National Farmers Union (United States)

Today, the National Farmers Union represents more than 200,000 family farms and ranches across the United States. It is organized into chapters in 33 different states. Proposals are often started at the local level before moving up to the state and national levels. Twice a year, leaders of NFU convene in Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators.

History

National Farmers Union was founded in 1902. In the early 1900's, they campaigned for a parcel post system, direct election of senators, and voting rights for women. Their efforts also led to the enactment of the Federal Farm Loan Act, which established twelve Federal Land Banks.

In 1931 the organization established the Farmers Union Central Exchange and in 1936, it promoted the Commodity Exchange Act. In 1934, it absorbed the American Society of Equity. In 1943, NFU campaigned to make school lunches permanent, eventually helping to pass school milk legislation through Congress. In 1945, NFU was a founding member of Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe. 1945 also saw the organization lobby for a refund of the federal gas tax for gasoline used for agricultural purposes.

In 1949, the NFU attempted to help pass the Brannan Plan, which would provide subsidies to farmers, especially those with smaller-than-average operations. All other major farm groups opposed the Brannan Plan, and it failed to pass through Congress.

In 1966, NFU founded Green Thumb (now known as Experience Works), which secures employment for low-income and older workers. When efforts were made to eliminate the United States Department of Agriculture as a cabinet-level agency, NFU was successful in blocking these efforts.

During the 1970s, NFU took part in developing rural health systems and was also included in the World Hunger Action Council. In 1980, the organization contributed to the process of passing a capital gains tax on foreigners who held US farmland.

In 1982, NFU participated in reallocating a portion of the military budget to humanitarian food aid using commodity surpluses from the US. In 1990, the organization pushed for increased regulation and a national standard for organically-produced food. In 2002, NFU was among the leaders of a coalition of 165 farm and consumer groups that helped establish mandatory country-of-origin labeling, which went into effect effect September 30, 2008.

History of diversity, equity, and inclusion

The Farmers Union has a long history regarding equality and opportunities for women. Unlike many organizations at the time, the Farmers Union did not operate a separate women's auxiliary or distinguish membership of women differently from that of men. In 1908, the Pleasant Valley Union in Rooks County, Kansas, elected Amanda Bates as the first-known woman chapter president, more than a decade before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote. In 1925, the Alabama Farmers Union elected Ida Mathis to be the first female state president. The first female to be elected to Wisconsin Farmers Union's board was Ruth Huntington of Mondovi, Wisconsin, in 1952.

In 1930, the National Farmers Union established a youth education program after a call for more formalized youth involvement in the organization. In November 2017, the Wood-Portage-Waupaca County chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union elected Alicia Razvi as the first Muslim county president.