NFU Participates In March For Science

Members of National Farmers Union joined the world’s first-ever March for Science this weekend.  NFU President Roger Johnson emphasized the vital role that science should play in everyday life and in federal policymaking.  Johnson, a third-generation farmer, said NFU members are aware of the important roles that science and science-based policies play in the success of American family farm operations.  Johnson called on the federal government to base policy on sound science and facts.

“Unfortunately, too many people too often decide which policy they prefer, and then look to science to back it up. Sometimes this is even true for government officials.  We need to invert this approach, our leaders should first be informed by science and facts, and then implement policies that address real issues and provide real solutions.”

Johnson said it’s important that corporate interests are not priorities over those of family farmers and ranchers.

“There is a growing disparity between the amount of money we as a nation devote to agricultural research, and the amount that other industrialized nations and corporations spend.  We should support the public sector’s ability to provide independent, uncompromised data."

Johnson added that has not been the trend with U.S. research over the past decade.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com