Pass the remaining sections of the Farm Bill to address current economic challenges by streamlining conservation program enrollment, strengthening rural development initiatives, and expanding energy program support.
Understanding Cooperatives
As a farmer-owned cooperative, we operate on principles of member control, equitable participation, and shared benefits. This cooperative structure uniquely positions us to represent diverse agricultural perspectives in policy discussions.
We engage transparently with policymakers, develop evidence-based positions, and build relationships with those who understand agricultural challenges and opportunities. Our advocacy reflects the values and priorities of farmers and member companies across the System.
Comprehensive advocacy guidance and organizational priorities are reviewed and updated each calendar year. This ensures alignment with upcoming legislative sessions and emerging policy issues across federal, state, and provincial governments.
2026 Federal Priorites
Farmers need economic relief in the form of new trade agreements and renewal of USMCA. They prefer to earn income by selling goods on the open market rather than relying on government support.
Renewable fuels programs must enhance distribution and fueling infrastructure, promote national consistency, and increase use. We need secure, reliable sources of all types of energy and improvements to energy distribution infrastructure.
Promote science-based and farmer-centric policies that improve field-level profitability through productivity, increase sustainability, health, and benefits from carbon sequestration.
Modernize transportation policy to accommodate increased flexibility in truck weights, expand CDL driver eligibility, increase incentive programs for port facilities, and continue to build new 1,200-foot locks on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
2026 State Priorities
Advocate for a business-friendly tax framework that is transparently developed, consistently implemented, and fiscally responsible.
Renewable fuels programs must enhance distribution and fueling infrastructure, promote national consistency, and increase use. We need secure, reliable sources of all types of energy and improvements to energy distribution infrastructure. Consumer choice must be preserved for transportation, residential, and business fuel sources.
Promote science-based and farmer-centric policies that improve field-level profitability through productivity, increased sustainability, health, and carbon sequestration benefits.
Develop collaborative workforce initiatives between secondary education and business.
New regulations imposed on businesses should be practical to implement and financially reasonable. Any increase in fees must be fair, clearly justified, and tied to measurable improvements in efficiency for those who pay them.
2026 Canadian priorities
Ensure carbon taxes are globally competitive to encourage domestic economic growth. Free trade needs to occur and carbon border adjustment taxes must not burden farmers with increased input costs.
Renewable fuels programs must enhance distribution and fueling infrastructure, promote national consistency, and increase use. We need secure, reliable sources of all types of energy and improvements to energy distribution infrastructure.
Promote science-based and farmer-centric policies that improve field-level profitability through productivity, increased sustainability, health, and benefits from carbon sequestration.
Secure personal and corporate tax rates that are competitive and promote private capital investment. All sizes of agricultural operations should be allowed access to tax incentive programs.
Modernize transportation policy to remove bottlenecks and congestion from all modes of transportation to enable world-leading efficiency. Support efficiently negotiated port and rail workforce contract agreements to eliminate disruption.
Connect with our Team
Reach out with questions about our advocacy initiatives, member engagement, or to discuss policy priorities.