ST. PAUL – Thirty-four members of Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) participated in the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-in that brought nearly 300 members from across the nation to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and other leaders and advocate for passage of a new farm bill before the end of 2024.

“Our members met with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig and Brad Finstad and aides for Reps. Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Dean Phillips and Pete Stauber. In addition, they met with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan and leaders from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “The meetings were productive, and I am hopeful we will have a new farm bill by the end of the year. A sincere thank you to the policymakers, legislative leaders and staff members who took the time to meet with us and hear our priorities for the next farm bill.”

The 2018 farm bill expired in September 2023. It was extended to Sept. 30, 2024. The House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill, but it hasn’t been heard on the House floor. The Senate Agriculture Committee has a bill framework but hasn’t passed a bill out of committee. It is uncertain if the 2018 farm bill will be extended beyond Sept. 30. If a farm bill isn’t approved by the end of this Congress, the process begins anew.

“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait – they need the certainty of a new farm bill this year,” said NFU President Rob Larew in a news release. “The farm bill is an investment in our food system, rural economies and the future of American agriculture.”

The farm bill funds a variety of farm and food programs, including crop insurance, conservation, trade, research and nutrition programs for low-income households.

“It’s important to make our voices heard when it comes to the next farm bill not only because of the urgency, but also because there are important decisions yet to be made,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl. “I’m proud that our members are standing up for a reauthorization that promotes fair cattle markets, improves disaster programs, protects climate investments and makes strong investments in rural development initiatives, like improved child care.”

The Fall Legislative Fly-in was held Sept. 9-11. Learn more at nfu.org/fly-in/.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).