FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – Family farmers and ranchers have suffered fewer choices, less innovation, lower prices, and poorer treatment due to “domination and market manipulation of multinational meat companies,” National Farmers Union (NFU) President today told the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. In verbal testimony presented … Read More
Month: July 2021
NFU Welcomes Effort to Broaden Disaster Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – The House Agriculture Committee today approved a disaster bill that would broaden the assistance available to farmers and ranchers affected by extreme weather events. In addition to extending the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the … Read More
Food Safety Spotlight: Meaningful Collaboration at IAFP
By Billy Mitchell, NFU Food Safety Training Coordinator “Representation matters.” “Meaningful collaboration.” These simple yet powerful sentiments were shared by Armitra Jackson-Davis (Alabama A&M University) and Kranti Yemmireddy (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) during the International Association for Food Protection’s conference session, “If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone; But If You Want … Read More
What Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition Means for Agriculture
By Hannah Packman, NFU Communications Director To address corporate consolidation in nearly every sector, President Joe Biden last week signed a sweeping executive order aimed at promoting competition and fairness throughout the economy. The order includes 72 directives that will be carried out by 12 federal agencies, many of which target the agricultural sector: It will offer … Read More
Higher Octane Fuel Standard Would Benefit Drivers, Farmers, Rural Communities, and the Environment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, a coalition of farm, biofuels, and environmental organizations is urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard. In a letter sent today … Read More
Executive Order a “Monumental Step” Towards Fairer Economy, According to Farmers Union
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – With nearly every industry enduring crushing levels of corporate power, President Joe Biden today signed an executive order aimed at promoting competition and fairness throughout the economy. The order includes 72 directives that will be carried out by 12 federal agencies, many of … Read More
Food Safety Spotlight: Preparing to Lead
By Billy Mitchell, NFU Food Safety Training Coordinator, & Tricia Wancko, NFU Food Safety Grant Coordinator The Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training provides an excellent opportunity both for growers to learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) and for trainers to build community as they enhance their skills teaching food … Read More
Reversal of Year-Round E15 a Blow for Farmers, Rural Communities, and the Environment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202.554.1600 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – Ruling in favor of American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit today overturned part of a 2019 rule that permitted the year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. The decision comes as a blow to … Read More
Blistering Temperatures Scorch Crops, Threaten Farmers and Workers
This week, the Northwestern U.S. has experienced some of its hottest temperatures ever, with some cities and towns surpassing previous record highs by double digits. The heat wave, which is unquestionably related to anthropomorphic climate change, is deeply concerning for a number of reasons. For one, heat can be extremely deadly, especially in regions that don’t experience it often … Read More
USDA’s Reassessment of “Product of USA” Label is Encouraging, Farmers Union Says
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2021 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202.554.1600 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – To complement the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) efforts to strengthen the enforcement of “Made in the USA” standard, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it would conduct a “top-to-bottom review” of the voluntary “Product of the USA” label. National Farmers … Read More