New data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration shows that rural communities have the highest death rates nationwide from opioid prescriptions, more than three times the national average. A previously unreleased database from DEA tracking prescription painkillers showed that the highest per-capita opioid death rates from 2006 to 2012 were in rural communities in West Virginia, … Read More
NIFA, ERS Relocation Detrimental to Researchers, Family Farmers, and Consumers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 18, 2019 Contact: Jenny Hopkinson, 202.554.1600jhopkinson@nfudc.org WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) relocation of two major research agencies is “misguided” and “detrimental to family farmers and ranchers and rural communities,” according to the nation’s oldest general farm organization. National Farmers Union (NFU), whose 200,000 members support increased funding for public agricultural … Read More
How Does Corporate Sustainability Factor in Family Farmers? General Mills and its Priority Crops
By Anne McGarvey, NFU Intern The way consumers think about food is changing across the country, and food companies are racing to keep up. But what does this mean for family farmers? Americans are paying more attention not only to how their dietary choices affect their health and wellness, but also how they impact the … Read More
Farmers Union Hosts 83rd Annual All-States Leadership Camp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 9, 2019 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202.554.1600hpackman@nfudc.org BAILEY, Colo.– Farmers Union youth members from across the country convened last month for the 83rd annual National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. Hosted each June, the event encourages young adults to explore their leadership potential, discuss current events and important issues, learn more about … Read More
“No Pets Allowed” and Other Rules for a Berry Safe Pick-Your-Own Experience
This blog was written by Connie Fisk, Ph.D. and was originally published on her blog, “Food Adventures with Connie”.* Fisk traveled to speak in Missouri regarding FSMA and best practices for pick-your-own farms. As produce farmers continue to create a great experience for visitors to step onto their farms to pick their own produce this … Read More
NFU Urges Additional Improvements to USMCA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 8, 2019 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202.554.1600hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON– As Congressional leadership and the Trump administration work towards a compromise on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the country’s oldest general farm organization is urging additional improvements to the deal that could help to reduce health care costs and protect rural jobs before it is sent … Read More
EPA’s RFS Obligations Are Another Setback for American Farmers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 5, 2019 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202.554.1600hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released its proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the year 2020. The proposal would set required biofuel use at 20.04 billion gallons next year, a marginal increase over this year’s 19.92 billion gallons. … Read More
Support Dairy Farmers with Accurate Labeling and School Milk Consumption
By Emily Pliscott, NFU Intern During the month of June, National Dairy Month, we celebrated the hardworking family farmers that produce dairy products across the country. With the ongoing crisis of oversupply and depressed prices, it is even more essential that we support farmers today as they continue to provide nutritious food for their communities. … Read More
Dairy Together Fights for a Fair Dairy Economy
By Bobbi Wilson, Government Relations Associate for Wisconsin Farmers Union Dairy Together is a grassroots movement to rebuild a fair, stable, and predictable dairy economy for family farmers and rural communities. This movement emerged in response to the current dairy crisis—we are now in the fifth straight year of low prices, and for many farmers, … Read More
My Washington Adventure with the National Young Farmers Coalition
This blog was written by Connie Fisk, Ph.D. and was originally published on her blog, “Food Adventures with Connie“.* Fisk traveled to Washington State with the National Young Farmers Coalition as a part of a series of food safety workshops and trainings. She shares her experience with travel, food and and food safety education for … Read More