National Association of Wheat Growers’ officers led their annual Washington D.C. fly-in to meet with Congressional members and their staffs to discuss their chief agricultural concerns.  The main topics of discussion included trade, the 2018 Farm Bill implementation, and many other topics.  The Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the Oregon Wheat Growers’ League also attended the fly-in.

 

“Implementing the 2018 Farm Bill programs and trade continue to be the main topics of interest for the fiscal year,” says Wheat Growers’ Association President Ben Scholz. “We view the fly-ins as a great opportunity for policymakers to hear firsthand accounts of how these programs impact wheat farmers, as well as hear why we are advocating for new trade deals.”

 

During their meetings with lawmakers, they stressed how vital it is that wheat growers have access to a strong crop insurance program.  They asked members of Congress to protect the program from possible cuts during the appropriations process.

 

“Wheat Grower’s officers talked a lot about trade, especially focusing in on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” says Scholz. “NAWG supports a yes vote from Congress on the USMCA because it will create jobs, be a boost to the rural economy, and is a big win for agriculture.” He also says the nation’s wheat growers are excited to see the administration building on the momentum of USMCA by beginning serious trade negotiations with Japan.

 

 

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