FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2007

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

MFU Members to Travel to Washington, D.C.

GREAT FALLS, MT (Sept. 13, 2007) – Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Alan Merrill will lead a delegation of members to Washington, D.C. next week (Sept. 17-19) for the National Farmers Union’s annual fall legislative fly-in.

“During this trip to our nation’s capitol, our members are particularly interested in visiting with Montana’s Congressional delegation about the ongoing Farm Bill negotiations,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “We will stress the importance of a reliable safety net as well as the need for mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL).” 

MFU also will discuss the value of a permanent disaster mechanism being included in the Farm Bill as well as the need for a livestock title that addresses competition issues. 

“For years, Montana producers have struggled with drought and the additional unknown element of whether or not Congress will authorize some disaster assistance,” said Merrill.  “We support a permanent disaster program within the Farm Bill so that these ongoing concerns can be addressed in a timely way.  We also will continue to stress with our Congressional delegation the importance of renewable energy opportunities for Montana’s producers,” he said.

Attending the September Fly-in with Merrill are Kelly Rutledge, Big Sandy; Kyle Burgmaier, Power; Ryan VanDyke, Conrad; Brian Gion, Montana Co-op Development Center, Great Falls; and Sonny Harrell and Jim Sargent of the MFU office.

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