AMES, Iowa — As Congress begins to set the direction of farm policy that will impact farmers, rural residents, and consumers, the Iowa Farmers Union will be holding Farm Bill Listening Sessions at three locations in Iowa. The general public is invited to voice their opinion to help set the agenda for rural America and the 2018 Farm Bill.
“These sessions are designed to hear the goals and concerns of Iowans as we enter the farm bill debate,” said Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman. “Farm income is expected to drop for the fourth consecutive year. The recent massive wave of consolidation in agribusiness results in fewer choices for farmers and consumers. Farmers are being asked to do more and more to protect our landscape and water. We have big challenges to address and we want to hear the concerns of Iowans.”
Each session will focus on a different topic: safety net issues in Decorah and conservation issues in Washington and Orient. All Farm Bill and rural issues will be open for discussion at every session. Practical Farmers of Iowa and Center for Rural Affairs are co-sponsors and will help provide expertise and guidance to the discussion.
Decorah
Wednesday, August 23, 1 pm
Decorah Public Library
202 Winnebago St, Decorah, IA 52101
Washington
Thursday, August 24, 10 am
Washington Public Library
115 W. Washington St., Washington, IA 52353
Orient
Friday, August 25, 10 am
Wallace Country Life Center
2773 290th Street, Orient, IA
Located just off the Henry A. Wallace Road (P-33). From I-80, take Exit 93 at Stuart, IA and travel south 12 miles to Highway 92.Turn west and travel 2 miles, then south 5 miles on the Henry A. Wallace Road. The Center is 1/4 mile west on 290th Street.
— Iowa Farmers Union
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