FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2015
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON (March 18, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson saluted National Ag Day and said that NFU is working hard to push for policies that will bring jobs, prosperity and new talent to America’s family farms and ranches.
“NFU and its members are committed to fight for and see through smart family farm policies that will continue the wave of prosperity recently seen in rural America and strengthen the overall U.S. economy,” said Johnson.
One such policy is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which has brought about a wave of prosperity not seen in rural America in generations. “The RFS is not only embraced by America’s family farmers and ranchers, but the use of renewable fuels has saved consumers hundreds of dollars per year at the gas pumps,” he said.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently told the 113th NFU annual convention, “I love the RFS,” and underscored his extreme optimism for growth of the renewable fuels industry, mentioning the fact that the U.S. Navy is looking into using increased renewable fuels.
Another popular NFU policy the organization has vowed to fight for is Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), a labeling law that has been embraced by consumers and producers alike and is currently awaiting a ruling from the World Trade Organization. “Consumers like COOL, producers like COOL, and Congress needs to leave it alone.”
“If nothing else, National Ag Day should focus on the future of agriculture, and the fact that the average age of the American farmer is 58 years and growing,” said Johnson. “The presence, excitement and enthusiasm of young and beginning farmers from across the country representing the next generation of family farmers and ranchers who are becoming active members in NFU gives me great optimism,” said Johnson.
“National Ag Day allows both rural and urban Americans to reflect on public policies that work for agriculture and are contributing to the production of the safest, most wholesome and affordable food supply on the planet,” said Johnson. “NFU salutes the heroes of that fact: family farmers and ranchers,” said Johnson.
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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