for the farmer’s bottom … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its 2021, 2022, and 2023 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) SET proposal. As proposed, the new standards raise volumes moving forward. A strong proponent of biofuels for their economic and environmental benefits, … Read More