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Farmers Union advocates for new farm bill during Week of Action

National Farmers Union members are in Washington D.C. this week urging lawmakers to pass a new farm bill.

Gary Wertish is president of the Minnesota Farmers Union.

“We have over 100 members to advocate for getting action done. We’ve kicked that can down the road two times already, we’ve extended the 2018 Farm Bill. And it’s time to get serious about getting an updated farm bill.”

He tells Brownfield NFU’s Week of Action comes as farmers face razor thin margins and a lot of uncertainty.

“The appropriate time is right now (because) if we don’t take any action, the current one expires the end of September and we need to focus on our priorities right now of getting a new, updated farm bill. A stronger safety net, volunteer conservation programs, and address the issues in the marketplace.”

NFU president Rob Larew says without the certainty of a strong, five-year farm bill, farmers are left exposed to mounting risks and instability.