FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 8, 2016) – Agriculture’s conscientious approach to sustainable food and energy production has driven the need for continued investment in research and innovation in these areas. As such, National Farmers Union (NFU) applauded President Obama’s announcement today to double research and development … Read More
U.S. Farmers Urge Congress to Stop TPP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 3, 2016) – The U.S. Trade Representative today signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and a national organization representing farmers and ranchers from coast to coast is calling on Congress to block the giant trade pact. “TPP is modeled after the failed deals … Read More
NFU Comments on USDA Cottonseed Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 3, 2016) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today declined requests to designate cottonseed as an oilseed, citing a lack of authority and cost constraints. Such a designation would have provided struggling cotton farmers with more policy tools to help manage … Read More
NFU Statement on Syngenta Merger
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 3, 2016) – In response to today’s merger announcement by Syngenta AG and China National Chemical Corporation, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement: “Today’s announcement is cause for concern among everyone in U.S. agriculture, especially farmers. NFU … Read More
Direct Marketing is Invaluable for Consumer Education on Agriculture
By Katie Fisher, government relations intern, National Farmers Union Yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research held a hearing examining the opportunities and challenges in direct marketing. It provided first-hand accounts from farmers and ranchers involved in direct marketing ventures, such as local farmers markets, direct to restaurant or grocery store sales, value … Read More
Applications Soon Available for NFU’s Beginning Farmer Training Program 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (February 1, 2016) – More than 50 beginning farmers and ranchers have completed risk management and leadership training through the National Farmers Union’s Beginning Farmers Institute (BFI). The organization will be seeking candidates for its newest class and the next generation of leaders. … Read More
National Farmers Union Helps Provide Beginning Farmers With The Tools They Need
By Roger Johnson, president, National Farmers Union The demographics of American agriculture tell it all. Fully 57 percent of the nation’s 3.2 million farmers are within 10 years of retirement age or older, according to the 2012 Ag Census. That means agriculture will see a huge transition in the next decade or so, as retiring … Read More
NFU Women’s Conference Provides Management, Leadership Skills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. (January 28, 2016) – National Farmers Union (NFU) concluded its annual Women’s Conference, marking another successful year of providing women with important skills and guidance to confidently manage risks on their farming and ranching operations. “This conference offers women of all … Read More
Microloan Expansion A Boost for Underserved, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (January 19, 2016) – A federal microloan program designed to assist underserved farmers – including beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, small producers and other underserved communities in agriculture – was expanded today. And that is great news for rural America, says National Farmers … Read More
Understanding AMS’ Withdrawal of Two Voluntary Marketing Claim Standards
NFU Note: USDA AMS withdrew their grass-fed standard earlier this week and there were a lot of questions from NFU members. NFU reached out directly to the source to find out more about how this impacts producers. FSIS has committed to ensuring that all grass-fed claims remain truthful. Read more from AMS Deputy Administrator Craig Morris in … Read More