News Feeds

Congressional Progressive Caucus Calls on Biden to Declare a Climate Emergency and Ban Fossil Fuel Leasing on Federal Lands and Waters

Congressional Progressives follow the lead of climate, frontline, and progressive groups who have been making the same demands 

Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Progressive Caucus today called on President Biden to declare a climate emergency, jumpstart just renewable energy production, ban federal fossil fuel leasing, end fossil fuel subsidies, and take executive actions aimed at advancing environmental justice and making clean air and water accessible for all.

Since Biden’s inauguration, declaring a climate emergency, igniting a just renewable energy revolution, and ending fossil fuel expansion have been the top demands from climate, Indigenous, social justice, and progressive groups, including the Build Back Fossil Free Coalition. The growing coalition of more than a thousand groups is dedicated to pushing Biden to use his executive authority to act on climate and fossil fuels. 

In October 2021, the Build Back Fossil Free coalition organized a weeklong mobilization at the White House where thousands of Indigenous, frontline, and allied activists put their bodies on the line to demand Biden declare a climate emergency and stop permitting fossil fuel projects. 

Earlier this year, the coalition sent a letter, signed by more than 1,100 organizations, to Biden urging him to quickly deliver on his campaign promises by declaring a climate emergency, stopping the federal approval of new fossil fuel projects, and initiating a just transition to a distributed, renewable energy future. 

Ahead of the State of the Union, organizers gathered at the White House with an art piece depicting a giant pen and executive order, urging Biden to act on climate “with the stroke of a pen. And last week, groups in the coalition sent another letter to Biden urging him to use the Defense Production Act to jumpstart the deployment of clean energy solutions, like heat pumps, across the country as a response to the crisis in Ukraine. 

President Biden has the authority today to use the Defense Production Act to create well-paying, union jobs building just, renewable energy technologies; begin to phase out the quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution created by fossil fuel production on federal lands and waters; and declare a climate emergency to reinstate the ban on crude oil exports, which would have health and climate gains equivalent to shutting down 42 coal plants.

Below are statements from leading climate, social justice, and environmental organizations:

Quotes:

Grassroots/Frontline Groups

“Biden must take bold action by declaring a climate emergency and investing in real clean energy and actually sever the dependence of fossil fuel economy. Indigenous, frontline, youth and grassroot led movements have been demanding that the federal fossil fuel leasing program be reformed to ensure that communities have equity access to clean energy grids and participation in planning processes. It’s important for this administration to adopt the principles Environmental justice movements have thoroughly implemented as their center frontline communities and equity to further meaningful climate solutions,” Julia Bernal, Executive Director for Pueblo Action Alliance

“Those living in the Arctic are on the cutting edge of the climate crisis. The CPC agrees with us, thousands of organizations agree with us, now is the time to declare a climate emergency and stop the expansion of fossil fuels. The Biden Administration needs to follow this grassroots-led movement and the science backing us and stop approving fossil fuel projects like the Willow Master development plan,” Siqiniq Maupin, Executive Director of Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic

“Biden is failing to support Tribal sovereignty each day he allows the Dakota Access pipeline to flow. This CPC announcement is another reminder for Biden to stand with the people, declare a climate emergency, uphold Indigenous rights and protect the water.” Waniya Locke, Standing Rock Grassroots

“The climate crisis is rooted in lack of oversight of extraction that is happening in frontline communities. It is time for Biden to go beyond performative politics and show communities of color that we will be represented. He needs to declare a climate emergency and stop fossil fuel destruction, including extraction on federal fossil fuel leases that pollute in communities like ours.” Cesar Aguirre, Senior community organizer, Central California Environmental Justice Network

National Organizations:

“President Biden has demonstrated his lack of commitment to the very communities who elected him to office. He has stalled on climate action, abandoning Black, Indigenous, communities of the global majority, and other frontline communities who don’t have time to negotiate with neoliberals, capitalists, and white supremacists because their very existences are at stake. This is why we stand alongside the CPC to demand Biden use his executive powers to declare a Climate Emergency and ban drilling on federal lands and waters. Our collective futures depend on bold climate action now.” Ashley McCray, Green New Deal Network Organizer,  Indigenous Environmental Network

“There’s no question that we’re in a climate emergency. The caucus is absolutely right that President Biden should declare it so we can build the energy security that only renewable energy can bring,” said Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s energy justice program. “Biden can act quickly, without Congress and without Joe Manchin, to stop oil and gas drilling on public lands and unlock his emergency powers to end the era of deadly fossil fuels. He must answer the caucus’s call and turbo-charge the renewable energy transition with the Defense Production Act.” Jean Su, director, Energy Justice Program, Center for Biological Diversity.

“As communities across this country are facing the realities of a rigged economy, a public health crisis, racial injustice, and climate change, Congress and the Biden Administration must use every tool at their disposal to deliver comprehensive, transformative, and immediate change. The announcement of the CPC Executive Action slate is a bold and exciting phase of progressive power that demonstrates Progressives understand there is no time to waste. Declaring a national climate emergency and working to end our reliance on fossil fuels are two critical steps in addressing the climate crisis our communities are facing and Indivisible is thrilled to see these priorities included in a slate that works to address climate change, invest in good paying union jobs, and prioritize a just and equitable society.” Ann Clancy, Associate Director of Climate Policy, Indivisible

For more information or to be connected with experts and spokespeople reach out to Cassidy DiPaola, cassidy@fossilfree.media.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 17, 2022
Contact: Sumer Shaikh, Green New Deal Network, sshaikh@greennewdealnetwork.org, 774-545-0128 

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, in a move supported by the Green New Deal Network and other progressive organizations, the Congressional Progressive Caucus urged President Biden to issue an executive order that recognizes the climate crisis for what it is: a code red emergency. Not only would such a measure mitigate one of the greatest threats of our time, but it would also invest in a healthy, green economy, modern and reliable power, and, most importantly, a country where future generations can thrive. 

Our country’s dangerous over reliance on fossil fuels to power the most basic of functions is built on the backs of people who have consequently endured polluted air and water, extreme natural disasters, and chronic health conditions. To make matters worse, by failing to transition to a sustainable infrastructure, the US is missing an opportunity to create new, dignified union jobs, reduce the cost of energy, and be independent of foreign energy. Instead of pandering to corporate polluters and their profit margins, our lawmakers should be putting all our resources, technology, and innovation behind creating a just transition to a world that is protected from climate change

Activists, volunteers, and impacted communities have labored for decades to have their voices heard in Washington and, today, have found allies amongst the Congressional Progressive Caucus as these leaders continue the fight for executive and legislative climate action that is as bold and urgent as the crisis. As organizations collectively representing millions of members and supporters, including Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline communities, the Green New Deal Network urges President Biden to use his executive authority to end the expansion of fossil fuels, protect our communities from the climate emergency, and rapidly scale up production of renewable energy. 

In response, members of the Green New Deal Network issues the following statements: 

Ann Clancy, Associate Director of Climate Policy at Indivisible said, “During the presidential campaign, Joe Biden identified the devastating impacts of climate change as one of the major threats facing our country, and deemed it as a top priority for his presidency. Even as we continue to push for Congress to pass bold climate change legislation, President Biden must do everything within his power to enact bold policy proposals to address this crisis. Indivisible applauds the CPC's call for sweeping executive actions to address the multiple and overlapping crises our communities are facing. We urge President Biden to use the full authority of his office to transition us to a clean energy future, invest in millions of good paying jobs, support clean and healthy communities, and prioritize a just and equitable society.”

“The Biden administration talks big about confronting the climate crisis, pandemic, and economic crisis, but has expanded fossil fuel extraction in the US and failed to deliver on critical climate and social investments in his first year. President Biden still has a chance to mobilize a historic response to meet the scale of today's overlapping crises. He must use the executive powers at his disposal to declare a Climate Emergency, ban fossil fuel extraction on federal lands and waters, and deliver on all the promises he has made to stand up for Black, Indigenous, communities of color, and working class people,” said  Adrien Salazar, Policy Director at Grassroots Global Justice Alliance.

Ashley Nicole, Green New Deal Coordinator at Indigenous Environmental Network said, “President Biden has demonstrated his lack of commitment to the very communities who elected him to office. He has stalled on climate action, abandoning Black, Indigenous, Brown, & other frontline communities who don’t have time to negotiate with neoliberals, capitalists, and white supremacists when their very existence is at stake. This is why Indigenous Environmental Network stands alongside the CPC to demand Biden use his executive powers to declare a Climate Emergency and ban drilling on federal lands and waters. Our collective futures depend on bold climate action now!” 

“Our elected officials can’t keep phoning it in when it comes to the climate emergency. Generations of expanded fossil fuel reliance made extractive policies the norm–and now we’re all paying the price for polluter greed. President Biden needs to listen to the Congressional Progressive Caucus and use his power to deliver for our communities, especially the poor, Native, Black, and brown communities hit first and worst by the climate crisis and environmental racism,” said Ben Ishibashi, Lead Climate Justice Organizer at People’s Action.

Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party said, "These orders would help millions of hard-working people make ends meet while addressing the threats of climate change and COVID-19. Meeting the scale of these challenges will require Congressional action, but President Biden can give working families much-needed relief by taking executive action now. These orders are a testament to years of grassroots organizing led by frontline communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside the Congressional Progressive Caucus as they once again lead the fight to deliver for working people." 

###

About the Green New Deal Network

The Green New Deal Network is a 50-state campaign with a national coordinating table of 15 organizations: Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Justice Alliance, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, Greenpeace, Indigenous Environmental Network, Indivisible, Movement for Black Lives, MoveOn, People’s Action, Right To The City Alliance, Service Employees International Union, Sierra Club, Sunrise Movement, US Climate Action Network, and the Working Families Party.

For a PDF of this letter click here.

February 24, 2021

Dear President Biden,

As 1,140 organizations collectively representing millions of members and supporters, including Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline communities, we urge you to use your executive authority to speed the end of the fossil fuel era, protect our communities from the climate emergency, and address the severe harms caused by fossil fuels. 

Your first year in office was marked by historic climate disasters, another alarming surge in domestic greenhouse gas emissions, and increasingly dire warnings from the leading scientists around the world. From hurricanes and floods, to wildfires and droughts, tens of millions of Americans are directly confronting the dangerous consequences of a warming world. Indigenous, Black, Brown, AAPI and working-class communities are disproportionately harmed not only by fossil-fueled extreme weather, but also targeted by oil, gas, and coal corporations and suffer from toxic pollution and ongoing environmental injustices.

You have repeatedly identified the existential threat posed by climate change, calling it a “code red” for humanity, and stated in your first week in office, “In my view, we’ve already waited too long to deal with this climate crisis. We can’t wait any longer.” 

You further promised “environmental justice will be at the center of all we do addressing the disproportionate health and environmental and economic impacts on communities of color — so-called ‘fenceline communities’.” And you elevated the  respect of Indigenous sovereignty and ordered federal agencies to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships with Tribes.

These statements must be backed up by bolder action. You have the authority under existing law to wind down fossil fuel production and catalyze a just, renewable energy revolution to deliver healthier communities, a livable future, and millions of good-paying jobs. It’s critical that you use that authority as quickly and broadly as possible.

Together, we call on you to take these steps:

• Follow through on your promise to ban all new oil and gas leasing, drilling, and fracking on federal lands and waters.
• Direct federal agencies to stop approving fossil fuel projects, including pipelines, import and export terminals, storage facilities, refineries, and petrochemical plants. Direct the Department of Energy to halt gas exports to the full extent authorized by law.
• Declare a climate emergency under the National Emergencies Act, unlocking special powers to reinstate the crude oil export ban, redirect disaster relief funds toward distributed renewable energy construction in frontline communities, and marshal companies to fast-track renewable transportation and clean power generation, creating millions of high-quality union jobs.

The U.S. must contribute its fair share to the global effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with what science, justice, and equity demand. Your administration’s legislative and regulatory climate proposals have not addressed limiting the production and burning of fossil fuels, the main driver of climate change. As fossil fuel lobbyists and politicians continue to block real climate action in Congress, bold executive action is desperately needed.   

President Biden, you are the chief executive with immense powers to address our communities’ concerns.

You showed what serious climate leadership could look like in your first week in office when you canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and paused oil and gas leasing on federal lands. The urgency of the moment requires you to return to that original ambition. Fully deliver on your climate and environmental justice promises by using your executive authority to keep fossil fuels in the ground and build a resilient and affordable renewable energy system.

Sincerely,

For a full list of organizations see click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – Yesterday, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act was officially introduced, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) Companion legislation was also announced in the U.S. House of Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this legislation and urges Congress to act quickly to pass this critically important legislation.

“Corporate consolidation in the cattle industry has given multinational meatpackers undue control over cattle markets,” said NFU President Rob Larew, “Uncompetitive markets hurt family farmers and ranchers and undermine our food security. NFU has been – and will continue to be – steadfast in our support for legislation that ensures a fair market for family farmers and combats the monopoly power of multinational meatpacking corporations.”

“Farmers Union members thank Senators Grassley, Tester, Fischer, and Wyden for introducing the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. These meaningful reforms would increase price discovery and transparency in the cattle market. We also thank Representatives Axne and Feenstra for advancing a companion bill in the House,” Larew added.

The legislation would bring greater fairness to cattle markets, shedding light on a market that is often opaque.

• Establishes mandatory minimums for cash and negotiated grid trading, based on an 18-month rolling average, in each cattle marketing region.
• Brings more transparency by requiring reporting of cattle weights and slaughter deliveries two weeks in advance.
• Establishes a publicly-available cattle contract library.
• Sets severe penalties for violations by packers.
• Requires livestock mandatory reporting data be made consistently available.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – This afternoon, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NFU President Rob Larew was in attendance at the White House signing ceremony and issued the following statement.

“Today is a great day for American agriculture. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide a much-needed boost to our rural economy and will help keep family farmers, ranchers, and our communities linked and connected with the rest of the country.

“We thank President Biden for his strong leadership in passing this legislation, and offer special thanks to the Congressional leaders who crafted and negotiated the bill.”

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2021

Contact: Emma Lindberg
elindberg@nfudc.org

Washington—National Farmers Union has announced the 2022 Women’s Conference to connect women in agriculture and provide education on applicable business skills and innovative marketing tactics.

“Farming is never a one-woman job,” said Emma Lindberg, Education Director, National Farmers Union, “It takes a village to run a successful operation. This conference will not only prepare attendees for success in agriculture, but it will also provide them with their own network of women farmers and ranchers they can reach out to throughout the year.”

Farmers, policy makers, educators, and specialists will present on a number of subjects, including business management, leadership, community building, and more. The 2022 Women’s Conference will be a hybrid event with virtual sessions focusing on cooperatives, business management, and food sovereignty.

Farmers Union members are invited to attend the in-person conference in Nashville, TN. Registration information is available at: https://nfu.org/womensconference/.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which is a key part of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda. This historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill finally addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a momentous achievement in boosting our rural communities and the economy as a whole. The bill strengthens our food supply chain as it makes tremendous, much-needed investments in the roads, bridges, dams, and waterways that family farmers and ranchers depend on. The bill also updates hours-of-service regulations for agriculture and livestock haulers, which will keep our crops, inputs, and livestock moving.

“Rural America, like the rest of the country, needs access to high-speed internet, and this bill will make affordable broadband available to the 19 million Americans who have lived offline.

“Provisions in the bill will also help us respond to the climate crisis by increasing the resiliency of watersheds, improving water infrastructure in the west to address more frequent droughts, and by investing in wildfire mitigation.

“This bill, as part of the greater Build Back Better Agenda, recognizes that rural American vitality is key to ensuring the prosperity of our country. We thank President Biden for keeping with his promise and his leadership, and urge Congress to take action on passing the rest of the President’s plan.”

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—Today, NFU President Rob Larew joined a panel discussion at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to discuss the future of climate-smart agriculture. The panel, moderated by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, included farm and ranch, environmental, and private industry representation. During the discussion, President Larew highlighted the important role farmers and ranchers play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while building resilience on their farms.

“It is essential that family farmers and ranchers have a strong voice in discussions about climate solutions,” said President Larew. “Climate change threatens farmer livelihoods, rural communities, and the entire food system. Agriculture is also uniquely positioned to combat climate change while building resilience to weather extremes if armed with the right tools and resources.”

In support of the central goal of COP26—to tackle the climate crisis—NFU submitted comments earlier this week on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forthcoming Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) Partnership Program. The program is expected to create new market opportunities for climate smart agricultural products, improving the profitability and resilience of farmers and ranchers.

“We are hopeful that USDA’s new program will play a pivotal role in helping farmers adapt to evolving conditions, while also incentivizing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon in the soil,” said President Larew. “This program must build upon the important work farmers and ranchers are already doing to address climate change on their farms, while also promoting fair and competitive climate-smart agricultural markets.”

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington—Today, the Build Back Better Framework for the budget reconciliation bill was released, including landmark investments to help family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and the entire economy. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this framework and urges Congress to finalize and pass the legislation.

NFU President Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The agreement announced today is a tremendous step toward addressing many of the challenges we face as a nation.

“Family farmers and ranchers are an essential part of the climate solution. We are pleased the framework invests in programs to help accelerate implementation of climate-smart practices on farms and ranches, and demonstrates support for biofuels. These efforts will also help to make farms more resilient in the face of extreme weather events and other natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

“The framework includes a multitude of investments to help rural America, including establishing the Rural Partnership Program (RPP), improving quality and affordability of health care, and ensuring more children have access to healthy meals year-round.

“We appreciate that the tax provisions in the framework are focused on making sure the highest income Americans pay their fair share, and changes to the tax code do not include elimination of the ‘stepped-up basis’ at death.

“Once more, this framework is an important and critical opportunity to improve the lives of millions and, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, should be passed into law.”

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, contact:  John Hansen

(402) 476-8815 john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

Upcoming Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual Convention Agenda Highlights Announced

December 3, 2021 Nebraska Farm Homes

Lincoln, Nebraska. “108 Years of Leadership” is the theme for the 108th annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention.  John Hansen, NeFU President said, “Despite the ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the service work and focus of our general farm organization to serve the needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities goes on. While we were hoping for the return of our normal in-person State Convention with handshakes and hugs, it is the judgment of our Board of Directors that in order to conduct the necessary elections and business of the organization, and keep our members safe from the Delta variant, we will be doing our state convention virtually via ZOOM.”

The 2021 NeFU State Convention was scheduled to be held in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel, but instead will be held in farm homes across the state.  Successful NeFU and NFU virtual Conventions were held last year, NeFU spring and fall District meetings, and two NFU Fly-In events. “NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth said, “Our state needs to take full advantage of the additional federal funding to improve and expand rural broadband capacity and accessibility.  We obviously need this technology.”

NeFU delegates and members will elect Board of Directors for three year terms from Districts 2, 4, and 6. Lynn Belitz is running for election for District 2 as the result of the retirement of Jim Knopik. Vern Jantzen is running for re-election in District 4.  Graham Christensen is running for re-election in District 6. The final district caucuses to field potential additional candidates and all elections will be held Friday morning between 11:00 am and noon.

John Hansen has announced his candidacy for re-election to a two year term as President. Friday morning between 11 and noon will be the time for any other nominations and the election.

In addition to electing officers, three delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention will be elected 11 to noon Friday morning.  The 2021-2022 NeFU policy day will be held Tuesday, November 23rd.

Hansen noted “Since there are no transportation, lodging, meal, or registration costs, this is a great opportunity for our members to attend state convention.” Registration is at the NeFU website: https://nebraskafarmersunion.org/convention/. The latest information will be on the website. The usual two day format will be condensed to one day. NFU President Rob Larew will be the Friday noon keynote speaker followed by the always popular State Senator panel with Senators Carol Blood, John Cavanaugh, Myron Dorn, and John McCollister.

NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth will chair the policy adoption process Friday afternoon.

NeFU President John Hansen concluded, “Our virtual convention will be practicing extreme social distancing, but masks will not be needed in order to keep us safe.”

 Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual State Convention Agenda

“108 Years of Leadership”

December 3, 2021 Second Ever Virtual Convention

Friday Morning, December 3, 2021 (Register Here)

9:30     Call to order:  Convention Convenes, Welcome, Pledge, Prayer, Past Convention Minutes (All Members)

9:45     NeFU Foundation Elections– John Hansen, NeFU Foundation Secretary

• Election of At-Large Member to NeFU Foundation, 1 year term (Ron Meyer is the current director)

10:00  NeFU Foundation & Education Report—John Hansen

10:15   Nebraska Farmers Union PAC report—Vern Jantzen

10:30   Refreshment Break Sponsored by:  Nebraska Rural Radio Association (What’s in your refrigerator?)

10:40   Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP report—Jeff Downing, General Manager

11:00   NeFU Elections:  Report by Elections Chair, Vern Jantzen (Members Only)

• Call for additional nominations for NeFU President (2022-2023)
• Election of NeFU President
• Introduction of candidates for NeFU Delegates to NFU Convention  (all Delegates vote)

February 27-March 1, 2022 National Farmers Union Convention, Grand Hyatt, Denver, CO

• Elect Top Six NFU Convention Delegates–Vote for 1, 2, or 3 candidates

(Top 3 vote getters are Delegates—next 3 are Alternates)

• Districts 2, 4 & 6 caucus for additional NeFU District Director Nominations (2022-2023-2024)
• Election of District 2 Director (District 2 Delegates only vote)
• Election of District 4 Director (District 4 Delegates only vote)
• Election of District 6 Director (District 6 Delegates only vote)

12:00    Noon Luncheon:  Sponsored by Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP

Help yourself, eat on your own, remember to tip the server and compliment the chef!

Friday Afternoon, December 3, 2021 (All Members) (Register Here)

12:30   NeFU President’s Award presentation to: Jim & Carolyn Knopik, retiring District 2 Director

12:35   NFU President Rob Larew, NFU Government Relations Report

1:30     A Preview of the 2022 Legislative Session

• Senator Carol Blood, LD3
• Senator Myron Dorn, LD30
• Senator John Cavanaugh, LD9
• Senator John McCollister, LD20

2:15     NeFU Policy Consideration  (Delegates Only)

3:15     NeFU President John Hansen, NeFU President-Convention Wrap Up

-30-

This Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Local Food Safety Collaborative and National Farmers Union want to honor the contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers across the nation. Key to the success of the agriculture and food industry in the U.S., members of this community work hard to ensure access to a safe and abundant food supply for all.

Food safety starts on the farm, and the country’s Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx producers are on the front lines of preventing foodborne illness. From field to fork, they play a key role in growing, harvesting, and packing fruits and vegetables, helping fresh produce farming operations meet food safety requirements.

Access to culturally appropriate content and resources is essential to providing education and training on food safety best practices and risk reduction. As part of their work with the FDA-funded Local Food Safety Collaborative, project partner Tilth Alliance produced a Spanish-language food safety podcast episode of their Farm Walks series, highlighting Silva Family Farm owned by Pablo Silva, a farmer originally from Mexico who operates his farm in Washington State. Meanwhile, project partners under National Farmers Union USDA Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) award supported the translation of essential food safety resources into Spanish, with Minnesota Farmers Union working with University of Minnesota Extension to make key food safety factsheets available in Spanish. Iowa Farmers Union is also supporting Iowa State University Research and Extension in the development and translation of a 10-part food safety video and factsheet series that will be made available in Spanish. In addition to resources, Iowa Farmers Union piloted a partnership with Proteus Inc, an organization that provides migrant farmworkers with education assistance and job training, to provide these essential workers access to Spanish-language on-the-farm food safety training. Acknowledging that not all Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers speak Spanish or may have other learning barriers, Cornell University is developing a set of illustrations that demonstrate fundamental food safety concepts as part of their work with the Local Food Safety Collaborative.

It is with continued appreciation and gratitude that we acknowledge the work of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers. The Local Food Safety Collaborative and National Farmers Union hope to continue to respond to the food safety education and training needs of this community.

For more Spanish-language information on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and resources, please visit the Produce Safety Alliance website. For general food safety resources, check the Local Food Safety Collaborative website along with the Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse for a curated source of food safety guides, factsheets, templates, and more. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the latest food safety news.

This project website is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award 1U01FD006921-01 totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington – Today, EPA announced Rod Snyder’s appointment as the new Agriculture Advisor to the EPA. Snyder formerly served as President at Field to Market and his appointment was supported by leading farm and agriculture organizations.

In making the announcement, the Agency said, “Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA, working to advance the Biden-Harris environmental agenda for farmers and rural communities.”

“Rod’s two decades of experience working at the intersection of agriculture and environment is unparalleled and critical at this time in our history,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union. “Climate change is the single greatest long-term challenge facing family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and global food security. We applaud his appointment and look forward to working together to protect the environment while continuing to provide a safe, healthy and consistent food supply.”

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington – Representing National Farmers Union in a hearing today before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on the “State of the Livestock Industry,” Scott Blubaugh detailed the negative impact consolidation has on family farmers and consumers.

“Promoting competition has been and continues to be a top priority for NFU because of the detrimental effects of consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers,” testified Blubaugh. “Today, most sectors in America’s farm and food system are heavily consolidated and dominated by a small handful of multinational corporations, but even more so in the livestock industry. As a result, farmers and ranchers have been deprived choices, innovation, fair prices, and fair treatment.”

Blubaugh called for strong action by the Committee, other lawmakers, and the Administration to address these serious problems. Specifically, Blubaugh called for specific changes to address:

• Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA)
• Price-fixing in the livestock and poultry industries
• Supply chain disruptions
• Competition and diverse market opportunities
• Reliable, accurate, and robust market information
• Truth-in-labeling

“There are several ways to ensure a more resilient food supply for consumers and a competitive marketplace for family farmers and ranchers,” Blubaugh testified. “Across the economy, there must be more scrutiny of buyer power, and regulators must consider the need for robust competition at all links of the supply chain. Furthermore, federal and state governments should invest in supporting more market competition in marketing and processing to build a more resilient livestock sector and to ensure greater value accrues to local and regional food systems,” he concluded.

Other panel witnesses included: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and representatives of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, North American Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council and the American Sheep Industry Association.

Last month, NFU launched the “Fairness for Farmers” campaign, an endeavor with clear goals: to promote competitive markets and address rampant corporate consolidation in the food and agriculture sectors and in rural economies. To learn more, visit https://nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers/.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.