Hill Meetings Focused on House Ways and Means, Senate Finance, and Freshman Lawmakers

Washington, D.C. (May 01, 2019) – This week NAWG officers traveled to Washington D.C. for their annual Fly-in to meet with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss trade, 2018 farm bill implementation, and other issues of significance to wheat growers. NAWG’s member states Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the Oregon Wheat Grower’s League also accompanied the officers on several of their visits to Congressional offices.

“Implementing programs in the 2018 farm bill and trade continue to remain NAWG’s overarching priorities for the fiscal year,” stated NAWG President and Lavon, TX farmer Ben Scholz. “NAWG views these fly-ins as opportunities for policymakers to hear firsthand accounts of how these programs are impacting wheat farmers, and why we continue to advocate for new trade deals.”

In its meetings, NAWG stressed how vital it is for growers to have access to a strong crop insurance program and urged Members to protect the program from potential cuts made through the appropriations process. Additionally, NAWG called for the programs within the bill to be fully funded, especially wheat research programs. NAWG officers also spoke to the importance of conservation, and the types of healthy soil practices growers are incorporating more and more into their operations

“Overall, NAWG officers geared their talks with members and their staff around trade, focusing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),” continued Scholz. “NAWG supports a yes vote from Congress on USMCA because it creates jobs, boosts the rural economy, and is a win for agriculture. Additionally, wheat farmers are also excited to see the Administration build on the momentum of USMCA by initiating negotiations with Japan.”

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About NAWG
NAWG is the primary representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 21 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at state and national levels. From their offices in the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members and the public.