September 2016 | New England Farmers Union

NFU Commends Sen. Stabenow for Championing Support for Urban Agriculture

September 26, 2016Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (September 26, 2016) – Supporting the effort to bridge the divide between urban and rural America through agriculture, National Farmers Union (NFU) commended Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) for championing new legislation that fosters opportunities for urban agriculture. The Urban Agriculture … Read More

Why Do Farmers Care About Climate Change? Forage and Grazing Lands

September 26, 2016Climate Column

By Tom Somrack, NFU Government Relations Intern Grazing lands continue to be under pressure by countless factors, including: cropland conversion, wildlife, an increase in forestation, urbanization, and climate change. Grazing and Pasture Lands have been named by Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, as one of the Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture. USDA has set … Read More

NFU VP of International Relations Represents World’s Farmers in UN Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance

September 22, 2016Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (September 22, 2016) – National Farmers Union (NFU) General Counsel and Vice President of International Relations Dave Velde represented the world’s farmers yesterday before a high-level meeting of the United Nations (U.N.) to discuss global antibiotic resistance. The meeting concluded with the 193 … Read More

Veterans and Agriculture: An Opportunity to Revitalize Farming

September 21, 2016Blog

By U.S. Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01) By now folks across the country are well aware that the average age of American farmers and ranchers is just over 58 years old. Less well known is the fact that 200,000 military personnel are discharged from the armed services each year. As a Member of Congress who serves … Read More

NFU Joins in Promoting Safe Practices During National Farm Safety and Health Week

September 20, 2016Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (September 20, 2016) – As farmers are preparing to begin the fall harvest, National Farmers Union (NFU) joined in the effort to promote safe practices on and around the farm during National Farm Safety and Health Week. President Barack Obama designated farm safety week to … Read More

NFU Asks Senate Judiciary Panel for More Oversight of Failing Antitrust Enforcement in Agriculture

September 20, 2016Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (September 20, 2016) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today joined a panel of industry leaders to testify before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the alarming trend of consolidation in agriculture. Less than a week after 275 NFU members … Read More

Why Do Farmers Care About Climate Change? Pathogens and Parasites

September 19, 2016Climate Column

By Tom Somrack, NFU Government Relations Intern Climate change affects the rate and spread of pathogen and parasitic diseases. According to the USDA Regional Vulnerability Assessments, warmer temperatures have resulted in insects, weeds, and crop diseases moving north and to higher elevations, or surviving winters that used to keep them in check. Overall, pest, weed, and … Read More

Short and Long Term Solutions for the Dairy and Drought Crisis in New England

September 15, 2016Dairy, Environment

Guest Blog Post by: New England Farmers Union Member, Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield’s Director of Organic and Sustainable Agriculture This year has been devastating for many dairy farmers in the Northeast. Low prices for conventional milk and a severe drought have delivered a one-two punch that many dairies have been unable to withstand, with 16% of … Read More

Recent FSMA Updates from FDA

September 15, 2016FSMA

The first key compliance date for the Preventive Controls Rule, one of the main provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), is just around the corner. This rule, which will largely impact food processors and manufacturers, and may impact some farms engaged in value-added processing and related activities, will require compliance for many businesses … Read More

$1.5 Million Grant Awarded to NEFU & Partners by FDA to Help Underserved Groups Implement FSMA, Improve Food Safety

September 15, 2016Farmers, Farming Practices, FSMA, National Farmers Union, NEFU Members

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is currently being implemented and will have a significant impact on many food producers and processors. On August 23, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a $1.5 million grant to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Foundation to deliver outreach and training on FSMA to underserved growers … Read More

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