WASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2010) – Amid much anticipation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) held a joint workshop focused on competition in the livestock industry in Fort Collins, Colo., today. The workshop had 1300 individuals registered, including Farmers Union members and staff from at least 12 states.

“A lot of attention has been drawn to this workshop based on the recent disputes on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposed rule,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson. “NFU is pleased to have two members on the speaker panel representing U.S. family farmers and ranchers, who are in favor of the proposed rule. It is vital to have speakers from groups that represent the family farmer, not just the packer-producer organizations.”

Chris Peterson, Iowa Farmers Union president, and Armando Valdez, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union member, both livestock producers, spoke at the workshop. Peterson and Valdez each highlighted the need for reform in the livestock industry, with an emphasis on the increasing consolidation and vertical integration in the livestock and poultry marketplace, resulting in a tougher environment for independent producers.

“GIPSA has put forth the revisions as called for by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill,” said Johnson. “The rules reinforce the existing Packers and Stockyards Act and amount to a Farmer and Rancher Bill of Rights.”

While the GIPSA proposed rule was a major point of contention, the focus of the workshop was on overall concentration in the livestock marketplace. Four companies control more than 81 percent of the total beef processing in the United States, allowing for non-competitive pricing to be forced upon producers.

The realignment of the livestock industry has been damaging to farmers, ranchers and growers. In 1980, there were more than 666,000 hog farms and 1.6 million cattle farms or ranches. Today, there are only about 71,000 hog farms and 950,000 cattle farms or ranches. In 1980, hog producers received half of the retail value of a hog but in 2009, they got less than one-quarter of the value. Similarly, in 1980, cattle producers received 62 percent of the retail value but in 2009 received only 42.5 percent.

“U.S. family farmers and ranchers must be allowed the right to access a fair marketplace,” said Johnson. “NFU has been working for decades to ensure that the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 protects farmers, ranchers and growers as was intended by Congress. I hope the USDA and DOJ will take the information gathered at this workshop in order to protect producers and the future of agriculture in the United States.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of the release

WASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson will speak to Iowa Farmers Union (IAFU) members this evening in Marshalltown, Iowa. Approximately 100 members are registered for the organization’s annual convention.

“The Iowa Farmers Union Annual Convention is the cornerstone event at which its membership determines policy for the next year,” said Johnson. “IAFU members have important decisions to make on their policies and priorities in order to best meet the needs of Iowa agriculture.”

Johnson will also discuss NFU’s upcoming legislative fly-in, where IAFU members will travel to Washington, D.C., with other Farmers Union members from across the country to walk the halls of Congress and bring forward the issues U.S. farmers and ranchers are facing.

“The fly-in is an opportunity for IAFU members to talk directly to their members of Congress about upcoming 2012 Farm Bill priorities and how important the legislation is to all farmers and ranchers,” said Johnson. “As there will be less funding to write the next farm bill, it is critical to focus on these priority areas and how to best use the dollars allotted.”

Farmers Union members have consistently insisted that one of the most important aspects of the next farm bill must be a safety net for farmers. This safety net needs to provide support for family farmers when times are bad, not when prices and yields are high. In good times, the direct payment program provides support that is not vital to farmers and is increasingly indefensible to the general public.

“With the 2012 Farm Bill on the horizon, conventions like this are of utmost importance,” said Johnson. “The members must come together and stand up for what is best for Iowa and U.S. farmers and ranchers.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of the release

WASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson met with Missouri Farmers Union (MFU) members today in Clarence, Mo. The lunch meeting was an open session for local famers and MFU members to meet and discuss current issues they are facing.

“It is always a pleasure to meet with Farmers Union members in their local area,” said Johnson. “This meeting is an opportunity for members to tell their stories and voice concerns so that National Farmers Union can take the issues back to Washington, D.C., and directly to the policymakers.”

Johnson discussed the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill and NFU priorities for inclusion in the next farm bill. Covering the topics of climate and energy, crop insurance, conservation, supply management and research, the group was engaged in a dialogue on how to approach these areas while writing a farm bill with less money than currently available.

“With less funding available to write this farm bill, it is critically important to focus on what is most important to U.S. farmers and ranchers, and redirecting funds wherever possible,” said Johnson. “Permanent disaster programs need more resources and need to be modified so they work all over the country. NFU believes farmers should be required to carry crop insurance in order to be eligible for disaster assistance. Where crop insurance doesn’t work well, we will need to focus more resources so that it does.”

It seems increasingly unlikely that the Senate will be able to muster 60 votes to pass a comprehensive energy policy. Failure to deal with climate change makes passing comprehensive energy legislation even more difficult.

“Cap and trade was designed to increase revenues to the government and by putting a price on carbon and using resulting revenue to provide incentives for producing renewable energy,” said Johnson. “With increasing acrimony against a climate piece and no price on carbon, renewable energy will be less competitive.”

Farmers Union members from across the country will meet in Washington, D.C., next month for NFU’s annual legislative fly-in. This is another opportunity for Missouri and all members to get involved with their policymakers, bringing these issues to light with a personal touch. The fly-in is scheduled for Sept. 13-15.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for a PDF of the news release

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2010) – As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) workshop on livestock approaches, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson urges NFU members and all livestock producers to attend. The workshop is scheduled for Aug. 27, in Fort Collins, Colo.

The workshop’s timing is ideal, as the comment period on the proposed rule published by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) in the Federal Register of June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338) has been extended.

“U.S. farmers and ranchers should attend this workshop to have their voices heard directly by USDA and DOJ staff,” said Johnson. “We must be sure that the packer-producer organizations are not the only people at the table when discussing this important issue.”

The proposed rule, essentially a Farmer and Rancher Bill of Rights, addresses concerns that have been discussed for many years and were developed at the direction of the 2008 Farm Bill, which requires USDA to carry out specific rulemaking to improve fairness in the marketing of livestock and poultry.

Recent appeals court decisions have ruled against the intent of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, much to the detriment of livestock producers. GIPSA’s proposed rule changes will bring clarity to the regulations, so that farmers and ranchers are able to take action if they are victims of market abuses by packer-processors. The rules will also allow for more transparency in price and contract negotiations.

“The Farmer and Rancher Bill of Rights will ensure livestock producers the right to access competitive markets,” said Johnson. “These proposed changes are vital to U.S. farmers and ranchers, and I urge USDA to adopt and implement them promptly.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here to register for the USDA/DOJ workshop
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WASHINGTON (August 19, 2010) – Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) President Donn Teske recently returned from Africa, where he discovered farmers themselves have a lot in common regardless of where they live.
 
Tekse traveled to the Republic of Senegal with the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, where he worked with local farmers who are working together to improve their agricultural practices and income. The program was sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) and National Farmers Union (NFU).

“I was told earlier efforts by others to provide assistance to rural Senegal did not work, so all projects now are like the one I’m involved in where the relief agencies work directly in the rural communities,” said Teske.

By American standards, farming is primitive in Senegal. Much of the fieldwork is done by hand, or with small implements. Teske observed tillage and fertilization practices, some of which would not boost production but would lead to erosion. Senegal farmers grow three main crops, he said, with groundnuts (peanuts) being the cash crop. Millet and corn are grown for food. Companies have begun importing nut oil from cheaper sources for processing, using local production to fill in as needed.
 
The goal of this Farmer-to-Farmer project is to help farmers in developing countries in other areas of the world learn to make the most of their resources by tapping the knowledge of American farmers. In Senegal, the farmers group in the village of Keur Ali Gueye that the project is working with are learning to double their production of millet and process it into a food staple known as couscous and sell it in the nearby town of Nioro. Teske began in Dakar, the country’s capital city, then traveled to Kaolack and then on to Keur Ali Gueye, 50 miles southeast of Kaolack. Teske said the trip proved to be a significant learning experience for him.
 
“The Farmer-to-Farmer program is an excellent way for American farmers to both teach and learn from farmers in other nations. Farmers often share much more in common than they realize, once they are able to meet face-to-face. This is true whether they are talking across a fence or in a field half a world away.”
 
 To learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer program, log on to www.nfu.org

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here to read Teske’s blog
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WASHINGTON (August 17, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson addressed the 123rd Annual Meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA) today. CCCGA is an affiliate member of the New England Farmers Union (NEFU).

“The New England Farmers Union and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association have worked hand-in-hand since 2006 to help cranberry growers achieve successes in Washington,” said NEFU President Annie Cheatham. “The National Farmers Union Board of Directors made a commitment to build a strong New England membership and we are pleased to welcome Roger to New England to convey NFU’s commitment to cranberry growers and New England farmers and fishermen.”

Johnson spoke briefly to the group about the importance of New England cranberry growers and all farmers and fishermen having a voice not only in their region, but also in Washington, D.C., in order to influence policy directly impacting their operations.

“The relationship between CCCGA and New England Farmers Union is one of great importance,” said Johnson. “As we talk about and take action on the 2012 Farm Bill, it will be vital for all U.S. farmers, ranchers and fishermen to come together in order to make the most of the limited resources available.”

Johnson also addressed the need for reasonable pesticide laws and regulations that will allow cranberry growers to continue to produce a quality, safe product while being conscious of the environment.

“NFU seeks regulatory certainty for producers who properly use pesticides to manage their crops,” said Johnson. “We are encouraged by legislation brought forward by Senators Lincoln and Chambliss and Congressman Lucas that would provide certainty for producers who comply with label instructions under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act).”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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WASHINGTON (August 17, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) Vice President of Government Relations Chandler Goule addressed the annual meeting of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council of State Governments today in Portland, Maine. Goule spoke on a panel, presenting a general overview of current topics being discussed on Capitol Hill.

“The 2012 Farm Bill is at the forefront of many of the discussions NFU is having currently,” said Goule. “As we approach the writing of the next farm bill, NFU is emphasizing the need for a strong safety net for U.S. farmers, ranchers and fishermen.”

Goule also discussed the proposed rule published by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration that addresses concerns that have been discussed for decades and were developed at the direction of the 2008 Farm Bill, which requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out specific rulemaking to improve fairness in the marketing of livestock and poultry.

A supply management approach to dairy industry reform was well received by the group. Goule discussed the hardships facing dairy producers in the last year and the need for significant reform in order to put a halt on the number of operations going out of business in New England and across the United States.

“We have been talking a lot about food safety,” said Goule. “As producers of high quality food for the United States and the world, we need to be sure that policies are in place to protect our global consumers and maintain our reputation as such.”

A national animal identification program; responsible antibiotic use in the livestock industry; and interstate meat shipment regulations were areas Goule outlined as important for producers and all Americans. Also on the panel were representatives from USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and Congresswoman Rose DeLauro’s (D-Conn.) office.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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For Immediate Release

New England Farmers Union
P.O. Box 226
5 State Street, 3rd Floor
Shelburne Falls, MA  01370
413.522.5020 cell
413.625.3051 land

413.625.3061 fax
www.NewEnglandFarmersUnion.org

New England Farmers Union Receives $202,799 Conservation Innovation Grant

SHELBURNE FALLS, MA - (August 16, 2010) – New England Farmers Union (NEFU) was recently awarded a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant, in the amount of $202,799, is an investment in innovative, on-the-ground conservation technologies and approaches, with the eventual goal of wide-scale adoption to address water quality and quantity, air quality, energy conservation, and environmental markets, among other natural resource issues.

“On behalf of New England Farmers Union, I thank USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack for selecting NEFU as a recipient of a CIG,” said Annie Cheatham, NEFU president. “NEFU is working to make greenhouse gas offsets derived from regional growers and landowners available to colleges, utilities, and other companies in New England and this will certainly allow the project to move forward.”

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers CIG as part of the Agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Grants are awarded to state and local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations and individuals.

“National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased NEFU has been selected for this grant,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “There is a tremendous opportunity for innovative projects in New England and this grant will provide the means for local growers and landowners to participate in developing the regional offsets that they will want to pursue.”

“NEFU was able to develop this project with early funding from FarmAid,” said Cheatham. “We are also grateful for the support from not only USDA, but also Sen. Lieberman (I-Conn.); Congressmen Michaud (D-Maine) and Olver (D-Mass.); and National Farmers Union.”

A grass-roots organization with membership-driven policy, New England Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life of family farmers, fishermen, foresters and consumers in all six New England states. Founded in 2006, NEFU is the youngest charter member of the National Farmers Union, a 108-year-old agricultural advocacy organization based in D.C. For more information visit www.NewEnglandFarmersUnion.org.

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WASHINGTON (August 13, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson praised the 21 U.S. Senators who signed a letter addressed to U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack with regards to the proposed rule published by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) in the Federal Register of June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338).

The proposed rules address concerns that have been discussed for many years and were developed at the direction of the 2008 Farm Bill, which requires USDA to carry out specific rulemaking to improve fairness in the marketing of livestock and poultry.

“On behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers, I thank the 21 Senators who have signed onto this letter,” said Johnson. “The establishment of greater stability through transparency in the marketplace is of utmost importance for the future of the livestock industry in this country.”

The letter urges Secretary Vilsack “to issue a final rule as expeditiously as possible once the comment period is closed and the Department (USDA) has reviewed the comments and made any appropriate modifications to the proposed rule.”

“The proposed rule is a significant step in the right direction to provide our producers with the means to sell their products in a fair marketplace,” said Johnson. “The process for passing this rule has already been slowed due to an extension for the comment period being granted. I urge Secretary Vilsack to issue a final rule as soon as practically feasible after the comment period is closed.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here to read the letter

WASHINGTON (August 12, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) today joined with a coalition of agriculture groups in support of S. 3735, a bill introduced last week by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.). The bill would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to improve the use of registered pesticides and avoid permitting for pesticide application under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The legislation comes as a result of the 2009 ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals which vacated an earlier rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that exempted certain pesticide applications made on or near water from CWA permits if the applications are made in accordance with the requirements of FIFRA.

“This legislation seeks to provide producers much needed regulatory certainty when managing crops,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “It will provide reassurance for producers who comply with laws already on the books regarding pesticide applications and label instructions. It also ensures that water quality safeguards are not compromised.”

The legislation also responds to current efforts underway by the EPA to establish a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for pesticide applications. An NPDES permit is required to be established by April 2011, under the court ruling and would place additional restrictions on pesticide applications beyond stringent requirements already in place under FIFRA.

“(The) legislation is a sound approach to remove the duplication, confusion and justifiable concern that was created by the Sixth Circuit ruling and will provide fully adequate protections for water quality when pesticides are used,” the letter states.

NFU policy supports continued prudent use of approved chemicals for crops, liability exemption for producers who apply approved pesticides according to label instructions and encourages enforcement of pesticide use-labels to ensure proper application.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here to read the letter
Click here for a PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (August 6, 2010) – Today National Farmers Union (NFU) joined a broad group of agricultural, environmental, industry and labor groups in continuing to press Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) in the Senate’s energy legislation.

“The time is now for America to make the next big investment in renewable energy,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Farmers, ranchers and rural landowners can help provide the nation with the renewable energy more and more consumers are demanding, but it is up to Congress to lead the way.”

“Establishing an RES is an important tool for building a strong clean energy industry that keeps America competitive; revives American manufacturing; maintains and creates jobs; and puts money in the pockets of rural landowners,” the letter states.

“An RES could bring $13.5 billion to farmers and ranchers,” said Johnson. “That is a significant incentive, further emphasizing the importance of its inclusion in the legislation.”

NFU continues to seek comprehensive climate and energy legislation that provides meaningful energy solutions and that works for agriculture. NFU policy calls upon Congress to create a balanced renewable energy policy that provides greater energy independence; recognizes special energy needs of agriculture; and creates an RES.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF of news release
To read the letter, click here

WASHINGTON (August 6, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson applauded U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate on the successful passage of The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Thursday.

“On behalf of U.S. farmers, ranchers and rural citizen members of National Farmers Union, I thank the Senate for the bipartisan effort that went into the passage of this bill,” said Johnson.

The bill reauthorizes child nutrition programs, which are set to expire on September 30, and will make the largest investment in child nutrition programs since their inception, setting nutritional standards that ensure schools are serving healthier meals. The bill is completely paid for and received unanimous approval by the Senate Thursday afternoon.

“With the expiration date approaching quickly for the current child nutrition programs, I urge Congress to swiftly move forward with this bill,” said Johnson. “We need to be committed to resolving the hunger problem and improving the health of children in the United States and this legislation is a step in the right direction.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (August 3, 2010) – Today National Farmers Union (NFU) Vice President of Government Relations Chandler Goule participated in the 2010 Farm Fest event in Redwood County, Minn. Goule spoke as part of a forum titled, “Carbon Credits … Economic Opportunities or Just Headaches?”

Discussion topics for the forum included:  efforts involved in carbon credit trading; positives and negatives of the carbon credit provisions contained in current climate change legislation; potential opportunities and challenges for farm operators from enhanced trading of carbon credits; and the impacts of mandated carbon credit recognition and trading on the rural electricity standard.

“The science behind climate change is clear and compelling,” said Goule. “Further, there is convincing evidence corroborated by scientists across the globe that mankind’s releases of green house gasses are significant contributing factors and that we must act to significantly reduce those emissions. Virtually all of the world’s preeminent scientific bodies have arrived at these conclusions, including the International Panel on Climate Change; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”

Also in attendance was Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson.

“It is important that we bring into focus the advantages of ethanol and a clean air act that can reduce green house gas emissions and create air that’s healthy for everyone to breathe,” said Peterson. “There is a domestic demand for renewable energy from our country and the American consumer choice should be to better our environment, health and economy.”

“The entire renewable energy discussion started because of health concerns and it is important to not lose focus of the bigger picture of overall health and economic stability,” said Goule. “NFU continues to support comprehensive climate and energy legislation that provides the best opportunities for America’s farmers, ranchers and rural resident members.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (August 2, 2010) – Today National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson reviewed the 2008 Farm Bill during a panel discussion entitled, “Farm Policy:  Which Way Will the Pendulum Swing,” at the International Sweetener Symposium in Colorado. Johnson’s discussion focused on the need for policy makers to find ways to maintain effective farm safety net programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.

“It is clear that the biggest issue in the next farm bill will be funding levels,” said Johnson. “There will be a lot of pressure to reduce the amount of money going towards farm programs. NFU will be working hard to make sure that investment in the farm safety net remains strong and that it is used wisely to assist farmers when help is needed.”

Strengthening crop insurance programs, boosting countercyclical payments, simplifying the Average Crop Revenue Election program and expanding the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program were among Johnson’s recommendations for the 2012 Farm Bill. He also praised the supply management tools used in the federal sugar program.

“The sugar program is running exceptionally well and operates at little cost to taxpayers,” said Johnson. “Farmers and ranchers would be well-served to examine the possibilities of more low-cost, high-results commodity programs in the upcoming farm bill.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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For an audio clip, click here

WASHINGTON (July 29, 2010) – The National Farmers Union (NFU) joined four agricultural and livestock groups responding to Federation of State Beef Councils Chairman Scott George and the proposal for restructuring governance between the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Federation of State Beef Councils.

NCBA received audit results earlier in the week examining all checkoff expenses. The audit was performed by an independent firm brought in by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). Errors were acknowledged by NCBA officers and it was agreed that stronger policies need to be put into place when addressing checkoff expenses.

“NFU commends the CBB for assisting in the audit and pushing for further evaluation, with a more comprehensive compliance review,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are encouraging CBB to complete further review in an expedited manner and support the findings going public.”

The joint letter further addressed the CBB audit and indicators that NCBA has substantially breached the financial firewall and did not maintain sufficient documentation differentiating between the policy and checkoff sides of the organization. The CBB has made the decision to conduct a more comprehensive compliance review.

“NCBA governance structure changes are a concern to several agricultural and livestock organizations,” said Johnson. “An appropriate checkoff program with the right financial, operational and governance structure is important for everyone.”

NFU is continuing dialogue with NCBA, CBB and other agricultural and livestock leaders to ensure producers benefit from a revised checkoff program.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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To read the letter, click here
Click here for PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (July 28, 2010) – The National Farmers Union (NFU) expressed strong support for a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) in the Senate’s pending energy legislation. Joined by other agriculture groups in a letter to Senate leadership, NFU emphasized the critical importance of including a 25 percent RES as the Senate takes up consideration of energy legislation.

NFU is deeply concerned that current legislation introduced by Majority Leader Reid does not include RES provisions.

“We are very disappointed with the Majority Leader’s omission of an RES from the recently introduced energy legislation,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “America’s farmers and ranchers support the opportunity to increase energy production under an RES, and the Senate should have an opportunity to vote for it.”

A properly constructed RES would provide significant opportunity for investment in agriculture and rural communities. “Inclusion of these provisions will help America’s drive toward energy independence, reinvigorate rural communities through job growth and income generation for agriculture,” the coalition letter reads.

NFU policy calls upon Congress to create a balanced renewable energy policy that provides greater energy independence; recognizes special energy needs of agriculture; and creates an RES. Such an RES should be broadly applied and should provide added incentive for community-based renewable energy projects.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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To view RES letter, click here
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WASHINGTON (July 23, 2010) – The National Farmers Union (NFU) Foundation and Farmers Union Industry (FUI) Foundation presented scholarships to college students in memory of Stanley Moore, a long-time leader in Farmers Union.

NFU Foundation presented the four $1,000 Stanley Moore National Scholarship awards to Kristie Rutledge, Big Sandy, Mont.; Blake Farber, Britton, S.D.; Alexander Johnson, West Manchester, Ohio; and Jenna Bagnall, Ft. Collins, Colo.

The FUI Foundation awarded three $1,500 Stanley Moore Regional Scholarships to Heather Peterson, Dunseith, N.D.; Kristie Rutlege, Big Sandy, Mont.; and Danielle Stromme, Crary, N.D.

“Each of this year’s recipients is an accomplished leader,” said NFU Education Director Maria Miller. “Farmers Union is proud these students have demonstrated a commitment to improving rural America.”

The program was set in the memory of Stanley Moore for his life-long dedication to Farmers Union. Moore was born into two prominent Farmers Union families. He also served as the NFU vice president and as chairman of the NFU Insurance Companies.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (July 26, 2010) – The National Farmers Union (NFU) is disappointed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) excessive 90-day extension to the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) comment period on the proposed rule, “Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI,” of the 2008 Farm Bill, to Nov. 22, 2010.

The proposed rule addresses concerns that have been discussed for many years and were developed at the direction of the 2008 Farm Bill that requires USDA to carry out specific rulemaking to improve fairness in the marketing of livestock and poultry.

“Extension of this comment period gives leverage for packers to offer lower prices to producers as a fear mechanism, which we have seen in the past with rules such as Country of Origin Labeling,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “NFU is an organization of producers and opposes the further extension of this comment period.”

The 2008 Farm Bill stated this rule was to be fully completed by June 18, 2010, another reason NFU is disappointed with further extension of the comment period. A 30-day extension would have allowed for plenty of time and included the allowance for comments at the USDA/Department of Justice workshop on the livestock industry in Fort Collins, Colo., to be held Aug. 27.

“This rule is for the protection of the producers and USDA has allowed for a sufficient amount of time to comment,” said Johnson. “Further extending the deadline is proof that USDA is buckling under the pressure of industry. The focus needs to be on the producers. While USDA is taking a step in the right direction with this rule, the process needs to be expedited instead of slowed down.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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Click here for PDF version of news release

WASHINGTON (July 20, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) oppose any extension of time requested beyond the original 60-day public comment period established on the proposed rule, “Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act.”

The proposed rules address concerns that have been discussed for many years and were developed at the direction of the 2008 Farm Bill, which requires USDA to carry out specific rulemaking to improve fairness in the marketing of livestock and poultry.

“Extending the comment period into the fall calf season will give leverage for packers to offer lower prices to producers as a fear mechanism, as we have seen in the past with rules such as Country of Origin Labeling,” said Johnson. “Reports of lower prices to producers from packers have already begun.”

The 2008 Farm Bill stated this rule was to be fully completed by June 18, 2010, another reason, NFU cites, not to extend the comment period. The current deadline for the decision on extension is Aug. 23, 2010.

“USDA has given a sufficient amount of time to comment on this rule,” said Johnson. “Should USDA deem it necessary to extend the comment time, it should be minimal and only to meet the needs of the department.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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WASHINGTON (July 20, 2010) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson recently submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed pesticide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit (PGP).

NFU policy supports continued prudent use of approved chemicals for crop production to maintain viable agriculture operations and a secure food supply. Until effective biological controls or other alternatives to chemical controls are available, NFU calls for greater cooperation among producers, chemical companies and government agencies to ensure advances continue to be made in best practices, pest-control research initiatives and less chemically intensive farming practices.

“The EPA’s proposed general permit could leave some pesticide applicators in legal jeopardy,” said Johnson. “There needs to be sufficient explanation and definition of application types so producers understand if they are covered.”

With the two-year stay from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals expiring April 9, 2011, Johnson notes NFU’s concern that the PGPs will not be finished by the Court deadline and operators making legal pesticide applications will face legal jeopardy if they lose the protections of EPA’s 2006 rule and have no access to state PGPs.

“The agency should petition for an extension to provide regulatory agencies adequate time to develop and implement the complex permit procedures and farmers adequate time to understand and work within the permit structures that will differ from state to state,” said Johnson.

NFU policy also encourages greater cooperation between EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help ensure that pesticide regulations do not unnecessarily interfere with normal farming practices, and to provide consultation regarding opportunities and advances in technologies.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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