Illinois farmers advocate for farm bill priorities

WASHINGTON — A delegation from Illinois Farmers Union recently traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for family farmers as part of the National Farmers Union Fall Legislative Fly-In.

The delegation met with members of Congress and their staff, as well as participated in a discussion with senior advisers at the White House.

“As we come close to a possible government shutdown and the end of the current farm bill, the timing of this fly-in was key in continuing to share the voices and concerns of fellow farmers in our state that see a growing unfair landscape while trying to make a living on their farm,” said Illinois farmer and fly-in participant John Williams.

“This fly-in was a great opportunity to meet with the office of many of our representatives and both senators from our state. In a short time span, we had a number of valuable conversations and saw a growth of support for the many of the programs we hope to see taken on to help level the playing field and give us a leg up on fighting the climate crisis on our farms.”

For the opening session of the fly-in, Farmers Union members heard from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, along with a variety of panels featuring speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Farm Production and Conservation mission areas.

In his remarks to fly-in attendees, Vilsack addressed farm bill programs, along with the importance of USDA programs that are working to stem the loss of family farms.

“Our legislative fly-in comes at a pivotal time for agriculture and food policy as the 2023 farm bill is imminent,” said NFU President Rob Larew.

“We don’t just need a farm bill — we need the right farm bill. We know that when family farmers and ranchers speak out, decision-makers listen.”

Farmers Union members are prioritizing their support for Fairness for Farmers legislation in the 2023 farm bill, which includes a competition title so that family farmers, ranchers and rural communities have access to fair, open and competitive markets.

Additionally, members are advocating for a strong farm safety net and climate change policies that support farmers and ranchers.

Since 1909, Farmers Union members have traveled to Washington as part of the organization’s grassroots policy and advocacy work.