NEVADA, Iowa — Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is working to position farmers as a central part of the solution to climate change. The second leg of the IFU Climate Tour will kick off this week featuring farmer focused roundtable discussions.
Farmers, community members and activists are invited to join the conversation on climate change at the roundtables. Events begin at the Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, March 12 from 4-6 p.m. Guest speaker Jenny Hopkinson, Senior Government Relations Representative at National Farmers Union, will lead the discussion.
The tour will host a round table the following day on Friday, March 13 from 4-6 p.m. at the Pulpit Rock Brewery in Decorah. The discussion will be led by guest speaker Tim Wagner. Wagner is the Agriculture Outreach Director at the Izaak Walton League, an environmental organization that promotes natural resource protection.
Almost all indicators show that farmers are suffering financially. Many operations are still recovering from historic flooding that cost more than $2 billion in damages in 2019.
“Now more than ever Iowa farmers are feeling the squeeze of climate change,” said IFU President Aaron Lehman. “Flooding, drought and volatile weather patterns have hit farmers hard, even putting some operations out of business. It is with these conditions in mind that we must start a conversation about sustainable agriculture and how we as farmers can be a part of the solution.”
The discussion is free to attend. IFU encourages anyone who has a stake in the agriculture industry to come join the discussion and have their voice heard on this important topic. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided.
To learn more or to register for the Farmer Round Table, visit www.iowafarmersunion.org. Members of the press wishing to attend climate tour events should obtain credentials by contacting Christina Dexter at 816.738.5402 or cmdexter@iowafarmersunion.org.
Thursday, March 12, 4-6 p.m.
Iowa Brewing Co.
707 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Friday, March 13, 4-6p.m.
Pulpit Rock Brewery
207 College Drive, Decorah
— Iowa Farmers Union
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