FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 24, 2016) – Fifty years ago, Green Thumb was the first nonprofit organization to run a jobs program for disadvantaged rural Americans in response to the War on Poverty. In celebration of the 50th anniversary and the unwavering support of Lady Bird Johnson for the organization … Read More
NFU Contests TPP’s Benefits for U.S. Agriculture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 23, 2016) – The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is having a hard time attracting much support on Capitol Hill, so the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) briefed reporters today about TPP’s benefits in hopes of reviving the fledgling trade deal. But one farm … Read More
NFU Statement on Proposed Senate GMO Labeling Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 23, 2016) – In response to legislation introduced last week by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., to set up a federal GMO labeling system, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement: “National Farmers Union (NFU) represents … Read More
NFU Continues Excellence in Cooperative Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org MINNEAPOLIS (February 19, 2015) – As supporters of cooperative businesses and young professionals, the nation’s second largest general farm organization will host more than 110 students from 15 colleges and universities here this weekend. The 2016 National Farmers Union (NFU) College Conference on Cooperatives … Read More
NFU Supports Expansion of Organic Insurance Coverage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 19, 2016) – Representing the interests of 200,000 family farmers and ranchers across the country, National Farmers Union applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) efforts to expand crop insurance coverage for organic producers. In an announcement Thursday, Secretary Vilsack stated that … Read More
Gaps Remain in Support for Urban Farms
By Dana Rushovich, production manager, Boone Street Farm When I first started working at Boone Street Farm over two and a half years ago, I was looking for a way to connect with my local community around food. I had just returned from my first full time farming experience in North Carolina and knew that … Read More
NFU Files Petition, Joins Coalition Seeking Court Review of EPA RFS Rule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 12, 2016) – The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to set renewable fuel volume targets well below amounts required by law has created an uproar in rural America. In response, the nation’s second biggest general farm organization is asking the court system … Read More
Are We Prepared for Foot and Mouth Disease?
By Katie Fisher, government relations intern, National Farmers Union The Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing this morning about foot and mouth disease. National Farmers Union members place a tremendous amount of emphasis on maintaining domestic animal health. NFU even adopted a special order of business on animal disease protection at its … Read More
NFU Applauds President’s Proposed Research Investments, Opposes Crop Insurance Cuts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 9, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 9, 2016) – After reviewing the president’s fiscal year 2017 budget proposal, which was released earlier today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement: “With a lagging farm economy, low commodity prices and weather challenges, policies that provide … Read More
Food Incentive Programs take the Frontline on the Fight Against Hunger
By Katie Fisher, government relations intern, National Farmers Union Last week was a busy week for the House Committee on Agriculture as they had two subcommittee meetings in two days. Wednesday morning, the Subcommittee on Nutrition, led by Chairwoman Jackie Walorski, met to discuss food incentive programs and how they can be improved. Five panelists … Read More