Farmers Union launches farm bill campaign

American family farmers and ranchers are enduring the worst economic slide in generations, and they need Congress to pass a farm bill in 2018 to strengthen the farm safety net.

In order to educate the general public and to generate support for a Farm Bill to be passed this year, National Farmers Union and Farmers Union state divisions have developed a digital campaign, complete with a new website— https://2018farmbill.org—a farm bill video, animated short videos, weekly promotions and a petition. The family farm organization is calling on Congress to strengthen programs that support family farm agriculture, vibrant rural communities, a clean environment and hungry Americans.

“Family farmers and consumers alike are in urgent need of strong farm and food policies to be passed in the farm bill this year,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “As the agriculture committees ready to propose farm bill legislation, Farmers Union wants to be sure all members of Congress understand why the farm bill is so vital to family farm agriculture, our land, our rural communities, and our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. We’re hopeful this campaign can bridge the support of the entire farm and food community.” 

The campaign features a 9-minute video on the importance of the farm bill to family farmers, the environment and consumers, profiling Farmers Union members from across the country. Three short animated videos are also being launched to help the general public understand what the farm bill is, what Farmers Union’s ideal farm bill looks like, and how to advocate for the farm bill. And throughout the next month, NFU will issue short policy briefs on the major components of the farm bill.

Family farmers, consumers, lawmakers and advocates are encouraged to share the video on social media, tweet with the hashtag #FarmBillNow, and sign the petition to call on Congress to pass a farm bill in 2018.