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 -- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Mitakuye Oyasin - We are all One People ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT to [log in to unmask]