WEIDMAN, Mich. — As Congress begins to set the direction of farm policy that will impact farmers, rural residents and consumers, the Michigan Farmers Union will be holding Farm Bill Listening Sessions at several locations throughout Michigan.
Family farmers are invited to come and share thoughts on what’s working and not working with current Farm Bill programs at Cabela’s in Dundee on Friday, September 22nd, from 10 am to noon. Coffee and donuts will be provided by MFU, with registration beginning at 9:30 am.
A complimentary lunch, sponsored by Iott Agency. follows the listening session.
“These sessions are designed for Michigan rural residents to voice their concerns as we enter the farm bill debate,” said Michigan Farmers Union President and NFU Board Member Bob Thompson. “It’s essential that despite the current dysfunction in Washington, Congress crafts a reasonable, responsible Farm Bill that provides a strong safety net. We have huge challenges to address and we want to hear the concerns of Michigan producers of all commodities and sizes.”
Each session will focus on a different topic but the Farm Bill and rural issues will be open for discussion at every session. Farmers will get a briefing from Barbara Patterson, NFU Government Relations, on the current state of the Farm Bill. National Farmers Union is a co-sponsor and will help provide expertise and guidance to the discussion, moderated by Thompson.
Comments from farmers around the country are being compiled and will become part of NFU’s Farm Bill lobbying efforts to help set the agenda for rural America and the 2018 Farm Bill.
“The Farm Bill and a reasonable safety net for producers is a vital part of our ability to continue to feed Michigan and the world – and it’s not too early for Michigan farmers to be heard on the next one,” Thompson said.
— Michigan Farmers Union
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