American Agri-Women
connect with policymakers in D.C.
Leaders of American Agri-Women (AAW) from throughout the country connected with their consumers and policymakers at the organization’s 25th annual Fly-in to Washington, D.C.
During the week, 45 women from 12 states met with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency, and with members of Congress.
AAW members were updated on immigration legislation by Craig Regelbrugge, co-chairman of Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform. They were also briefed by Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan concerning the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Other topics AAW leaders were informed about included homeland security and emergency coordination, food safety and animal welfare.
AAW also brought their 2010 policy positions to their congressmen and senators on the Hill. The priority issues included ag jobs legislation, Argentina debt, antibiotic use in animal agriculture, the atrazine review, broadband availability, Clean Water Act, energy and climate change legislation, Endangered Species Act reform, Open Equal Access to Justice Act, estate tax reform, food safety, wilderness area expansion and horse slaughter.
During the meeting at the House Agriculture Committee Room, AAW presented the first AAW Champion of Agriculture award to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn. The Champion of Agriculture award was also presented to Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.
For more information, visit the website at www.americanagriwomen.org, or contact AAW President Chris Wilson at president@americana griwomen.org or 785-844-0274.
