WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in support of the Agricultural Right to Repair Act introduced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in the House of Representatives, along with co-leads Reps. Neguse, Slotkin, and Spanberger: “The introduction of the Agricultural Right to Repair Act is an important step in our fight to ensure farmers … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, 300 Farmers Union members from across the country joined together in Washington, DC to advocate for family farmers as part of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In. Over the course of the week, Farmers Union members will attend hundreds of Congressional meetings and meet with fifteen federal agencies. “Our legislative fly-in … Read More
August 8, 2023 Contact – [email protected] WASHINGTON – In a letter to National Farmers Union (NFU), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affirmed that the Clean Air Act (CAA) cannot be used as a basis to restrict independent repair of farm equipment. In their opposition to Right to Repair legislation, equipment manufacturers and dealers have invoked EPA regulations and … Read More
HIGHWOOD, MT – Youth members of Farmers Union from around the country participated in the 85th National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Retreat. This year’s event was held at Montana Farmers Union’s Arrowpeak Lodge in Highwood, MT. Participants in the retreat ranged from ages 18 to 22 and heard from speakers including Montana Farmers Union … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement commending the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their denial of 26 Small Refinery Exemption petitions for the Renewable Fuel Standard: “We are grateful EPA is preserving the intent of the RFS and not granting additional waivers. The Renewable Fuel Standard is good for … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew participated in a meeting hosted by the White House and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss competition priorities in the farm bill. “We need a farm bill that prioritizes fair and competitive markets. Today’s meeting shows the continued commitment from this administration on competition in … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). “NFU welcomes the confirmation of Deputy Secretary Torres Small in her new role. Rural communities are stronger and … Read More
America’s farmers, fuel marketers and retailers, and renewable fuel producers today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a market-oriented, technology-neutral approach to transportation decarbonization in its upcoming final tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-2032 light- and medium-duty vehicles. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, seven national associations representing the full spectrum … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the 2023 numbers of the Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for several items typically served at a Fourth of July cookout. “Year after year we’re seeing a troubling trend of farmers earning less and less of the dollars that Americans spend at the grocery store,” said … Read More
WASHINGTON – To support the next generation of agricultural professionals, National Farmers Union Foundation (NFUF) today announced the 2023 recipients of its annual scholarship awards. Every year, the organization presents several scholarships to students in any area of study attending a two- or four-year accredited college, university, or technical school who have demonstrated academic excellence and a … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced biofuel blending volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025 that included volumes for advanced biofuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel, and corn ethanol. “Today’s modest increase in advanced volumes is a step in the right direction for family farmers and the biofuels economy, but also a missed opportunity to further incentivize carbon reductions,” said NFU President … Read More
MINNEAPOLIS – Today, the National Farmers Union (NFU) Board issued the following statement in support of landowner rights, expressing the need for community input throughout the process of infrastructure and development projects: The rights of landowners and their communities to make decisions for themselves are a core principle for our organization. Local control is a core … Read More
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