National Farmers Union

Founded as the Farmers Educational Cooperative Union of America in Point, Texas, to help the family farmer address profitability issues and monopolistic practices, National Farmers Union has been working to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

National Farmers Union represents farmers and ranchers in all states, with organized divisions in 33 states. The key to the success and credibility of the organization has been Farmers Union’s grassroots structure in which policy positions are initiated locally. The policy process includes the presentation of resolutions by individuals, followed by possible adoption of the resolutions at the local, state and national levels. Members and staff of the Farmers Union advocate these policy positions nationwide.

National Farmers Union believes that good opportunities in production agriculture are the foundation of strong farm and ranch families, and strong farm and ranch families are the basis for thriving rural communities.

National Farmers Union’s policy, developed and reviewed annually by our membership, states “the future of agricultural producers worldwide depends to a great extent on developing and implementing the best use of chemical fertilizers.”

Our policy also asserts, “Family farmers and ranchers have historically been our best soil and water conservationists when given the economic incentives and flexibility necessary to do so. Our policy encourages a well-balanced, sensible environmental policy that protects the public and the environment without unduly burdening family farmers through excessive regulation or economic hardship.”

4R nutrient stewardship is consistent with NFU’s policy goals and demonstrates promise as a means to promote these goals.

Education is among National Farmers Union’s core pursuits as a means of encouraging successful family farms and strong rural communities. Our educational programs encourage good business sense and stewardship, which is consistent with 4R.