National Farmers Union on Monday announced the start of its annual Legislative Fly-In, bringing more than 250 family farmers and ranchers into Washington to urge Congress to act, for farmers’ sake.
“Farm country is facing a crisis, and America’s family farmers and ranchers need their elected representatives to listen to the challenges they’re facing and take action,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Farmers are earning less than ever, consumers are paying more and corporate profits are soaring. Our members are here to remind Congress not to leave farmers and ranchers behind.”
Farmers Union members will begin meeting with top officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday morning to share the current, real-world challenges they face on their farms. These conversations will highlight the need for more robust support at farmer-facing USDA agencies such as the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as greater DOJ enforcement of antitrust laws to curb corporate monopolies that squeeze farmers’ profits and drive up the cost of production.
“Farmers and rural communities are at a breaking point,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “Farmers Union members have come to Washington to demand action before we lose even more family farms. They’re here not only to advocate for themselves, but for every family who deserves fair prices at the grocery store and every community whose future depends on the vitality and sustainability of American agriculture.”
Farmers Union members will then spend the next two days on Capitol Hill to meet with their federal representatives and members of the U.S. House and Senate agriculture committees. Members will advocate for finishing the five-year farm bill, in addition to immediate assistance for farmers facing financial uncertainty and other provisions that will benefit family farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country.
