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Farm Bill Now Campaign Pushing for Congressional Action This Month

September 11, 2012

NMPF has joined forces with nearly 40 other farm and agricultural groups in a coalition called “Farm Bill Now,” whose purpose is to get Congress to pass a new, comprehensive, five-year farm bill before current programs expire at the end of September.

The Farm Bill Now coalition comprises associations representing commodity crops, livestock, specialty and minor crops, farm cooperatives and financial groups.

“National Milk stands united with these other groups – each of which has strong and distinct policy priorities – yet all of whom are committed to passing a new, comprehensive bill this year,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farmers have been working for three years on developing a new and better safety net, and we need a new farm bill to bring that effort to fruition.”

Farm Bill Now has launched an interactive web portal at www.FarmBillNow.com, through which visitors can connect to their members of Congress and show their support for a new five-year farm bill. Using messages to Congress via social media, event locations and times, and an online petition, FarmBillNow.com gives both farmers and consumers the resources they need to make their voices heard, telling Congress that the farm bill needs to be completed before the current farm food law expires in September.

One focal point of the collective effort will be a Capitol Hill rally this week. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, farm leaders and key members of Congress will gather to encourage Congress to pass a Farm Bill. Now that Congress has returned to Washington this week, there are fewer than 10 legislative days on the calendar to debate legislation prior to the anticipated end of the congressional session.