WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew appeared before the United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade for a hearing titled “Industry Perspectives on Risk Management and Access to Credit”.
In his testimony, President Larew highlighted Farmers Union priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill including a strong safety net, along with fairer and more competitive markets for farmers and ranchers.
Appearing before the Committee, President Larew said, “We can all work together to ensure that the next farm bill is as strong as it can be through sound crop insurance and commodity programs. I also want to emphasize the importance of diversified income streams and opportunities, as well as the need for fair and competitive markets.”
Through a grassroots policy development process, delegates at the 2023 NFU convention adopted policy on a wide range of topics and identified three special orders of business: “Family Farming and the 2023 Farm Bill,” “Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform,” and “Fairness for Farmers.” Drawn from these priorities, NFU’s policy views on the next farm bill center on enacting an effective farm safety net, bolstering diverse income streams for family farmers and ranchers and our communities, and ensuring a competitive and resilient food system.
In closing, Larew added, “We know that a farm bill coalition gets stronger by bringing in allies and supporters, and that a farm bill coalition becomes weaker when it is divided. I want to reiterate our willingness to work with other farmers and ranchers, with our rural and urban neighbors, and with groups who want to ensure that the farm bill includes strong policy – not only on the farm safety net, but also for nutrition, energy, forestry, research, and more.
I look forward to working with you to address these issues. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.”
Video of this hearing is linked here, and a copy of President Larew’s written testimony can be found here.