Tester talks ag issues with Montana Farmers Union

Senator also helps lock in Taiwanese purchase of Montana wheat

(U.S. SENATE) – Despite Washington’s focus on the situation in Syria, Big Sandy farmer Jon Tester continues to go to bat for his fellow ag producers in rural Montana.

Tester this week sat down with representatives of the Montana Farmers Union (MFU) to discuss the importance of passing a long-term Farm Bill, implementing country of origin labeling on meat, renewable fuel standards, and livestock competition rules.

Tester, a third-generation farmer, said passing a long-term Farm Bill will help Montana farmers continue putting food on kitchen tables and strengthening Montana’s economy.

“Montana farmers’ hard work often goes unnoticed, but they are the engine behind our state’s economy,” Tester said. “We need to honor their hard work by passing a long-term and fiscally responsible Farm Bill. The Senate bill makes long-needed reforms that cut spending while preserving a strong safety net, and it needs to get signed into law.”

The Montana Farmers Union also presented Tester with his sixth Golden Triangle Award for his continued support for Montana agriculture.

Tester also met with a delegation from Taiwan to discuss their upcoming Montana wheat purchase. The Taiwanese plan to purchase nearly $500 million worth of Montana wheat.

The Senate passed a bipartisan Farm Bill in June, but the House of Representatives refused to vote on the Senate version. The widely-supported Senate measure would reauthorize the Farm Bill for five years, while making reforms that save taxpayers $24 billion.