AUGUST 25, 2012 -- Today, the National Grange joined a new coalition called Farm Bill Now. The coalition, consisting of over 40 agricultural organizations, seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of passing the 2012 Farm Bill before the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill expire on September 30th. The coalition includes groups from just about every sector of agriculture, including dairy, livestock, energy, commodity crops, specialty crops, farm cooperatives, financial groups, non-profits, and others.
Despite being very new, the coalition already has two events scheduled where Farm Bill advocates can speak their minds regarding the dire importance of getting a Farm Bill passed before the old one expires.
The first event will take place Tuesday, August 28th in Boone, Iowa at the annual Farm Progress Show. I would definitely encourage all of our Iowa Grangers to attend this event if they're able.
The second event will take place Wednesday, September 12th in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. Farm Bill Now will host a rally on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to encourage lawmakers to pass the 2012 Farm Bill. Of course, the Grange will be there front and center to help with this important issue, and I encourage anyone and everyone who is available to please come to DC to participate. If you can come, please call me at 202-628-3507 ex. 114 and let me know.
To learn more about the coalition, visit the website at http://www.farmbillnow.com/.
-Grace Boatright National Grange Legislative Director |