US Farmers, Ranchers Form New Alliance

A group of organizations representing a wide range of farmers, ranchers and commodity producers have formed the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance whose mission will be to develop “a well-funded, long-term, coordinated campaign to increase consumer trust in agricultural producers and the food system,” according to Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF is one of the founding members of the alliance, and Stallman has been elected chairman of the new group’s executive committee.

Congress next year will take the first steps toward re-writing the basic farm legislation that will replace the 2008 farm bill.

In a statement, Stallman said, “There is a growing and immediate need to build consumer trust and gain the recognition among stakeholders that food producers must have the freedom to operate in an economically sustainable and responsible manner.” ◆