Ron Sylvester

NFU’s Johnson Cautions on Pending Trade Deals

April 3, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

from the National Farmers Union

WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson today cautioned the American public – rural and urban alike – to be very leery of the rhetoric being used to sell upcoming trade deals and to insist that any agreement signed by this country has the primary goal of reducing the overall trade deficit.

“Trade is neither inherently good nor is it inherently bad,” said Johnson. “And the string of deals that have been signed into law over the past decade, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the more recent Korean trade deal have failed to deliver prosperity and instead have exported good American jobs while growing the overall trade deficit,” he said.

Johnson noted that in 2014, the trade deficit increased to $505 billion, representing nearly 3 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and slowing growth for the overall economy. “Yes, the positive trade balance of U.S. agriculture trade is good news – but it is massively overshadowed by the alarming overall U.S. trade deficit,” he said.

“And all family farmers and ranchers should take note of that,” he said.

Johnson said that Congress should deny the request of the president, and any president in the future, who asks for Trade Promotion Authority — also known as Fast Track.

“Fast Track allows the president to negotiate these agreements in secret and then present them to Congress for an up or down vote, with any and all amendments forbidden. Trade agreements that lack transparency should raise everyone’s eyebrows,” said Johnson.

[Read more…]

Vilsack, McCarthy Hit on WOTUS, Rural Development in Remarks to NFU Convention

March 17, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack speaks before the National Farmers Union Annual Convention in Wichita, KS, March 16. Photo: NFU

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy both made news and spoke frankly to the delegates and attendees of the 113th National Farmers Union Annual Convention in Wichita, Kansas.

NFU’s national convention kicked off this past Saturday and ends today. Nearly 500 members were in attendance.

McCarthy spoke to conventioneers on Monday and thanked NFU for not “having a knee-jerk reaction” to EPA’s roll out of a draft Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

McCarthy said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA are working on details of the final rule and appreciated the comments submitted by NFU. On the subject of ditches, she said that EPA needs to make the definitions clearer. “Most farm ditches were never covered before, and they won’t be in this new rule,” she promised.

Another EPA hot topic for farmers has been the lack of action on setting up to date requirements for the nation’s Renewable Fuel Standard.

“The RFS is a complicated program, and we weren’t able to accomplish what we needed to do last year,” she said. “Implementing the RFS as Congress intended has been challenging,” McCarthy said.

U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy also spoke to NFU conventioneers on Monday. Photo: NFU

Vilsack also spoke to NFU on Monday and announced $97 million in programs to support the continued development of farmers markets, farm to school efforts and rural economies and will also expand risk management tools for specialty crops and limited-resource farmers.

“Increasing market opportunities for local food producers is a sound investment in America’s rural economies, while also increasing access to healthy food for our nation’s families,” Vilsack said.

“There are over 400 school systems in this country that are purchasing locally and this is a tremendous opportunity to help rebuild the rural economy,” Vilsack said. He noted that the 2012 Census of Agriculture indicated more than 160,000 farmers and ranchers nationwide are tapping into growing consumer demand by selling their products locally.

“Consumer demand for local, healthy food is skyrocketing in schools, hospitals and wholesalers. These grant opportunities allow farmers and ranchers to meet this demand, and feed our nation’s kids.”

[Read more…]

NFU Supports Efforts on More Study of Effects of Climate Change by Agencies

March 4, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

National Farms Union President Roger Johnson today submitted comments today highlighting why the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) efforts to mitigate and learn more about climate change are important to America’s family farmers and ranchers.

“Family farmers and ranchers across the U.S. are already feeling the impact of increasing weather volatility,” noted Johnson in the comments submitted to the CEQ on the Revised Draft Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and the Effects of Climate Change in NEPA Reviews. “A compilation of the economic impact of extreme events with an economic impact in excess of $1 billion shows an increase in this extent of economic damage over the last 30 years,” he said.

Johnson noted that family farmers are good stewards and seek opportunities to work to mitigate climate change, as demonstrated by NFU’s policies supporting acknowledgment of carbon sequestration and emission reductions through agricultural practices, biofuels and renewable energy. “The CEQ revised draft guidance will encourage assessment and discussion on GHG emissions, potentially leading to decisions that will mitigate climate change or increase climate resilience.”

Johnson commended CEQ for assisting agencies in making decisions when considering climate change implications, and contributing to cost-effectiveness and efficiency in government.

[Read more…]

NFU Strong Opposition to Fast Track – Calls for Transparent Trade Deals

March 2, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson urged members of Congress to oppose trade promotion authority – also known as fast track – noting that trade agreements should be fair to all parties involved, and the process should be transparent.

“Trade promotion authority (“fast track”) would remove an important constitutional check on the president’s power to negotiate trade agreements,” noted Johnson in a letter sent to all members of Congress today. “Trade agreements must be fair for all parties involved and should therefore be subjected to review by the Congress – not conducted secretly.”

Johnson reminded members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was negotiated behind closed doors with little input from the public or Congress. “Congress should have full opportunity to review the provisions of a trade agreement, consistent with the authority and power endowed by the U.S. Constitution,” he said. “The lack of transparency in negotiating TPP is particularly egregious, considering its expansive scope.”

[Read more…]

OFU Forum Demonstrates Hope for Lake Erie

February 26, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

Attendees listen to Dr. Jeffrey Reutter of Ohio Sea Grant in Ottawa.

OTTAWA – State and federal experts on agriculture and water quality gathered in Ottawa today to explain what’s causing harmful algal blooms (HAB) in the western basin of Lake Erie and what farmers can do to help alleviate the problem.

The Ohio Farmers Union and the Ohio Environmental Council sponsored the forum. Farmers in attendance were from northwest and west central Ohio in the heart of the Maumee River watershed.

“These gatherings are important to keep getting the message that Lake Erie can be restored and farmers will do their part,” said Ohio Farmers Union President Joe Logan.

“Farmers also come away with a great deal of information about best management practices in dealing with nutrients and keeping as much as fertilizer on their fields and out of our streams and lakes,” Logan added.

Dr. Jeffrey Reutter, director of Ohio Sea Grant and a researcher who has studied Lake Erie since the 1970s, told the gathering that Lake Erie is unique among the Great Lakes due to its relatively shallow depth and the rate at which water flushes out of the lake. In the western basin, where the algal blooms generally begin and are at their worst, Reutter said the flush out rate is 20 to 50 days.

He demonstrated that phosphorous overload in Lake Erie is indeed at the root of the HAB problem and that reducing the amount of phosphorous by 40 percent would curtail the blooms.

Another unique aspect of Lake Erie is the sheer amount of agricultural land that is encompassed by watersheds draining into its western basin Reutter said. The Maumee River watershed drains 4.5 million acres of agricultural land directly into the Maumee Bay near Toledo. In all, there are 7 million acres of agricultural land that drain into the western basin.

Reutter points to the fact that the lake was cleaned up in the 1970s and told the forum that it can happen again.

Also presenting was Greg LaBarge from the Ohio State University Extension. LaBarge explained the state’s new fertilizer applicator certification that must be completed by producers farming more than 50 acres by Sept. 30, 2017. To date well over 1,000 farmers have completed the training and in the coming months another 7,000 are expected to get certified. LaBarge said there are approximately 40,000 farmers with more than 50 acres in production in the state.

An agronomist who specializes in fields, LaBarge gave examples of several best practices already in use by many Ohio farmers. He said that there are a few other items that should get more attention by producers. Among these are efforts to slow down the movement of water off of a farmer’s land, looking at each field and its risk profile separately and building up soil quality.

Also speaking at the forum were Jocelyn Henderson, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources; John Wilson, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Christopher Gibbs, Mercer County FSA and Marla Koerner, USDA.

Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga Farmers Union Continues Speakers Series

February 20, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake Counties Farmers Union and the Henderson Memorial Library continue their speaker series for the Ashtabula Local Food Council with Sheila Calco of the Trumbull Neighborhood Project on February 22, 2105, at 2:00pm, at the Henderson Memorial Library, 54 East Jefferson St., Jefferson OH 44047.

Sheila Calco is the GROW Program Manager with Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership. GROW is an urban agriculture program that works to address the identified “food dessert” areas of Warren by providing technical support and management of community gardens; educational programming; and management of a farmers’ market. GROW partners with many organizations and community members to increase access to healthy, affordable locally grown foods. Calco lives in Warren, OH with her husband, George, and three children. She serves on the Mahoning Valley Food Policy Council and has been active in the Mahoning Valley local food movement and active urban gardener since 2009.

[Read more…]

Farm Solutions and Opportunities Forum, February 26

February 16, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

Join Dr. Jeffrey Reutter, director of Ohio Sea Grant and representatives from USDA and OSU Extension as they discuss nutrient management in the Lake Erie basin on February 26 in Ottawa.

Sponsored by the Ohio Farmers Union and the Ohio Environmental Council, the Farm Solutions and Opportunities Forum will present those attending with the current science regarding Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms, the context of agriculture in the lake region and what farmers are doing to mitigate nutrient runoff from their lands. The forum will provide opportunities for citizens in the western basin of Lake Erie to learn more about this vital watershed and farmers will get the latest information on best practices and state and federal programs that may be put to use on their farms.

Speakers include:

Dr. Jeffrey Reutter, Ohio Sea Grant
Greg LaBarge, OSU Extension
Jocelyn Henderson, ODNR, Division of Soil and Water
John Wilson, Natural Resources Conservation Program, USDA
Chris Gibbs, Ohio Farm Service Agency, USDA
Joe Logan, Ohio Farmers Union
Adam Rissien, Ohio Environmental Council

The event will be held Thursday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Putnam County Educational Service Center, 124 Putnam Parkway, Ottawa, Ohio. Registration is free and open to the public. Registration for the forum may be made by contacting Linda Borton, Ohio Farmers Union at lborton@ohfarmersunion.org or at 800-321-3671. Lunch will be provided for registrants.

NFU has praise for bipartisan bill to expand exports into Cuba

February 13, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson praised Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on today’s introduction of the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate that would modernize U.S. policy towards Cuba and boost opportunities for American family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“The Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2015 will lift the failed trade embargo and boost U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba,” said Johnson. “Breaking down trade barriers is necessary to provide U.S. family farmers with increased market access and opportunities for trade in Cuba, a market of 11 million people just 90 miles away from American shores.”

Johnson noted that the bill would also remove financial restrictions that currently create barriers to trading with Cuba, including allowing U.S. banks to extend credit to Cuban buyers.

“The financial restrictions currently in place prevent normal business relationships from developing between the U.S. and Cuba,” said Johnson. “Extending credit to Cuban buyers allows for the purchasing of American farm goods, auto parts and other products that American family farmers, ranchers and rural communities already produce and are eager to sell.”

Johnson also noted that the bill would remove restrictions on direct shipping between Cuban and American ports. “This restriction is costly and an unnecessary trade barrier,” said Johnson. “It slows down the movement of agricultural products from the U.S. to Cuba, making trade very difficult.”

“The Cuban embargo has made no sense for a long time. This bill addresses and removes the barriers and restrictions that have failed American agriculture and the Cuban people for over 50 years.”

Canadians ‘Last Act of Desperation’ on COOL

February 11, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson praised today’s dismissal of the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), filed by the multinational meatpacking industry and their allies to try and stop the USDA from implementing the very popular labeling law.

“This is a clear and indisputable win for American consumers and producers, and it’s a huge relief to know that common-sense labeling laws, like COOL, can prevail in court despite the deep pockets of the multinationals,” said Johnson.

The papers ending the long and costly lawsuit were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, ending American Meat Institute (AMI) et al. v. U.S. Department of Agriculture et al., originally filed in July, 2013.

Last week a Canadian delegation comprised of the Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz and members of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Meat Council made a lobbying trip to Capital Hill on the heels of the release of a new study conducted by Auburn University Professor Robert Taylor showing that allegations that COOL depressed prices of Canadian cattle were false.

Johnson called the trip “their last act of desperation,” and pointed out that the Auburn University not only demonstrated that that fed cattle price basis actually declined after COOL went into effect, but also that COOL had no negative impact on imports of slaughter cattle and did not significantly affect imports of those of feeder cattle.”

Johnson urged members of Congress to stand by the popular labeling law – supported by roughly 90 percent of consumers – and urged the Canadians to allow the World Trade Organization to consider the new study and the total body of information and arrive at a decision on its own.

“If the U.S. Courts are any indication of the trajectory of success of COOL, then American consumers are finally going to be permitted to know where their food comes from without intervention from our chief trade competitors and their multinational allies,” he said.

NFU Letter to Canadian Government on COOL

February 9, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

The National Farmers Union isn’t just advocating in Washington, D.C. on the important issue of Country of Origin Labeling – NFU President Roger Johnson is speaking truth to power in Ottawa, seat of the Canadian national government.

Gerry Ritz, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, recently made a trip to Washington with representatives of Canada’s industrial agriculture community. (AKA some of the foreign organizations that want to kill COOL.) President Johnson sent Minister Ritz the letter below. It’s an outstanding overview of the recent study out of Auburn University that demonstrated that COOL has not harmed Canada’s ag economy.

COOL remains an important rule which allows U.S. consumers to know where there food originates. It’s about transparency and choice in a world where not all food is grown and processed under equal health and safety standards.

Read the Letter

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