Some lawmakers already understand the value trusted advisers bring to American farmers and ranchers, but others have little or no knowledge at all about the ag retail industry. In fact, many legislators on Capitol Hill have never stepped foot onto an ag retail facility.
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and its member network are working to close that gap between Washington, D.C., and rural America through a coordinated grassroots advocacy effort.
By inviting lawmakers to tour facilities in their districts, ARA members educate and build productive relationships with those making decisions from Washington that directly impact their businesses and the bottom line. With the farm bill still in limbo, we must take initiative as an industry to make our voice heard.
The Value
During congressional facility visits, the lawmakers and the hosting company benefit. Ag retailers showcase how their businesses support farmers seeking to improve their yields and boost regenerative ag practices while keeping their teams and communities safe by adhering to rigorous safety standards. In return, lawmakers observe the ag retailer’s role in the food supply chain and how it supports its community by offering fulfilling careers in their home districts.
Congressional facility visits leave a lasting impression on lawmakers as they return to Washington, D.C., to debate and vote on policies that impact the agriculture industry. Once the relationship is established, the lawmaker may call on the ag retailer as a resource in the future when Congress considers policies that relate to issues of importance to our industry; examples include the farm bill, truck transportation, reliable rail service and modern ag technologies.
ARA in Action
Several ARA members have already accepted ARA’s challenge to invite their elected officials to tour their ag retail facilities.
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline recently toured an EverGRO FS facility, which is part of the Growmark network, in Front Royal, Virginia, to learn about the products and services the site provides to local farmers and residents. Representing Virginia’s 6th District, Rep. Cline engaged with team members in agronomy, energy and the farm store divisions and gained insights along the way into the company’s vital operations and its contributions in the community.
EverGRO FS team members educated Cline of their stance on important issues such as consumer energy choice, pesticide licensing appropriations, workforce challenges and critical farm bill programs. ARA’s Richard Gupton from the policy team attended the facility tour as an additional resource for Rep. Cline and the facility team.
Your Guide to Educating Lawmakers
Now is a great time to invite elected officials to tour an ag retail facility because Congress is in recess most of August and October. This means they will be back in their districts and looking to hear about what issues matter most to their constituents.
ARA knows ag retailers are busy, so our team created a step-by-step Facility Visit Guide with best practices and media samples to empower our industry to take an active role communicating our needs and influencing policy outcomes.
Building mutual respect and understanding is the best way to bring about policies that support and benefit the agricultural retail industry. ARA and its member network are paving the way for conversations focused on policies that help, not harm, ag retailers in their quest to serve farmer-customers and their teams while acting as good stewards to their communities and the environment.
Take Action in Seconds
ARA makes it easy for you to send a message to federal regulatory officials or members of Congress regardless of whether you host a facility visit. Use ARA’s online advocacy tool to send a message on issues that impact your freedom to operate.
“The tools ARA provides make it quick and easy for the GreenPoint Ag leadership and team members to make an impact,” says Toni Tyler, senior marketing manager at GreenPoint Ag. “A few clicks and a few seconds of their time sent a very targeted message to the senators representing them. Our team members are industry advocates and have a commitment to the core value of helping our customers succeed. They want to provide their support.”
Join the Movement
You can let policies dictate your business, or you can shape policies that benefit your business. Join the grassroots movement with ARA to advocate for your industry’s best interests at the federal level.
One voice in Washington won’t make enough noise, but all our voices together cannot be ignored. Every member makes a difference, and as ARA’s membership continues to grow, so too will the ag retailer’s influence on Capitol Hill.
By joining ARA, you help us better represent the ag retailer’s interests and save your business the time and resources it takes to monitor regulations and legislation that infringe on your freedom to operate.
