Nearly 300 Farmers Union members from across the United States have converged in Washington this week to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the timely passage of a comprehensive five-year farm bill before the end of 2024, emphasizing its importance given current challenges faced by America’s family farmers and ranchers.
“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait – they need the certainty of a new farm bill this year,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. “The farm bill is an investment in our food system, rural economies, and the future of American agriculture. With net farm income projected at historic lows, growing concentration in the agriculture sector, high input costs and interest rates, and more frequent and devastating natural disasters, Congress can’t miss this opportunity to pass a five-year farm bill. Our members are taking valuable time away from their farms to make sure policymakers hear that message, loud and clear.”
Farmers Union members will participate in hundreds of meetings with members of Congress throughout the week, meet with more than a dozen federal agencies, and hear from prominent government officials, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan.
Farmers Union members will also bring NFU’s ongoing Fairness for Farmers campaign to Washington, outlining how a lack of competition in the agriculture sector harms family farmers and ranchers.
“The Environmental Protection Agency views the agriculture sector as a key partner in achieving our climate goals,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Farmers play an essential role in creating smart and sustainable climate solutions, all while delivering a resilient and abundant food supply. EPA will continue supporting farmers and ranchers in their efforts to reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and protect our environment.”
“Promoting honest and competitive agriculture markets means farmers can get a fair shake and Americans can enjoy a more affordable and resilient food system,” said Chair of the FTC Lina Khan. “I’m grateful to learn from National Farmers Union about the challenges facing family farms. From protecting farmers’ right to repair their equipment to combatting monopolistic tactics in the marketplace, FTC will keep fighting to ensure farmers can enjoy the economic liberty that fair and honest competition provides.”
“…agricultural enforcement has been a huge priority of ours at DOJ and it will remain one going forward,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “That’s because the consequences of concentration in agricultural ripple out. It affects us all.”
Farmers Union advocacy efforts will continue throughout the week, ensuring that lawmakers hear the voices of family farmers and keep the farm bill at the forefront of legislative priorities.
