| National
Grange Master Addresses the NFO at Annual Convention Washington,
January 22, 2004 - National Grange Master William A. Steel addressed the 49th
annual convention of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) in Columbus, Ohio
on January 13, 2004. The opportunity was the result of meetings held between the
leadership of the NFO, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the National Grange.
The meetings focused on issues concerning agriculture and rural America and how
the three organizations can work together to help resolve some of those issues.
In
his remarks, Master Steel stressed the need for a return to prosperity for America's
family farmers and ranchers as they face new challenges, such as food security,
contract agriculture and trade negotiations, in the coming years. The recent mad
cow episode and the recent hepatitis A outbreak were cited as examples of how
farm markets can be damaged almost overnight. Master
Steel also complimented the NFO on their efforts to consult food producers on
risk management and product marketing during the organization's 49-year history,
as well as being an advocate for food producers' concerns. The NFO was created
in 1955 and quickly became a voice for food producers needing to communicate their
concerns to congressional leaders. Today, the organization, not only advocates
for food producers, it teaches them how marketing plans can positively impact
their farm businesses.
"Food producers, living in rural communities, need advanced telecommunications
systems, quality education and locally available medical facilities," Master Steel
said. "The NFO has done an excellent job voicing these needs to congressional
leaders, and together, the NFO, the NFU and the National Grange, will continue
to be advocates for those living and working in rural America." The three organizations
will continue to work together in the future on legislative goals that will benefit
rural America. Master
Steel concluded his address by discussing the changes being made within the Grange
in order to make it more relevant and appealing to non-members. "Organizations
cannot survive in communities without support from local residents, and local
communities cannot survive effectively without the involvement of organizations
that understand their needs and concerns." | 
