By Tom Driscoll, government relations representative, National Farmers Union The Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) is very sensitive to pollution and subject to sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen loading from a variety of sources. A recent study found that producers are taking the lead in cleaning up the Basin, and new efforts announced by the Natural … Read More
Blog
Time to Consider the Conservation Stewardship Program
By Tom Driscoll, government relations representative, National Farmers Union Would you like to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife and pollinator habitat or energy efficiency on your land? The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers farmers and ranchers technical and financial support to achieve these goals … Read More
Finding Innovative Farm Transition Solutions
One of the biggest struggles beginning farmers face is access to farmland, and in particular, affordable farmland. Over 90 million acres of farmland are expected to turn over to new owners in the next decade. The USDA released the results of the latest TOTAL survey in November of 2015. This survey reached 400,000 landowners, leasers … Read More
Gaps Remain in Support for Urban Farms
By Dana Rushovich, production manager, Boone Street Farm When I first started working at Boone Street Farm over two and a half years ago, I was looking for a way to connect with my local community around food. I had just returned from my first full time farming experience in North Carolina and knew that … Read More
Are We Prepared for Foot and Mouth Disease?
By Katie Fisher, government relations intern, National Farmers Union The Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing this morning about foot and mouth disease. National Farmers Union members place a tremendous amount of emphasis on maintaining domestic animal health. NFU even adopted a special order of business on animal disease protection at its … Read More
Food Incentive Programs take the Frontline on the Fight Against Hunger
By Katie Fisher, government relations intern, National Farmers Union Last week was a busy week for the House Committee on Agriculture as they had two subcommittee meetings in two days. Wednesday morning, the Subcommittee on Nutrition, led by Chairwoman Jackie Walorski, met to discuss food incentive programs and how they can be improved. Five panelists … 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
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
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
Women Are Vital to the Continued Success of American Agriculture
By Roger Johnson, president, National Farmers Union There are many promising trends in agriculture, but certainly the growing number of women who are using their talents to help strengthen the viability of the family farm is one that stands out above many others. As America’s role in supplying food, feed, fuel and fiber to both … Read More