09.09.14

Hoeven Receives Farmers Union's Golden Triangle Award

Senator Recognized for His Work on Behalf of Family Farmers, Rural America

WASHINGTON – At a meeting with the National Farmers Union (NFU) today, Senator John Hoeven was awarded the organization’s highest legislative honor, the Golden Triangle, in recognition of the senator’s leadership on issues affecting family farmers and rural America.

“Not only do our farmers, ranchers and agriculture workers provide our nation the highest quality, least expensive food supply in the world, but they are also a cornerstone of North Dakota’s economy,” Hoeven said. “It has been an honor to work on their behalf, and I continue working to make sure they have access to the support and tools they need to continue their vital work.”

During the meeting, Senator Hoeven discussed his efforts to ensure that the farm bill is implemented effectively and efficiently. Last month, Hoeven hosted United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse at a farm bill roundtable with state and local officials and agriculture groups. The senator invited Scuse to North Dakota to meet with North Dakota farmers and ranchers in order to help keep them included in the farm bill implementation process and informed about farm bill resources, like a new safety net decision aid tool developed by North Dakota State University (NDSU).

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU’s symbol – a triangle with “legislation” and “cooperation” forming the sides and “education” the base. The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented to legislators since 1988. This is the third time Hoeven has received the Golden Triangle award.

Senator Hoeven served on the Senate-House Conference Committee that negotiated the final version of the new five-year farm bill and is a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees.