As the seasons shift in Wisconsin and rural life begins to change with harvest, so does civic engagement. Fall is not only for sweaters and pumpkins, but also when political advocacy is in full swing.
Volunteers for Agriculture® (VFA) is the political action committee for Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. VFA is run by a committee that is dedicated to representing the interests of farmers and rural communities. Since 1990, the VFA has helped elect candidates who work for agriculture’s interests in Madison.
VFA is not just a PAC; it is a committee made up of farmer members, who understand the challenges that agriculturists face every day. The committee’s members decide who to make campaign contributions to, interview candidates and carefully weigh their endorsement decisions.
VFA plays an essential role in supporting candidates who back agriculture. They engage directly with the political process, to ensure that agriculture and rural communities have the proper representation and resources to continue their livelihoods.
How is Volunteers for Agriculture® different from other PACs?
What sets apart VFA from other PACs is how deeply rooted our grassroots, member-driven structure is. VFA oversees and directs Farm Bureau’s political advocacy and engagement. Political candidates are evaluated by the committee on a variety of criteria, including input from county Farm Bureaus.
Our membership represents a wide range of commodities, from cranberries to beef and dairy to potatoes, that span every corner of the state. The diversity of our membership goes beyond agriculture: our members hold a variety of political beliefs. However, when it comes to advocating for rural Wisconsin, they stand united with those who stand with farmers.
Why are VFA endorsements important?
It has been noted that collective giving has more influence than various individual donations. Lawmakers are more inclined to pay attention to organizations with a strong and active PAC, because they represent not just financial backing, but an engaged and unified constituency.
A PAC allows likeminded individuals to participate in the political process beyond their civic duty. When lawmakers receive an endorsement or financial contribution from VFA, they know it is backed by a network of hardworking constituents. Members serving on the VFA are real voters who care deeply about issues like farmland preservation, water quality and rural infrastructure.
Plus, VFA endorsements come with proven results. Election after election, over 90% of VFA-endorsed candidates win their general election.
How does the VFA serve Farm Bureau members?
The VFA builds strong relationships with legislators in both parties, helping Wisconsin Farm Bureau achieve its legislative priorities. VFA is the leading farm-related,
rural-focused PAC in Wisconsin, supporting a diverse range of candidates who fight for farm families.
Political action committees like VFA allow individuals to go beyond their civic duty to have tangible impact on the policies that shape their lives. Voting is important, but adding a contribution to a PAC amplifies that vote with a clear message that agriculture matters, farmers are
paying attention and participating in the process in a meaningful way.
As we move forward into this next season, let’s continue to utilize the power of a united voice for agriculture. Whether you have been a lifetime member of Farm Bureau or are new to the organization, consider how you can be a part of VFA’s important work. With your support, we can continue to advocate for strong and sustainable rural communities and ensure that the voice of agriculture is heard loud and clear in Wisconsin and beyond.
For more information on the VFA and ways to support their cause, visit wfbf.com/policy/vfa.
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