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Ag Industry Trade Groups Forge New Alliance

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

More than 20 of the nation's biggest produce and agriculture industry's trade groups have formed the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA).  
The organization's newly elected USFRA Chairman Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said in a press release on the USFRA website that the alliance will work together "to maintain and enhance the freedom of American farmers and ranchers to operate in an economical, sustainable and responsible manner." 
The group also wants to improve its public image, food safety-wise, and combat what it sees as a misrepresentation of Big Ag.
"It's been increasingly apparent that there are several agricultural programs that have been created to address misinformation and misconceptions about agricultural practices and our food supply," said Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh Produce Association, one of the group's charter members.  
To advance a pro-ag industry message, "this new alliance will draw upon the strength of many parts of our nation's agricultural industry and coordinate communication programs in a more focused and strategic manner," he explained.    
The following organizations have joined the alliance: American Egg Board, American Farm Bureau Federation, American National CattleWomen, American Sheep Industry, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Alliance, Beef Checkoff, Federation of State Beef Councils, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen's Beef Association. and National Cotton Council.
Also the National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation,U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, U.S. Grains Council, United Egg Producers, United Fresh Produce Association, United Soybean Board, U.S. Soybean Federation andWestern Growers.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on November 22, 2010 (boomark / email).