How to Host a Congressional Facility Visit with Lawmakers

Aug 12 2024

While some lawmakers already know the value that trusted advisers bring to American farmers and ranchers, others have little or no knowledge about the ag retail industry. In fact, many on Capitol Hill have never stepped foot onto an ag retail facility.

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and its member network are working to close that gap between Washington and rural America. By inviting lawmakers to tour facilities in their districts, ARA members are educating and building productive relationships with those making decisions from Washington that directly impact their business and its bottom line.

ARA Members in Action

Several ARA members have already accepted ARA’s challenge to invite their elected officials in to tour their ag retail facility and learn more about the top priorities of ag retailers.

U.S. Representative Ben Cline recently toured an EverGRO FS facility, which is part of the GROWMARK network, in Front Royal, Virginia, to learn about the products and services they provide to local farmers and residents. Representing Virginia’s 6th district, Rep. Cline engaged with team members in agronomy, energy and the farm store divisions, gaining insights along the way into the company’s vital operations and community contributions.

EverGROW FS team members educated Cline on their stance on important issues such as consumer energy choice, pesticide licensing appropriations, workforce challenges, and critical farm bill programs. ARA’s Richard Gupton from the policy team attended the facility tour as an additional resource for Rep. Cline and the facility team.

The Value

During congressional facility visits, both the lawmakers and the hosting company benefit. Ag retailers showcase how their business supports farmers seeking to improve their yield and boost climate-smart agricultural practices while keeping their team and community safe by adhering to rigorous safety standards. In return, lawmakers see first-hand the ag retailer’s role in the food supply chain and how it supports its community by offering fulfilling careers in their home districts.

Congressional facility visits leave a lasting impression on lawmakers as they return to Washington to debate and vote on policies that impact the agricultural industry. Once the relationship is established, the lawmaker may call on the ag retailer as a resource in the future when it comes to policies that relate to issues of importance to our industry such as farm bill, truck transportation, reliable rail service, modern ag technologies, and more.

The Time to Act is Now

During October, members of Congress return to their districts to hear from their constituents; therefore, now is the time to start planning to host your elected official for a tour of your facility.

ARA knows how busy ag retailers are, especially during harvest, so our team created a step-by-step Facility Visit Guide with best practices and media samples to empower our industry to take an active role communicating our needs and influencing policy outcomes.

Use this new ARA member resource to set your team up for a successful tour with your elected officials.

Unlock ARA's Guide

You can download a one-pager of quick tips pulled from the Guide to get started. Only ARA members have access to the full Guide.

QUICK TIPS

ARA member instructions for access:

Log in to the ARA Member Resource Library.
Under "Advocacy Resources" click on "Congressional Facility Visit Guide" to view the links to open and save the new guide to your computer.

MEMBER LOGIN

We know that getting members of Congress to see our work firsthand impacts their work on Capitol Hill to ensure the voice of the ag retailer is heard loud and clear.

Email info@aradc.org if you need login support.

Not a member? Join today!

Only ARA members get full access to the Member Resource Library and the vast array of other member benefits designed to make your work easier. If you aren't already, join ARA as a member to unlock access to resources related to pandemic response, natural disaster preparation, and policy issues that may impact your business.

Click the button below to submit an online application or contact ARA's Donnie Taylor at dtaylor@aradc.org or 202-595-1725.

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More ARA Members in Action

Landus Hosts Rep. Feenstra, Sen. Ernst

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, visited the Landus facility in Ida Grove, Iowa, for a tour to learn more about this ARA member company. (top row photos below.)

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, visited the Landus facility in Rake, Iowa, as part of her 99 County Tour to discuss issues impacting ag retailers and farmer customers such as labor challenges, rail operations, and more. (lower row photos below.)