BERG NAMED ‘FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU’ FOR COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

FARGO, N.D. – Congressman Rick Berg today was presented with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ Award by North Dakota Farm Bureau (NDFB) Executive Vice President Jeffrey Missling.  The ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

In presenting Berg with the ‘Friend of Farm Bureau Award,’ NDFB Executive Vice President Jeffrey Missling noted Berg’s efforts to get a long-term farm bill passed in the House.

"Congressman Berg’s persistence and work ethic on behalf of our state and country’s agriculture industry is to be commended,” stated Missling.  “There is no bigger agriculture advocate in the House of Representatives than Rick Berg.  Rick Berg’s efforts to push for a long-term farm bill over the past few months have been remarkable, and I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award than him."

While expressing gratitude for receiving the ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award, Berg noted his ongoing push for a long-term farm bill.

“I am honored to receive the ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award today from the North Dakota Farm Bureau,” stated Berg.   “I’ve always said that agriculture is the one shining light in our economy, and that is why I continue working every single day to protect North Dakota’s agriculture interests.  North Dakota farmers and ranchers deserve the certainty of a long term farm bill, and I won’t stop pressuring House Republican Leadership until that happens.”

The ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award is based upon voting records on American Farm Bureau Federation’s priority issues established by the Board of Directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders. In addition, the state Farm Bureau lists any other specific reasons why that member should receive this award.

Berg has been steadfast with his vocal persistence of getting a long term Farm Bill passed.  The Fargo Forum recognized Berg’s efforts, stating that, “Few in the House are working harder than Berg to force a vote on farm legislation.”  They added that, “Berg has pushed hard to get leadership to move. To charge he’s not been pulling out all the stops to advance farm legislation is not accurate.”

Berg’s efforts were also singled out by Politico, who stated that he “helped to trigger the whips’ discussion [and] grayer heads—and traditional team players— backed him up including Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Randy Neugebauer (R-Tex.), as well as House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.).”

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