News release

Nov. 20, 2021

ST. PAUL – Did you know that the farmer’s share of every dollar that consumers spend on food has fallen from 50 percent in 1952 to less than 16 percent today?

Did you know that four companies control 85 percent of beef packing, 85 percent of seed corn production and 84 percent of the pesticide market?

Did you know that in the past five decades, 40 percent of flour mills and 88 percent of meat processing facilities have gone out of business?

That’s why National Farmers Union launched Fairness for Farmers, a campaign to fight for a fair market and against corporate monopolies. This includes advocacy for four solutions:

• Packers and Stockyards Act reform,
• Improving price discovery and ensuring fair and accurate market information,
• Facilitating competition and more diverse market opportunities, and
• Reinvigorating antitrust enforcement.

Speaking at the 80^th annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention today, Larew said it’s time to fight for an economy that rewards hard work and ensures fair agricultural markets.

“Mergers and acquisitions over several decades have resulted in agriculture and food supply chains that are uncompetitive, fragile and underpay farmers while overcharging consumers,” Larew said. “The giants who dominate our food and agriculture industry are not going to be toppled without a struggle. We are ready to stand up for fairness for family farmers.”

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish participated in the campaign announcement in September.

“Farmers Union was formed by farmers who weren’t getting a fair price for their products,” Wertish said. “Today, Farmers Union is leading the way not only in fighting for fair prices for family farmers, but also in establishing relationships to create new markets through Minnesota Foodshed, biofuels advocacy and rebuilding small and mid-sized meat processors.”

The 80^th annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention continues Sunday at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, 1330 Industrial Blvd. N.E., Minneapolis.

There is no charge to attend the convention, but meals are ticketed events. A tentative convention agenda can be found on the Minnesota Farmers Union website.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org)