By Janan Lenzy, NFU Intern Last week on the Climate Column, we discussed the risks of drought to agriculture, and proposed methods to help farmers prepare for and mitigate those risks. As drought increases in frequency, length, and severity and as temperatures rise globally, both of which are expected to occur as the climate continues to … Read More
Access to Markets: Farmers Market Legal Toolkit
By Tom Driscoll, Director of NFU Foundation and Conservation Policy No volume restrictions, no need for brick and mortar investments, and the chance to learn about customers want directly. Participating in a farmers market is often the most immediate access to market available to beginning farmers. But for as quickly and easily as beginning farmers … Read More
What Do Farmers Need to Know About Climate Change? Monthly Drought Alerts
By Alexis Dunnum, NFU Executive Assistant As mentioned previously on the Climate Column, we have noted that drought is expected to become more frequent, severe, and damaging to farmers as climates continue to change around the world. Drought affects farming operations of all sizes and if farmers are not prepared, drought can lead to production … Read More
Farmers Union Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net, Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2018 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of … Read More
Farmers Union Urges Restoration of Organic Livestock Welfare Standard; NFU Board Says Consistency Issues Threaten Viability of Organic Family Farmers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2017 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – While bad actors in private industry pose consistent threats to the integrity of the organic food label, the federal government should not. Yet a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) … Read More
What Do Farmers Need to Know About Climate Change? Carbon Fee & Dividend
By Craig Ficenec, Volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Agriculture is getting more and more attention these days for its potential to sequester carbon in the soil. Many farmers and ranchers manage their land in ways that sustain production while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from elsewhere. But how can we stimulate all sectors of the economy … Read More
What Do Farmers Need to Know About Climate Change? Carbon Fee & Dividend
By Craig Ficenec, Volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Agriculture is getting more and more attention these days for its potential to sequester carbon in the soil. Many farmers and ranchers manage their land in ways that sustain production while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from elsewhere. But how can we stimulate all sectors of the economy … Read More
Access to Efficiency: CSP at Green Fire Farm
By Tom Driscoll, Director of NFU Foundation and Conservation Policy Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) at length here on the Beginning Farmer Forum (BFF). CSP provides technical assistance and incentive payments to help beginning farmers establish installations or enhance practices that can reduce input costs or provide a … Read More
NFU Applauds Rural Task Force, Urges Immediate Action and Federal Investment in Infrastructure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2018 Contact: Hannah Packman, 202-554-1600 hpackman@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – The Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, a government-wide group including more than 22 federal agencies and led by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, today released a report to President Trump. The 23-page document identifies the many needs and … Read More
What Do Farmers Need to Know About Climate Change? Anticipating More Extreme Weather Related to El Nino
By Tom Driscoll, Director of NFU Foundation and Conservation Policy Climate change is likely to impact or exacerbate extreme weather events related to El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). According to The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “ENSO is a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperature (El Niño) and the air pressure of the overlying atmosphere … Read More