Issue Areas
NCFC works on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues of interest to agricultural cooperatives and their farmer and rancher owners.
This includes cooperative tax issues, antitrust issues, energy, international trade, conservation and many others.
NCFC is the industry leader in support of the protections afforded by the Capper-Volstead Act’s limited antitrust immunity for farmers and their cooperatives. Such protections are essential to maintaining and promoting the economic well-being of farmers, ensuring access to competitive markets and helping capitalize on market opportunities.
Issue Areas
NCFC works on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues of interest to agricultural cooperatives and their farmer and rancher owners. This includes cooperative tax issues, antitrust issues, energy, international trade, conservation and many others.
Ag Labor
The agriculture industry faces unique employment needs and challenges, and the current guest worker programs are unworkable. Federal policies now and in the future must recognize the unique nature of agricultural work and our international competitiveness issues that require access to a flexible workforce.
Animal Agriculture
Animal agriculture is a crucial part of the American food system. Farmer-owned cooperatives work hand-in-hand with livestock producers by adding value to their products, marketing their livestock, and servicing their farm supply needs. NCFC supports policies that empower farmers and ranchers by giving them more tools to compete globally, and fights against policies that stifle innovation.
Climate, Conservation, & Environment
NCFC believes conservation programs should be locally driven and based on scientifically and economically sound practices and should recognize the unique nature of farmer cooperatives and production agriculture. We work to promote the value of farmer cooperatives in the context of the growing dialogue about social responsibility and sustainability.
Credit & Rural Development
Farmer cooperatives have increased their presence in rural communities and have a vested interest in the economic well-being of these areas. Their activities, earnings, and patronage dividends directly support the rural American economy. NCFC believes federal policies must continue to provide rural communities with the tools necessary to sustain and promote economic well-being.
Farm Policy & Risk Management
NCFC strongly supported passage and implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill to meet the needs of U.S. producers, ensure the long-term viability, health and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, and to help meet domestic and international food, fiber, feed, and energy needs.
Food & Nutrition
A large and increasing number of federal dollars are spent to ensure nutritious food is available for our nation’s individuals, families, and children who rely on federal nutrition programs. America’s farmers and ranchers supply the nation and the world with nutritious and wholesome food.
Legal, Tax, & Accounting
Farmer-owned cooperatives are central to America’s abundant, safe and affordable food, fuel and fiber supply. Without the antitrust protections granted by the Capper Volstead Act, many farmer cooperatives would cease to exist and the farmers and communities they serve would suffer irreparable harm.
Trade & Market Access
Market development and promotion programs are vital to maintaining and expanding U.S. agricultural exports, countering subsidized foreign competition, protecting American jobs, and strengthening farm income.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Improving our transportation infrastructure must be a national priority deserving urgent attention. Capacity constraints, structurally deficient bridges, deteriorating roads, and locks and dams long past their expected useful life require our full attention as a nation.
Trade & Market Access
Market development and promotion programs are vital to maintaining and expanding U.S. agricultural exports, countering subsidized foreign competition, protecting American jobs, and strengthening farm income.
Trade & Market Access
Market development and promotion programs are vital to maintaining and expanding U.S. agricultural exports, countering subsidized foreign competition, protecting American jobs, and strengthening farm income.
Priorities & Policy Resolutions
Numerous legislative and regulatory issues arise during the course of a year, and NCFC will work to ensure the value of farmer cooperatives is recognized by Congress and the Administration. Learn more about where NCFC will focus its efforts in 2024.
Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus Members
Meet the members of Congress working together in support of public policy and programs to protect and enhance the ability of farmers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to improve their economic well-being.