Farmers Union reorganizes Larimer County chapter

A revived chapter of a long-time agricultural group is seeking members who want to preserve the area's agricultural heritage and ensure that agricultural and energy production benefit the local economy in a sustainable way.

Farmers Union members in Larimer County have recently activated a county chapter to speak for local agricultural and rural concerns. Larimer County Farmers Union is one of about 30 active chapters of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU.org), which provides educational and cooperative action templates for members in its Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico region.

The local chapter is co-sponsoring a free showing of "The Future of Food" at the Lyric Cinema Café, 300 Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins, at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 3. The documentary explores some of the changes occurring in the American food system such as patenting, genetically engineered foods and the corporatization of the food industry.

"Seating may be limited, so come early and grab a beverage or bite to eat before the show," said chapter president Tom Wingfield.

RMFU, an affiliate of the National Farmers Union, advocates for family farm producers and for a safe, abundant and healthy food supply, according to Wingfield. Working with legislators, RMFU promotes local food production, strives to protect consumers from corporate agricultural market manipulation and encourages the development of cooperative markets between local consumers and producers, he said.

For example, although the Fort Collins Food Co-op has been successfully operating for many years, it recently drew upon the expertise of RMFU's Cooperative Development Center to explore and adopt practices which may further the food co-op's continued success. No organization in the United States has a longer history of cooperative development than Farmers Union, Wingfield said.

RMFU is a grassroots organization. Policy is created at the local level and adopted at RMFU annual conventions. From there, national policy is developed at the National FU convention and acted upon throughout the year.

Throughout the three-state region, RMFU has advocated for renewable energy, energy efficiency, biofuels development and methane capture projects. Local input is encouraged so rural communities can protect the environment and thrive economically, Wingfield said.

Nationally, Farmers Union has been deeply involved in the development of farm bills and discussions about policies for county-of-origin labeling, fair trade, genetic engineering and more. Farmers Union offers a full line of insurance products as well.

In addition to Wingfield, the local chapter is represented by vice president Andy Grant and secretary-treasurer Gail Meis-ner. They and several other active members, such as solar consultant and Poudre Valley REA director Roger Alexander, reside in northern Larimer County.

Wingfield said he and the other members welcome the chance to visit with area residents about current agricultural or rural issues and invite those interested to join the newly activated Larimer County chapter. He can be reached at 221-1158.