FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2001
CONTACT: Scotty Johnson (520) 623-9653
"Voices of the Family Farm" On-Line Conference Provides Alternative
Perspective to Farm Bureau Policies
Washington, DC Defenders of Wildlife today launched "Voices of the
Family Farm," a web page showcasing the ideas and opinions of family
farmers, consumers, environmentalists, religious leaders and academics
on topics such as biotechnology, clean water, fair trade, corporate
agriculture and Farm Bill reform. The launching of this page is part of
http://www.familyfarmer.org, which provides visitors with information on
issues facing rural Americans, and has been timed to offer a family farm
and environmental perspective, in contrast to the Farm Bureau's annual
meeting in Orlando, FL.
"It's time for farm policy to protect rural farms, food safety and the
environment," said Scotty Johnson, rural outreach associate for
Defenders of Wildlife. "Familyfarmer.org is building alliances to inspire
this change."
Last April, Defenders of Wildlife released a report documenting abuses
by the Farm bureau, a powerful lobby that claims to represent the
interests of farmers. The report, Amber Waves of Gain, highlights many
areas of Farm Bureau business operations and gives numerous
examples of how Farm Bureau leadership makes the Farm Bureau an
organization that has its own financial interests in mind, rather than the
interests of family farmers. The report documents where the Farm
Bureau promotes an agenda that does more to hurt than help the family
farmers it claims to represent.
"The Farm Bureau's 'Agribusiness As Usual' approach to policy is ruining
farm families and the land. We need agricultural practices that are both
beneficial for farmers, while at the same time are environmentally
sound," said Johnson."Familyfarmer.org is breaking fertile ground to
unite family farmers, consumers and environmentalists."
"Voices of the Family Farm" gives the public an opportunity to view the
opinions of farmers, consumers and environmentalists who support
family farms and farm policies that are in contrast with policies
advanced by Farm Bureau leadership. "It is important that policymakers
and the public hear the ideas of family farmers themselves, especially
since Congress will rewrite our overall farm policy in the near future,"
said Johnson. "We hope Farm Bureau leaders will study this site to get
in touch with what family farmers and the environment really need."
Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization
recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife
and its habitat. With more than 430,000members and supporters,
Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species
issues. Defenders of Wildlife publishes an electronic newsletter, "Rural
Updates," with the latest on family farms and the environment.
Subscribe through http://www.familyfarmer.org. www.familyfarmer.org.
To stay current on hot topics in wildlife conservation, subscribe to
DENlines, Defenders of Wildlife update and action alert network. To
subscribe to DENlines or for more information on Defenders of Wildlife
projects, please visit://www.defenders.org
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Rex L. Bavousett
Photographer
University of Iowa
University Communications & Outreach - Publications
100 OPL, Iowa City, IA 52242
http://www.uiowa.edu/~urpubs/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
voice: 319 384-0053
fax: 319 384-0055
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Mitakuye Oyasin - We are all One People
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