(Washington, DC)- The National Grange, the nation’s oldest general farm and rural public interest organization, believes that the goal of the next Farm Bill should be to build a solid foundation of prosperity for America’s family farmers and ranchers. “It is imperative to finalize the Farm Bill legislative process so the agricultural community and related industries can utilize the federal programs to their fullest extent. The March 15 th deadline that Congress set for itself to finish work on this important legislation is fast approaching. Family farmers and ranchers across the nation are asking Congress to pass the next Farm Bill so they can plan their growing season knowing what federal programs will be available to them,” stated Ed Luttrell, National Grange President.

With this in mind, the National Grange recently urged Congress to immediately appoint the House Farm Bill Conferees in the very near future. The U. S. Senate has already appointed their conferees for the bill. In the legislative process, conference committee members from each legislative branch are charged with the important task of resolving the differences between the versions of legislation that were adopted by the respective chambers.

National Grange members believe the purpose of the Federal Farm Program is to ensure Americans an adequate supply of safe and wholesome food, fiber, and fuel, provide some income protection to the producers of these products, and protect our environment by providing incentives for soil and water conservation. It is paramount that the Farm Bill stimulates interest and appreciation for an expanding agriculture industry that is profitably providing an abundant supply of reasonably priced food, fiber, and fuel to meet our domestic needs and still export products into world markets.

The National Grange is the nation’s oldest agricultural and rural community organization, and has evolved to incorporate the interests of non-farm rural families and communities, as well as the traditional interests of family farmers and ranchers. It has nearly 3,000 state, local, and grassroots chapters across 40 states. Additional information about the organization’s positions is available at: www.nationalgrange.org.