NFU pauses to celebrate, reflect on the contributions of agriculture

As the agriculture industry celebrates the 40th anniversary of National Ag Day, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement:

"As the agriculture community pauses today to recognize our industry's tremendous contribution to providing our nation and the world with the food, feed, fuel and fiber this Ag Day, we should also use this time to be reminded that Congress has paused on taking action on a farm bill.

"Congress's inaction on passing a new, comprehensive, five-year farm bill is deeply disappointing, and it fails to recognize the significant contributions agriculture makes to America's economy. It's easy to forget the true value of our farmers and ranchers, who in some cases are only making pennies on the dollar on what they produce. On this Ag Day, I urge Congress to acknowledge the hard work of family farmers, ranchers and fishermen on Ag Day and every day by passing a five-year farm bill as expeditiously as possible."

In spite of all their hard work feeding families here in the United States and around the world, farmers and ranchers only receive, on average, 15.8 cents of every dollar spent on food. Visit www.NFU.org/farmers-share to view the NFU's March Farmers Share document.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.