UE Convention Resolutions
Support the Family Farmer
America's family farmers are struggling to survive. Induced by banks and other agricultural lenders to expand production even if it means going into debt, thousands of farmers are being driven off their land by foreclosures. The Obama administration, like previous administrations, continues to pursue farm policies that benefit agribusiness at the expense of the small farmer. The American farmer is facing rising costs, and when they buy their own products back in the supermarket they pay the highest price.
"Free-trade" agreements have an adverse affect on farmers as well as workers. Low-cost agricultural products from other nations flood the market, benefiting no one but corporations. These internationally- made products often do not meet domestic food safety standards. Even farmers from exporting countries do not benefit, as trade agreements force nations to specialize in a few "cash crops," disrupting the livelihood of millions of small farmers as their land is corporatized and their incomes drop.
Agribusiness is a growing threat. Its main objective to strip land of resources in order to maximize profit. This has become apparent with the recent epidemic of feedlots, which greatly affect the environment and the family farmer.
Farmers and workers have a strong mutual interest in an America where economic growth and social justice have higher priority than rewarding big business and the wealthy. A healthy agricultural system based on strong family farms is essential to America's economic and social well being. The United States cannot depend on an agricultural system dominated by agribusiness. Agribusiness invariably leads to higher prices for consumers and a decline in the quality of agricultural products. It also poses a serious environmental threat to America's land and water.
The jobs of tens of thousands of workers in the agricultural implement industry, some of whom are UE members, depend on a healthy farm economy. In addition. the survival of America's small rural towns where many UE members live and work are threatened by the crisis in American agriculture. In farm-belt states like Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota, corporations are using the depressed family farm economy as leverage to extract concessions from organized workers and to continue the exploitation of the unorganized. Solidarity among trade unionists, family farmers, and farm workers is crucial to forging an agricultural policy based on justice and prosperity.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS 71st UE CONVENTION:
- Supports an agricultural policy that will allow farm workers and farm families a fair return for their efforts and a decent standard of living. Agricultural policy should emphasize support for the family farm, decent wages for farm workers, restrictions on the growth of agribusiness and an end to "free trade" policies that do not protect the farmer and the consumer;
- Calls upon locals and regions to work with farm organizations and farm workers in activities that promote justice for America's farmers and workers;
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Supports local agriculture as a means to support family farms, the local community, and the economy.