Press Releases
September 12, 2012
Conrad, North Dakota Farmers Union Consider Way Forward on Farm Bill
National Farmers Union Awards ND Senator Record 20th Golden Triangle Award for Commitment to America’s Farmers and Ranchers
Washington – National Farmers Union officials joined members of the North Dakota Farmers Union today to honor Senator Kent Conrad for his longtime support of the nation’s agriculture producers by awarding him a record 20thGolden Triangle – the organization’s highest honor. The presentation followed a meeting between the Senator and Farmers Union officials on ways to advance a new five year Farm Bill currently stuck in the House of Representatives.
The Senate passed a five year Farm Bill in June that included $23 billion in cuts while maintaining a strong safety net for agriculture producers. The House has yet to complete its work on a new bill.
As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committees, Senator Conrad was recognized by the national agriculture organization for his unwavering efforts on behalf of America’s farm and ranch families.
“Rarely has the North Dakota agriculture industry looked so economically healthy or so prosperous,” Senator Conrad said. “That’s a testament to the hard work of North Dakota farmers and ranchers. And it’s proof that the farm legislation we’ve written over the last decade is working, and working well.”
An author of the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills which were widely recognized as victories for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, Senator Conrad has been a strong advocate for national farm programs that allow the nation’s producers to compete more fairly in the global marketplace.
"I am honored to present Sen. Conrad with the Golden Triangle award,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. “He has been a lifelong friend and ally to Farmers Union for many years and we appreciate his support on our membership's priority issues. His work to include funding for energy programs in the Senate farm bill was greatly appreciated. There is no greater champion for family farmers in the country than Sen. Conrad.”
Senator Conrad’s support for the nation’s agriculture sector extends beyond farm policy. In 2009 Farmer’s Union praised Senator Conrad’s efforts to develop private, non-profit health care cooperatives that would provide additional options to reduce the cost of health care for farm and ranch families in North Dakota and across the nation.
