Perdue Gives Congressional Testimony

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue represented National Farmers Union in a hearing today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, testifying on ways to increase domestic consumption of agricultural products.

Perdue cited investment in value-added processing and renewable fuels markets, expansion of local and regional supply chains, and addressing competition as ways to increase domestic markets. "Strengthening domestic markets is not merely an economic choice but a prerequisite for the long-term survival of family farmers and rural communities," he testified.

In North Dakota, Perdue said value-added processing acts as a hedge against volatile global commodity prices and creates opportunities to produce and market different commodities. He emphasized the vital role biofuels play in strengthening farm income. "By transforming crops like corn, soybeans and canola into renewable energy, farmers capture added value from every bushel while supporting domestic energy security."

Specifically, expanding the market for biofuels, including year-round sales of 15% ethanol blended gasoline and higher targets for bio-based diesel, would increase demand for U.S.-grown crops, Perdue testified. He also highlighted opportunities for farmers with the shift toward sustainable aviation fuel.

Perdue asked Congress to invest in programs that support local and regional food procurement programs to help farmers expand and build new markets. He encouraged continued investment in local and regional livestock processing, which has created "new market outlets for producers and [is] boosting consumers' access to locally produced and processed beef.

He emphasized that new market opportunities must be fair and transparent, so producers have an opportunity to compete. "It is critical that Congress and the administration work together to enforce and enhance our antitrust and pro-competition laws," Perdue stated. "Farmers today must buy from and sell into highly consolidated and uncompetitive markets."

Perdue testified alongside representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Corn Growers Association, and National Cotton Council. To view all testimony, go to: agriculture.senate.gov/hearings.