Wheat Grower Associations Return to Nation's Capital to Urge Action On Farm Bill

    RITZVILLE, WA, May 08, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), along with grower associations from across the United States, will join the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) this week in Washington, D.C., to urge the advancement of legislation that will provide a strong safety net for farmers.

WAWG has been closely monitoring progress of the 2018 Farm Bill. The House of Representatives showed progress earlier last month by introducing H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. "It was promising to see the House introduce the legislation, but we must keep the momentum going. In order to continue to move forward, we call for the House to come to a bipartisan agreement on the nutrition title so that reauthorization is complete before current legislation expires," said Marci Green, president of WAWG and a grower from Fairfield, Wash.

WAWG continues to advocate for a strong crop safety net program, as well as maintaining effective conservation programs, and programs that help build new markets for U.S. wheat. "With the current farm economy the way it is, we cannot afford cuts to essential programs, especially those that would undermine the crop insurance program. We also see value in improving on and maintaining the choice of revenue-based (Agricultural Risk Coverage) and price-based (Price Loss Coverage) programs. Together, these programs provide stability when farmers need it most, in times of low prices, inclement weather and trade uncertainty," said Michelle Hennings, executive director of WAWG.

Nicole Berg, secretary of NAWG and a grower from Paterson, Wash., said, "It is great to see the state associations come together and have a presence in Washington, D.C., during this important time of policy debate. They are able to bring on-farm examples and discuss why a timely reauthorization is so important with members of Congress."

Green added, "We urge the House and the Senate Ag Committee to advance legislation that will secure the best farm policy options for wheat growers. This is a critical time in policy development, and WAWG is committed to working with Congress to discuss the needs of growers across the state."

About WAWG: Education and outreach are the heart of Washington Association of Wheat Growers activity, all of which is aimed at helping Washington wheat families. Since 1954, WAWG has been dedicated to the enrichment of the Washington wheat industry as a nonprofit trade association, which depends on volunteers, membership dues and donations to carry out activities as representatives on the state and national levels. WAWG monitors state, transportation, research and natural resources policy and partners with the National Association of Wheat Growers to monitor national farm policy. Visit wawg.org for more information. For more information on this or other related issues, please contact Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of Washington Association of Wheat Growers at, 509-659-0610, [email protected] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Washington-Association-of-Wheat-Growers-194847140538562 Twitter: @WAWheatGrowers

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