Posted: 02.23.2011

While there's no resolution in site at the state capitol - the first agriculture organization is speaking out on the issue of collective bargaining.

Tuesday, the National Farmers Organization (NFO) reiterated their committment to collective bargaining outside of agriculture. NFO says for more than 75 years, collective bargaining agreements in Wisconsin and other states have helped improve the lives of workers across public and private sectors, including agriculture.

Responding to the Wisconsin state budget battle, Paul Olson, a Jackson county Wisconsin dairy farmer and National Farmers President said, “We support the right of everyone to bargain collectively.” Olson said it's unfortunate that this basic negotiating tenet used in professional sports, aviation, agriculture and manufacturing, as well as many other segments of the American economy is under severe pressure in Wisconsin and several other states. 

The organization’s president pointed out that the issue isn’t really about budgetary considerations, but more about limiting collective bargaining. Wisconsin’s public employees have already offered to help the state’s budget by agreeing to the financial and benefit concessions called for in the Wisconsin budget bill. 

“National Farmers Organization is committed to the collective bargaining concept authorized by the Capper-Volstead Act that provides farmers the right to bargain as a group,” said Olson. “And, we uphold the men and women who provide basic services that protects and supports communities in rural areas and cities alike.” 

National Farmers Organization was created in 1955 to help farmers and ranchers improve contract terms and earn higher prices for their commodities in the agricultural marketplace. 

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