News Release

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passage is Bipartisan Success

Nov 06, 2021

Today the ARA applauds the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement.

ARA Board Chairman Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee on Supply Chain Issues

Nov 03, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee held a hearing on “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply Chain.” Rod Wells, chief supply chain officer for GROWMARK, Inc., and Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) board chairman, was selected to testify on the panel.

4,000th ResponsibleAg Audit Completed at Rutherford Farmers Cooperative in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Sep 27, 2021

ResponsibleAg, a voluntary and industry-led safety and stewardship initiative, reached another major milestone when the 4,000th facility audit was completed at Rutherford Farmers Cooperative in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a Tennessee Farmers Cooperative-affiliated facility. Launched in 2014 as a joint venture of TFI and ARA, ResponsibleAg provides an audit and certification program to help participating locations ensure they comply with pertinent regulations from OSHA, DOT, EPA and DHS to keep employees, customers and communities safe.

Red Commercial semi truck driving down a rural paved road

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passage in Senate is Step in the Right Direction

Aug 10, 2021

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

ARA Announces Staff Promotions

Jun 28, 2021

ARA announced today several promotions effective July 1, 2021, to recognize the ongoing efforts of several staff members. Many ARA staff roles have adjusted and expanded in the last few years as the association met challenges from industry issues and member consolidation, changed work environments due to COVID-19, and the move to a new physical office.

Photo of U.S. Capitol with trees at the bottom of the photo

ARA Applauds Senate Passage of Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021

Jun 24, 2021

ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock released a statement following the passage by the U.S. Senate of S.1251, the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021, in a vote of 92-8. The bill would help boost ag carbon markets by creating a certification process at USDA.

ARA Submits Comments on Behalf of Ag Retailers

Jun 22, 2021

ARA recently submitted comments in response to the request for information on Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food Products (docket number AMS-TM-21-0034). This comment period was in direct response to Executive Order 14017, “America's Supply Chains,” which focused on the need for resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains to ensure U.S. economic prosperity and national security.

Blue Semi Truck hauling a load down a road

ARA Encouraged by Progress on Seasonal Ag CDL Reform

Jun 16, 2021

Today the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a mark-up on S. 2016, the Surface Transportation Investment Act. ARA has been working closely with Senator Moran, R-Kan., Senator Thune, R-S.D., and allies on Capitol Hill to encourage reform to the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, more commonly referred to as the Seasonal Ag CDL program ahead of this mark-up. Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Counsel Richard Gupton issued the following statement.

ARA Encourages EPA, Department of the Army to Continue to Rely on Science and Common Sense in any WOTUS Changes

Jun 09, 2021

ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock issued a statement in response to the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army (the agencies) on their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 Passes Committee, ARA Urges Swift Passage in Full Senate

Apr 22, 2021

Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry voted unanimously in support of S. 1251, Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021. ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement.