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Agriculture and Rural Advocacy Group
Holds 139th Convention in Columbus
Columbus, OHIO, November 18, 2005 – The National Grange’s 139th annual convention is currently in session. More than 1,000 Grange members traveled to the "Buckeye State" from 38 states, including Alaska, Nevada, and California. In 1867, the Grange represented farmers and their interest. Today, the Grange, not only represents farmers, but advocates for the interests of rural residents and businesses.
Although the organization has expanded its focus, it has not forgotten its agricultural roots. The Grange also advocates for the small, family farmer and has worked to promote important agricultural programs including animal identification, crop insurance, and farm credit.
The Grange represents more than 300,000 members by forming policies on a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural issues including free trade, the Canadian importation of cattle, Social Security reform, diversified energy, childhood obesity, stem cell research, and prescription drug advertising.
"This is a critical time for agriculture with discussions of the Farm Bill 2007 taking place, and the Grange wants to help farmers secure better futures, as well as advocate for all Americans," National Grange President William Steel said. "There are many issues that we need to address, and we are working to address those issues by demanding that our voice is heard."
The Grange realizes that many people have not heard about its activities or have forgotten about its legislative power, but its members believe that the Grange voice has always been strong, and it will continue to get stronger in the future. The Grange understands that its past is rich, but its future must be richer. However, from time to time, the organization reaches back into its history to show others that they know how to fight for what's important.
Seven farmers founded the National Grange in 1867 to unite Southern and Northern farmers after the Civil War. In the 20th century, the Grange helped develop federal farm programs, organized farm cooperatives, credit unions, mutual insurance companies, and other consumer-owned enterprises and extended the benefits of electrification, telephone service, and federal highway projects to all Americans. In the 19th century, the Grange's political advocacy established the government's authority to regulate railroads, utilities and monopolies, elevated the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cabinet status, and secured Rural Free Delivery mail service.
The Grange also realizes that it exists in a "here and now" society, and people want to hear about what the Grange is doing today. In 2005, the Grange continues to help rural citizens get discounts on their prescription drugs through its uninsured prescription assistance and Medicare-Part D awareness programs. The organization has also taken an aggressive stance on Congress’s inability to create legislation concerning eminent domain. In addition, the Grange has been outspoken about Congress's snail-like pace in reforming the Endangered Species Act. The Grange also petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to open an unfair advertising practices investigation against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of the artificial chemical sweetener – sucralose, known commercially as “Splenda.”
Although the Grange is a strong legislative force, it does not simply live on the national level. It is also concerned with building stronger communities and enriching the lives of people in towns and cities everywhere. "The Grange lives in the community," Steel said. "It is about people helping people."
The Grange is still the place for local communities to come together to change things in their communities. Granges help communities place stop signs at busy intersections or build playgrounds for area children to safely play and for families to visit. The organization also distributes dictionaries to elementary school children in school districts that cannot afford new books. It raises money for disadvantaged individuals who cannot afford their medical bills or school tuition. And, it is still the place to get a hot, home cooked meal or to learn how to knit or sew.
To arrange interviews, please contact Shaletta Espie at 614-233-7565 or 443-418-8225.
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