Leaders of American Agri-Women (AAW) from throughout the country connected with consumers and policy makers at the organization’s 27th annual fly-in to Washington D.C. The Annual AAW Symposium: “Sustainable Development – the Impact on Agriculture” was held at the National Press Club and covered issues relating to the Agenda 21 impacts on American agriculture. Visits to the Russian and Brazilian embassies gave members the opportunity to exchange in diplomatic relations.

Pulitzer Prize recipient Gretchen Morgenson – reporter with The New York Times and author of Reckless Abandonment – was the guest lecturer at the Allan P. Kirby Center for Constitutional Studies. Her topic “Absence of Accountability” highlighted how “Taxpayers are asked to bail out reckless companies who have not been held accountable for their dealings.”

Every member took the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion regarding farm child labor with Department of Labor representatives Melvina Ford, senior policy advisor wage and hour division, and Nikki McKinny.

Each member present articulated how the family farm is a safe, productive learning environment where children of family members and others interested in agriculture can begin training to ensure a thriving and educated agricultural workforce for the next generation.

AAW also brought their 2012 policy positions to their Congressional Representatives and Senators on the Hill. The priority issues included the 2012 Farm Bill; estate taxation; immigration reform and ag labor shortages; and the Land and Water Conservation Act.

Over 200 guests attended the AAW Congressional Reception in the House Agriculture Committee room on Wednesday evening. This year’s Champions of Agriculture recognitions were awarded to Senator Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI) and Representative Cynthia Lummis, (R-WY). PD

—From American Agri-Women news release

PHOTO
Photo courtesy of American Agri-Women.