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Farm Convention Aims to Tackle Energy Problems, Opportunities

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Thursday, January 31, 2008   

Madison, WI – Wisconsin's farmers can play a major role in solving global problems, according to organizers of the Wisconsin Farmers Union convention this weekend in Eau Claire. The group's president, Sue Beitlich, says energy issues will be at the top of the agenda with growing opportunities for farmers to make money with farm-grown fuels, while helping boost the nation's energy independence, and fighting global warming.

"One of the biggest challenges we're facing of course is climate change. Farmers are very dependent on the weather. If we can be growing and harvesting biomass, whatever it might be, how do we get involved in those projects?"

She says the convention will also look at ways farmers can conserve energy in their operations. Other topics include state health care coverage and the deadlocked U.S. Farm Bill. Wisconsin Congressman Steve Kagen will be the keynote speaker.

Beitlich says the conference will also assist farmers in marketing their products locally. She points to growing consumer demand for fresh, local products. And selling meat, dairy, and produce locally cuts down on the energy used in transporting foods around the world.

"Our food travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to plate. If we're more mindful of that, and are thinking about it, we can keep our money nearby while boosting the local economy. That's even better."

She says making farms more energy-efficient is also important.

"We're going to discuss on-farm energy use. How can we conserve? The energy we don’t use saves money plus it's helping to cut down on emissions."

Additional discussions will include the state's health coverage proposals and the deadlocked U.S. Farm Bill.

More information is available online at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.org.


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