What is VFA®?
Volunteers for Agriculture® (VFA) is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Since 1990, the VFA has helped elect candidates who work for agriculture’s interests in Madison. The VFA builds strong relationships with legislators of both parties to help us achieve our legislative priorities.
Goals
• Promote the economic and social well-being of farmers, rural families and agricultural interests.
• Head off burdensome legislation and regulations.
• Advocate for farmers’ and agriculturists’ interests amid a changing social, economic and political climate.
How VFA® Helps
• Contributes directly to the candidate’s campaign committee.
• Purchases advertising in support of candidates.
• Motivates our members to vote for endorsed candidates.
VFA® Committee
The activities of VFA are governed by a committee consisting of 18 Farm Bureau members, two from each of the nine board districts. Two members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors serve as non-voting liaisons to the board. VFA serves as a separate, segregated political fund. It solicits and receives political contributions and makes expenditures to support candidates without regard to political affiliation.
“As a committee of farmers and agriculturists, the VFA truly looks out for the best interest of Wisconsin farmers. This group identifies the candidate who will be the best advocate for our members at the Capitol. With less than two percent of the U.S. population still farming, this has never been more critical.”
– Joe Bragger, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation District 4 Board Director
“The VFA supported me for State Assembly in 2014 and 2016 because they appreciate my farming background and as a farm owner/manager they know I speak their language. The farmers that make up the VFA committee take their role seriously. They endorse candidates, like me, who believe and understand how important agriculture is to Wisconsin. They get behind candidates who understand farming concerns and will work in the Capitol for those causes.”
– State Representative Deb Kolste, Democrat from Janesville
“The Volunteers for Agriculture is a very effective and respected group when it comes to electing ag-friendly candidates to the legislature and statewide office. Farm Bureau’s political action committee is made up of farmers who are willing to meet with and engage candidates and ask the tough questions to determine whether a candidate will earn the organization’s endorsement. In the last several election cycles the VFA’s track record of success has been around 95% so when I earned their endorsement in my first run for state office I knew it meant something special. Farm Bureau members need to understand how important VFA support is to protecting agriculture’s interests. I know I sure do.”
– State Representative Tony Kurtz, Republican from Wonewoc
Track Record
In the 2012 and 2014 fall primary and general elections, 90% and 95% of VFA endorsed candidates were elected, respectively.
Bottom Line
Elections are ultimately won and lost based on the vision and ideas of any given candidate, but a candidate’s message can’t get out unless it is well-funded through donations from family, friends and like-minded supporters. This is where the VFA can financially help a candidate who believes in the values and lifestyle that agriculture provides so many hard-working farmers in Wisconsin.
When the VFA monetarily supports and helps our endorsed candidates win, YOU have just gained another voice that can speak on behalf of agriculture in the State Capitol.
How to Help
Direct Bill Voting Members: As a voting member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, you can make a $10 contribution when you make your annual Farm Bureau dues payment. If you choose to not contribute, you simply subtract $10 from the amount on the line marked ‘total’.
Rural’s Exclusive Account Plan (REAP) Monthly Payment Plan for Voting Members: A VFA contribution amount of $10 is automatically added to your REAP statement 60 days after the effective date of your Farm Bureau membership. To decline the contribution, email Customer Service at customerservice@ruralins.com or call 1.877.219.9550 with 60 days of your membership’s effective date.
Please Note
Per Wisconsin law, the name and address of anyone who makes a contribution are reported to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, the state agency that oversees campaign finance law, and are a public record that may be viewed online. Contributions are voluntary and not deductible for income tax purposes. Corporate contributions are prohibited.