JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – Enduring the worst economic slide in generations, American family farmers and ranchers need Congress to pass a farm bill in 2018 to strengthen the farm safety net.

North Dakota Farmers Union and National Farmers Union have teamed with other state divisions in developing a digital campaign to support the 2018 farm bill. The campaign includes a website (2018farmbill.org), a farm bill video, animated short videos, weekly promotions and a petition. The family farm organization is calling on Congress to strengthen programs that support family farm agriculture, vibrant rural communities, a clean environment and hungry Americans.

“We need Congress to start working on a farm bill immediately,” said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne. “Commodity prices are low, and net farm income is projected to be down $4.3 billion this year. Family farmers need to be certain of crop insurance and other programs in the farm bill, so they can plan accordingly with their lenders in this time of low prices.”

Travis and Ashley Bruner, family farmers from Drake, were featured in a nine-minute video on the importance of the farm bill to family farmers, the environment and consumers. Three short animated videos are also being launched to help the general public understand what the farm bill is, what Farmers Union’s ideal farm bill looks like, and how to advocate for the farm bill.

“Family farmers and consumers alike are in urgent need of strong farm and food policies to be passed in the farm bill this year,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “As the agriculture committees ready to propose farm bill legislation, Farmers Union wants to be sure all members of Congress understand why the farm bill is so vital to family farm agriculture, our land, our rural communities, and our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. We’re hopeful this campaign can bridge the support of the entire farm and food community.”

Family farmers, consumers, lawmakers and advocates are encouraged to share the video on social media, tweet with the hashtag #FarmBillNow, and sign the petition to call on Congress to pass a Farm Bill in 2018.