On National Agriculture Day (Tuesday), Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra announced the launch of a new campaign coalition called “Farmers for Feenstra,” aimed at supporting his run for governor.
According to the campaign, the coalition includes more than 100 farmers and producers from across Iowa, representing a wide range of agricultural sectors, including corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs, dairy, eggs, and biofuels.
A closer look at the list shows roughly 30 farmers from Northwest Iowa, including those from Lyon, Sioux, Plymouth, Dickinson, and O’Brien counties, adding a strong regional presence to the statewide group.
Feenstra says the coalition is designed to bring together producers to help shape policy ideas focused on agriculture and economic growth.
“That consists of producers from all our major commodity and livestock sectors, whether it be corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs, dairy, biofuels, or eggs. And we’re putting this coalition together to work together to create solutions on how we can be the most business and ag-friendly state in the country,” Feenstra says.
Feenstra also pointed to his work in Congress, including support for a Farm Bill that has advanced out of committee.
“It’s actually budget neutral. But what it does, it really protects our farming community when it comes to the food export market, working with U.S.D.A. on regionalization agreements,” Feenstra says. “It really puts together the Farmland Act, making sure that we’re protecting our Iowa farmland against our foreign adversaries like China.”
Feenstra says agriculture remains central to Iowa’s economy and rural communities, and he plans to make it a cornerstone of his campaign.
However, the announcement also drew criticism from the Iowa Democratic Party, which released a statement accusing Feenstra of supporting policies that could raise costs for farmers. The party referenced his vote related to the ongoing conflict in Iran and Feenstra’s own comments that it could lead to a “massive” increase in fertilizer and fuel prices, which he said would “be catastrophic for our farmers.”
Portions of this story are courtesy of our affiliate Radio Iowa
