Illinois Representative, Cheri Bustos, met with the Illinois delegation to the National Farmers Union's annual Fall legislative Fly-In to Washington D.C.. Pictured here with Bustos (center) are ILFU President, Norbert Brauer, Cindy Bonnet, Kim Francis and Jim Francis.

Illinois Farmers Union members meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

[September 28, 2015]  ALTAMONT - Illinois Farmers Union (ILFU) members and more than 270 fellow farmers, ranchers and fishermen from across the country met in Washington, D.C. recently to work for the state’s family farmers at the National Farmers Union annual Fall Legislative Fly-In.

The event commenced on September 16th with briefings by top officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), followed by meetings with White House officials, members of Congress and staff from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Agriculture.

“Meeting with our representatives in Congress allowed us to personalize the issues currently affecting rural Americans,” said ILFU President, Norbert Brauer.

“ Fly-In allowed family farmers and ranchers whose lives and livelihoods are shaped by government policies on issues such as Country-of-Origin labeling and the Renewable Fuel Standard to come to the nation’s capital to make clear that their voices are heard.”

“This was especially important considering the fact that important legislation is under attack and several massive trade agreements are in the works. Having the opportunity to voice our concerns directly to policymakers is one of the most important ways we can make a difference for all family farmers and ranchers,” said Brauer.

Fly-in participants also presented the organization’s highest honor, the Golden Triangle Award, to a bipartisan group of 36 senators and representatives who have demonstrated leadership on issues relevant to America’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Members accepted the awards at a reception at the Stewart Mott House in Washington, D.C.

“Year after year, family farmers and ranchers come to D.C. to meet with their elected officials and ensure that smart farm policies are in place for their children and communities,” said ILFU Board member, Jim Francis, who was part of the ILFU delegation.

“Whether it’s keeping food labeling on the books, reducing our dependence on foreign oil through greener substitutes, or fighting for smarter trade policies that seek deficit reduction as a primary goal, Farmers Union members annually come to Washington and make a difference,” said Francis.

The Illinois delegates were: Norbert Brauer - Altamont, Cindy Bonnet - Warren, ILFU Board member Jim Francis - Warren, and Kim Francis - Warren.

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