Courtesy Photo/Image USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack

Courtesy Photo/Image Rep. Rosa DeLauro

Courtesy Photo/Image Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Attendees to the 2009 National Farmers Union Convention heard from a line-up of top level policy makers Monday, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

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A wide array of topics -- renewable fuels from the farm, the 2008 Farm Bill, country of origin labeling, carbon sequestration, fair trade, market oversight, nutrition and health care were touched on throughout the day.

Vilsack laid out the administration's agriculture agenda, focusing on areas like school nutrition and renewable fuels.

Vilsack said the current ethanol blend wall should be increased to 12 percent, with an eventual increase to 15 or even 20 percent.

A renewable energy discussion with Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., focused on the economic benefits of renewable fuels to not only farmers and ranchers, but the nation. They also touched on many challenges and concerns facing the developing industry.

Pelosi focused much of her address on the economic crisis and provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will benefit the rural economy.

Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., talked about efforts to protect the U.S. food supply.

DeLauro has been a strong advocate for mandatory country of origin labeling and set the record straight on the true causes of increased consumer retail food prices.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., discussed provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill and highlighted the issues that will likely come before their committees this year.

"I believe the answers to the challenges facing our country today lie with those who live, work and raise their families in rural America," NFU President Tom Buis said.

This was the second time in three years Pelosi addressed the NFU convention.

Pelosi's remarks at the convention

Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi's remarks, as prepared:

"It's great to be back with my friends from the National Farmers Union. We've been together many times in the Capitol, and just two years ago, in Orlando. You should know that I display my Golden Triangle Award with great pride in the Speaker's office.

"Tom Buis: I know this is your last NFU Convention, so allow us to applaud you for all you have done - as both a farmer and a former Capitol Hill staffer - to ensure the voices of America's farmers and ranchers are heard on the Hill.

"I also want to recognize Joaquin Contente, the President of the California Farmers Union, and all of the Farmers Union representatives from California who are here.

"Last time we came together, we were still in the trenches, writing the Farm Bill. No matter how difficult the negotiations, the National Farmers Union did not give up. We banded together to make historic investments in the American farmer and rural communities and I thank you for your support.

"We worked together again this year with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Just last week, when the Federal Reserve released the Beige Book - its report on the state of the economy - it confirmed what you all already know: that in agriculture, prices are down, sales are down, and America's farmers and ranchers are suffering.

"Democrats in Congress understand this, and that is why we made certain that the recovery bill made significant investments to boost our rural economy.

"I'm grateful for the support of the NFU in passing this legislation that will help deploy broadband to our rural areas, provide disaster relief to farmers, and invest in American renewable fuels.

"There are real opportunities for our rural areas on the horizon. That's because it is America's farmers who will fuel America's energy independence - with cellulosic biofuels from your fields, with the wind and sun from your farms.

"And when we invest in renewable energy here at home, we will send our energy dollars to the Midwest and coast to coast instead of to the Middle East.

"The National Farmers Union has been in the lead every step of the way - from supporting our efforts to pass comprehensive energy legislation last year to being a leader among your peers in demanding a role for agriculture in cap-and-trade legislation.

"I know some of you have concerns about President Obama's budget and what it will mean to the family farmer and rancher. You also know that our nation is facing dire challenges, and that our responsibility to future generations demands fiscal responsibility now.

"President Obama's budget is currently being reviewed by Congress. I can assure you that Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt, Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro will be involved every step of the way in looking out for your interests as this budget moves through Congress.

"Our farmers and ranchers have given us the most abundant, most affordable, and safest food supply in history. You have helped make America the most prosperous nation in the history of the world, and I know you are ready to do this again."