FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 2011
Iowans Gather to Create Policy Agenda for 2012
Ames, Iowa – Iowans will be gathering from around the state for the Iowa Farmers Union Annual Convention to discuss the policies that affect their farms, rural communities, and the environment. This year’s event, “Taking Agriculture in the Right Direction: Food, Energy, and Land Policy Summit,” will take place at the Iowa State University Memorial Union on Saturday, December 3rd from 8AM to 4PM.
Last week’s failure of the super committee frustrated many who held high hopes for the 2012 Farm Bill. Despite this and other national policy hiccups, the Iowa Farmers Union will be moving forward with setting a policy agenda to address agricultural policies for 2012. Chris Petersen, President of the Iowa Farmers Union, sees this as a chance for Iowans to get involved in the process. “The super committee had a total lack of transparency. Now, with its demise, the opportunity for input in the farm bill legislative process has been restored. This chance to engage should not be passed up,” he said.
Saturday’s participants will get state and federal policy updates and create the platform which will determine the priorities of IFU’s policy work for the coming year. While the platform is essential for informing the work of IFU, the process will also be a rare opportunity for Iowans to gather and learn about the concerns and visions of their fellow citizens regarding agricultural policy.
“Students look forward to sharing and learning from IFU members,” said Angie Carter, ISU graduate student and member of Sustainable Agriculture Student Association, co-sponsor of this year’s convention. “Engaging in policy platform creation is an important opportunity for those of us involved in advocacy, especially as the Farm Bill and next election cycle approach.”
Policy summit presenters will include Claudia Svarstad, vice president of the National Farmers Union, Threase Harms, CEO of Advocacy Strategies, and Craig Chase from the Leopold Center’s Marketing and Food System Initiative Program.
The Iowa Farmers Union is a grassroots organization, founded in 1915, that empowers family farms through education, cooperation, and legislation.
To learn more about the IFU convention, and to register, go to: http://iowafarmersunion.org/convention/
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