By Harry Pulliam
Policy. The Britannica Dictionary defines policy as “an officially accepted set of rules or ideas about what should be done”. That’s a broad statement. Who, for example, gets to decide what’s “officially accepted” and how are those decisions made?
In Wisconsin, it’s the Legislature and the Governor, assisted by folks in the various administrative departments, who set the rules on how things should work. Sometimes that goes well, but often our elected officials make decisions based not on the wishes of their constituents or even good science, but on their personal biases or the desires of large donors to their campaigns. There needs to be a way to provide these officials with accurate information about critical issues and how the voting public wants them to be tackled. Polls are useful, but direct engagement is usually more effective.
When it comes to the interests of farmers and people in rural Wisconsin, that’s where South Central Wisconsin Farmers Union (SCWFU) comes in. Ninety-three years ago, our founders knew family farms were worth fighting for. They gathered in solidarity to advocate for policies that would improve life on their family farms and in their communities. The process continues today.
South Central Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. Member-driven means that our members determine the organization’s policies on important issues, arriving at approaches that are in line with their values and their on-the-ground understanding of the matters at hand.
Each year our chapter meets to discuss current events and exchange views on how to address topics of concern. We formulate policy resolutions, which are then reviewed at the state level for clarity and consistency. Finally, the approved resolutions come before the full membership at Wisconsin Farmers Union’s State Convention, where they’re debated. If passed, they become part of the playbook for our Government Relations staff in their work with the Legislature.
At Convention last winter, Wisconsin Farmers Union members chose to add several resolutions to that playbook. Four issues—Preserving Small and Mid-sized Farms, Concentration in the Ag Industry, Family Farmers Shaping Climate Change Policy and Family Farmers Shaping Water Quality Policy—were deemed the most crucial for us to confront. Our Government Relations teams have made these a priority this year.
By the way, according to Dr. David W. Johnson of the University of Minnesota, democracy requires a commitment to the common good. For us to grow as a society, it’s necessary for us to adopt policies that advance the common good. So, if the word “policy” conjures up an image of politicians huddling in some back room, discussing how to control your life, and you see policy as a way for them to do as little for the common good as possible, while throwing folks enough bones that voters will allow them to stay in office, know that there’s perhaps a better way of looking at things. Take a look at the SCWFU’s website, scwfu.com, and join in our effort to help rural Wisconsin thrive.
Harry grew up on the rural edge of a college town, working on a cow-calf operation in the summers. He’s been very involved in South Central Farmers Union activities, particularly the advancement of policy initiatives. He is currently the chapter’s Vice President. Along with his wife, Grace, Harry also operates an organic micro-farm, providing specialty vegetables, garlic, and value-added products. He is an ardent promotor of smaller farms, family farms, and keeping rural Wisconsin’s culture vibrant and economy strong.