heitkamp2From Senator Heitkamp’s Office

WASHINGTON, D.C Aug 8, 2013 – The National Farmers Union (NFU) today announced that U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp will receive a 2013 Golden Triangle Award for her hard fought efforts to stand up for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. The award is presented to Members of Congress who show exceptional leadership on issues affecting farmers and rural America.

“I came to the Senate intent on fighting for North Dakota’s farmers, and I’m honored to be recognized for the work I’ve done so far on behalf of North Dakota’s producers and rural communities,” said Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Agriculture is one of the highest priorities in North Dakota, which makes it one of my highest priorities as well.”

“Recipients of the Golden Triangle Award have been strong advocates for family farmers and ranchers, and support similar principles and policies as Farmers Union,” said former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner and NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased to honor those who have proven to be true allies of our organization and our members across the country.”

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Heitkamp has been a relentless advocate for North Dakota’s producers. The Golden Triangle Award has been awarded to Heitkamp in part due to the leadership role she played in helping to draft a Farm Bill that meets the specific needs of North Dakota producers. The legislation, which passed through the Senate with strong bipartisan support, reduces the federal deficit by more than $23 billion while making critical investments in the farm safety net, rural economic development, renewable energy, agriculture research and water retention. Additionally, Heitkamp has pressed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that all eligible farmers benefit from prevented plant crop insurance coverage, a critically important policy for North Dakota farmers experiencing losses from this year’s wet planting season.

The NFU is a national organization representing farmers and ranchers in all states. It works to strengthen quality of life and economic opportunity for rural communities throughout America.