MFU members return from visiting legislators in Washington, D.C.
St. Paul (September 17, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union members joined 200 farmers and ranchers from across the country in Washington, D.C., for National Farmers Union's legislative fly-in September 14-16.
"Having our members out in Washington D.C. allows them to talk directly to our representatives in Congress, putting a face to the problems of rural Minnesotans," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "We discussed the importance of helping our dairy farmers and hog farmers, the need for rural Americans to receive quality health care, and urged the Senate to follow the lead of the House of Representatives and pass comprehensive climate change legislation that ensures that farmers will be involved, and that the United States Department of Agriculture is granted control and administration of the agriculture offset program."
MFU members also pushed for a renewable electricity standard (RES) where agriculture could supply 20-25% of the United States energy needs over the next 20 years; support for the TRADE Act where environmental, health and labor standards, and food safety issues would be established so internationally American farmers are on the same playing field, and consumers are protected; and urged members to support the Sanders amendment to the FY10 agriculture appropriations bill for milk price supports for short-term relief for our dairy farmers.
The MFU members that attended were: Merlyn Hubin of Westbrook; Marvin Jensen of Kensington; Richard Moen of Clearbrook; Alan and Nancy Teich of Pine City; Eunice Biel of Harmony; Alan Perish of Browerville; John and Jana Thormodson of Madelia; and John and Robin Larsen of Mantorville. Also, for the third year, Farmers Union Foundation scholarship Ag Policy Education winners attended and they were: Brian Boomgaarden, agricultural education instructor at Russell/Tyler/Ruthton, from Pipestone; and students Christina Fehrman of Lake Benton and Kyle O'Toole of Tyler.
While in Washington, the Minnesota Farmers Union members presented Golden Triangle Awards, the organization's highest legislative honor, to Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Jim Oberstar, Representative Collin Peterson and Representative Tim Walz.