NDFU Calls for Stronger Action from Congress

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne is urging the state’s congressional delegation to take stronger action to protect U.S. agriculture, warning that current federal policies are threatening both farmers and consumers. “Our food production system is being attacked, and we have a short-term huge need for some bridge payments, which our delegation’s been good on,” said Watne. “But the challenge is we’re disrupting a production system that’s been the envy of the world. We’re likely to become a residual supplier to the world, only getting a price when it’s so cheap we can’t make a living.” Watne sees no plan coming from the Administration. “This is just a disruptive system, and it needs to be fixed before farmers die off and consumers pay the price.” The ongoing government shutdown is further delaying progress on health care and farm policy. “You can try to pick the blame with Dems or Repubs, but that’s irrelevant,” he said. “The problem is, folks who believe in helping people with subsidies and health care do not trust this administration to bring it back to the table. When you have a president that lies to the people and an administration that isn’t being truthful, it’s hard for anyone to say, I trust you now.”