Press Releases

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

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 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

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

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 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2021 Contact: Lyndsey Medsker [email protected] 202-557-5328 Washington – Today, National Farmers Union, a national organization advocating on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities, launched Fairness for Farmers. This campaign seeks to rally Americans to urge their Congressional leaders and the Biden administration to take concrete steps … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2021 Contact: David Schuller [email protected] WASHINGTON – In a letter sent today to House and Senate leadership, NFU commended Congress for its work to secure historic investments through the budget reconciliation process. The letter highlighted the importance of these investments for strengthening the American economy. However, it also reiterated NFU’s … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 9, 2021 Contact: David [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced two new grant programs intended to provide financial assistance for farmers and ranchers as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace. The grant programs, Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant and Seafood Pandemic Response Safety (SPRS) Block … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2021 WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to a request for information on “Investments and Opportunities for Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure.” In the wake of the July 9, 2021 Executive Order on Promoting Competition in … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2021 Contact: David Schuller [email protected] Today, National Farmers Union Vice President Patty Edelburg provided remarks during a public stakeholder meeting hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the agencies’ intention to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos introduced the Next Generation Fuel Act, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through low-carbon, renewable fuels. Farmers and consumers stand to gain from the economic and environmental benefits brought about by this legislation. National Farmers Union has long supported higher level … Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2021 Contact: David Schuller [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union, testified before the EPA in a hearing for the agency’s planned revision of the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. As automakers refine vehicle technology, the opportunity exists to reduce GHG emissions in internal combustion … Read More