SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – National Farmers Union (NFU) today kicked off its 122nd Anniversary Convention, where programming will focus on the importance of strong democratic institutions, both within Farmers Union and across the country.
“In an era where public trust in institutions is waning, it’s crucial for Farmers Union to reinforce our governance principles and the thoughtful processes that guide our grassroots advocacy,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Throughout our history, Farmers Union has been a leader in promoting direct action on behalf of family farmers and ranchers. With so much at stake this year, from the upcoming election to a new farm bill, we stand committed to build on that history and ensure farmers, ranchers and our rural communities continue to make our voices heard.”
From March 10 through 12, attendees will hear from a host of speakers to prepare them for the year ahead, including The Honorable Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sarah Suggs, President and CEO, Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, as well as a discussion on the future of farmer-owned cooperatives featuring Chuck Conner, President and CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Keri Jacobs, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Partridge Chair in Cooperative Leadership, University of Missouri and Doug O’Brien, President and CEO, National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International.
Convention delegates and attendees will also hear from Rod Snyder, Senior Advisor for Agriculture to the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Kari Jo Lawrence, CEO, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Carah Hart, President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.
As the 2024 Convention continues, delegates and attendees will participate in breakout sessions on a variety of topics, debate and vote on NFU’s grassroots policy for the year, and hold elections for the offices of NFU President and Vice President.
Photos for use from throughout convention will be available via the NFU Flickr account.
Live streams of various programming will be available via the NFU YouTube channel.
A full agenda can be found at nfu.org/convention.
###