NFU Lobbies Congress

February 4, 2002

Farmers and ranchers from across the country are in Washington through Wednesday as members of the National Farmers Union lobby Congress in an effort to get quick approval of a new farm bill. They also will ask policymakers to address what they consider to be the continuing recession in rural America.

"Family farmers and ranchers are coming to Washington to tell senators how important it is to pass a farm bill now," said Leland Swenson, president of NFU. "Farmers, lenders and rural businesses are looking for certainty. Rural America needs to make decisions about its future. Swift action is necessary."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently predicted that farm gate prices would drop by nearly 20% this year if a new farm law is not enacted, said NFU. "If a farm bill is not passed in short order, farmers face the smallest safety net in decades," Swenson said. Meanwhile low commodity prices, a depressed rural economy, unfair trade practices and increased concentration in the food and agriculture industries continue to present challenges for America's producers."

Farmers Union is urging senators to enact legislation that will eliminate the need for the tens of billions of dollars that have been needed under current legislation. In addition to a call for immediate action on the farm bill, NFU members will ask senators to improve pending legislation that will target benefits to family farmers and ranchers, set realistic and reasonable payment limits, address competition issues, include a producers' bill of rights, create a voluntary flex-fallow program and improve the peanut program.

"In October of last year, farm gate prices took a record nose dive," Swenson said. "Prospects look no better for this year. Time is running out on this planting season, and time is running out on the budget," Swenson continued. "Rural America was bypassed by last decade's economic boon and our patience is running out. It is time to do what family farmers across the country want and need. It is time to finish the farm bill."