FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 23, 2014

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (Jan. 23, 2014) - National Farmers Union (NFU) Vice President of Government Relations Chandler Goule represented NFU at a meeting of the World Rural Forum on the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) during the International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi this week.

"It was profound, no matter which country was presenting, that we all face very similar barriers -- inequality between genders, land ownership disputes, and difficulty attracting young farmers and ranchers, to mention a few," said Goule.

The meeting included 30 participants from five continents. Attendees worked on a paper that will be submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for use during IYFF. The paper will address issues like food security, land ownership laws, government budget items for agriculture, gender equality, and ways to attract young and beginning farmers and ranchers.

"It was an honor to represent NFU and to be the only person from the United States attending the meeting," said Goule. "Working together we can overcome these barriers and help more countries become food secure. This is the true goal of the International Year of Family Farming."

NFU is the chair of the U.S. national committee for IYFF. You can find information on the committee at www.YearofFamilyFarming.com.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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