ARA Fly-In Builds Momentum for Ag Retail
Mar 05 2025
"Our overarching message this year was one of optimism and strength," said ARA Senior Director of Public Policy Hunter Carpenter after 115 ARA members and industry partners participated in more than 130 meetings to discuss the public policy priorities of agricultural retailers with their elected officials.
"With such a strong turnout, we were able to put a constituent face on our industry to deliver a resounding message for ag retailers to members of Congress and their staff."
ARA is the only national association dedicated to supporting ag retailers who supply America's farmers with everything they need to grow a healthy crop. The annual ARA Fly-In is our industry's most impactful advocacy event of the year because legislators hear directly from their constituents (not just from ARA's public policy experts). While many are already on board with ag-friendly policies, other lawmakers need education about the value ag retailers bring to their communities and local economies.
“Meeting with federal lawmakers and agency officials is a critical part of engaging with ARA," said ARA Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Counsel Richard Gupton.
"This engagement ensures the ag retail industry is represented when key policy decisions are made by Congress and results in a significant return on investment for such an essential segment of America's agricultural supply chain."
The Message
Before heading to the Hill, ARA members attend a Lobbying 101 breakfast to learn best practices and align messaging around the 2025 policy priorities established by the membership.
“ARA provides a powerful and clear voice on issues important to ag retail as determined by the association’s members," said ARA Public Policy Committee Chair Mike Twining with Willard Agri-Service. "Together, our influence on policy that is important to the ag retail industry is much greater than when we act individually. Taking time to meet with our elected officials as part of the ARA Fly-In is time incredibly well spent.”
When elected officials hear directly from ag retailers in face-to-face meetings about common-sense solutions to the relieve the burdens hindering our industry, it impacts their decisions on Capitol Hill.
"In tough economic times for growers, ag retailers are going to deliver," said Carpenter. "It’s up to Congress to pass a new five-year Farm Bill and extend needed tax relief to our members and their grower customers to rejuvenate farm country. This event is how we make the voice of ag retail as loud as possible"
ARA is advocating for several measures to be included in a multi-year Farm Bill to include ensuring that science-based regulations and the oversight of pesticides is based on scientific expertise of career regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs and state-led agencies.
Other top priorities include:
- Transportation & Supply Chain Relief
- Pro-Growth Economic Policies for Rural America
- Modern Agriculture Technology Protection
"In each meeting, ARA members brought up the impact of tariffs on imported fertilizer from Canada as well as the lost markets for U.S. agricultural commodities due to retaliatory actions," said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
Since the ARA Fly-In, the Trump administration announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.
“The 25 percent tariffs on critical fertilizer imports from Canada, including potash, ammonium sulfate, nitrogen fertilizers and sulfur will drive up the cost of production for U.S. farmers. These costs ripple throughout the agriculture community, ultimately leading to higher prices at the grocery store," said Coppock.
The Connections
When ARA members weren't in meetings on Capitol Hill, they were either sharing ideas in committee meetings or at networking events.
“I had a wonderful time at ARA’s Winter Board Meeting, held in conjunction with fly-in visits on Capitol Hill,” said ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus with Asmus Farm Supply.
“Not only did I catch up and connect with our members at ARA committee and board meetings, I was honored to stand next to them as we advocated for our industry, customers and partners. I am truly proud to be a part of such a powerful association!”
Sign up to participate in one of ARA's committees to expand your network and support conference planning, ARAPAC fundraising, member services, public policy and more.
The Next Step
The ARA Fly-In paves a path for productive, educational conversations between our industry and the decision-makers in Congress far beyond their discussions on Capitol Hill. Building trust between rural America and Washington is a crucial part of ARA’s advocacy approach. The momentum built during the ARA Fly-In will continue as ARA members invite their elected officials to tour their facility and see firsthand our industry’s commitment to safety and stewardship.
To set ag retailers and suppliers up for success, ARA has developed the Congressional Facility Visit Guide with media samples and a step-by-step process to inviting and hosting an educational visit. Last year, several ARA members hosted facility tours not only to showcase their business operations, but to establish themselves as a trusted resource for lawmakers seeking to understand the needs of rural America.
Without traveling to Washington, you can send a message to federal legislators and regulators with ARA's online advocacy tool, VoterVoice. Sign up for email alerts to be among the first to know when an issue arises that may impact your business.
“The tools ARA provides make it quick and easy for the GreenPoint Ag leadership and team members to make an impact,” said Toni Tyler with GreenPoint Ag. “A few clicks and a few seconds of their time sent a very targeted message to the U.S. Senators that represent them. Our team members are industry advocates and have a commitment to the core value of helping our customers succeed."
ARA's VoterVoice tool also has resources for voting logistics, candidate research, and legislation information specific to your location.