RMFU Convention Is just around the Corner

Most Farmers Union chapters have selected their state delegates, policy review is under way, and the annual RMFU convention begins on Friday morning, November 22, with a welcome from former Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (and long-time RMFU member) John Stulp.

In addition to electing board members to represent Districts 1, 3, and 4, there will be an election for president. On Saturday, delegates will debate and ratify policy for 2014. Each day will feature honors, awards and recognitions, and of course, Friday will be capped with the RMFU Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Harvest Moon Gala.

Registration fees will be held at last year’s level until November 15, and the guaranteed room rate for the Inverness has been extended to November 5. Save a bundle by registering early (Registration Form).

This year’s program will feature discussion of the latest developments in the Farm Bill negotiations as well as a panel on funding food systems. There will be an update on Colorado HealthOP, which has been operating since October 1, as well as visit from Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.

The theme for this year, “Agriculture Is Local,” celebrates the importance of family farms as the core of successful local economies world-wide. The United Nations has chosen to declare 2014 the International Year of Family Farming, to raise the profile of family farming and smallholder farming by focusing world attention on its significant role in alleviating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development, especially in rural areas.

Friday afternoon, convention-goers will have a choice of a visit to Colorado’s new history museum or a showing at the hotel of the prize-winning documentary, Food for Change. After a fun Friday evening at the Harvest Moon Gala, Saturday will feature the weighty business of elections and policy debate, concluded with an officer reception and local band.

So convention will mean some serious fun and some important work, same as ever. Reserve your room, your Gala ticket, and your chance to demonstrate what grassroots advocacy is all about. See you at Inverness.