Indiana Farmers Union Sets 2025 Policy Priorities, Celebrates Progress Made

Indiana Farmers Union (IFU) held its annual meeting on Wednesday, January 29, where the organization announced updated policy and advocacy priorities for Indiana family farmers and ranchers, including protecting and expanding market competitiveness, addressing growing pressures on land and resources and supporting vibrant rural communities.

“Ensuring strong support for conservation programs remains a priority for Indiana Farmers Union, along with finally securing a Farm Bill,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew during the meeting. “Right now, Farmers Union is focused on addressing the challenges facing farm country. How can we better support farmers and ranchers? That means continuing to push for fair competition in the marketplace, expanding market opportunities, and standing up for farmers’ right to repair their own equipment.”

The updated IFU policy announced today – voted on and approved through the Farmers Union grassroots policy process – reflects themes of support for strong conservation programs, passing a Farm Bill through Congress, developing more competitive and fair markets and fighting for farmers’ right to repair their own equipment.

Confronting pressures on land and resources

Family farmers are facing challenges to stay in business due to the mounting pressures on access to land and natural resources. As farmland values increase, the barriers to entry for family farmers continue to grow. Increased investment in green energy projects, construction of warehouses along transportation corridors, interest in farmland ownership for investment portfolios, and residential development are making it more difficult for land to stay in production through family farm agriculture. Groundwater reserves in rapidly growing communities, particularly north of Indianapolis, are being drawn down, which could jeopardize agricultural production.

Building a competitive and resilient market

Family farmers need access to fair and resilient markets. Policies should not be enacted solely to help the largest players in these markets but ought to be helpful for all, particularly for small and mid-size farms. Consumer demand for food sourced from a shorter supply chain is not a fad — it’s a lasting part of the market –but there are only a few accessible processing options for independent livestock and poultry producers in Indiana.

Supporting vibrant rural communities

Family farmers depend on the essential services and amenities found in vibrant rural communities. Small towns and cities require a well-educated workforce and robust small business community, as entrepreneurs and a civically engaged population help our communities thrive. The rural economy has changed greatly in recent decades, and businesses and educational institutions in rural Indiana need to adapt and keep pace. Unfortunately, family farmers also often depend on off-farm job opportunities for access to affordable health insurance and income to compensate for what they are unable to receive from the ag marketplace. A more diversified economy in small towns and cities can attract the next generation of farmers and rural residents to build vibrant communities in the years ahead.

Read the full text of the updated policy here.