Fax: 402-476-8859, Cell: 402-580-8815

john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2007

“Eat Fresh, Buy Local” is Nebraska Farmers Union 2007 Youth Camp Theme

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska Farmers Union announced that the theme for this year’s summer youth camp is “Eat Fresh, Buy Local.” The NEFU sponsored summer youth camp is for children ages 8 to 16, and will once again be held in Halsey, Nebraska at the State 4-H Camp, August 5-8^th.

NEFU state president, John Hansen, who also serves as the Head Counselor for camp, said the “Eat Fresh, Buy Local” theme is one that many other state Farmers Union organizations around the country will be using for their youth camps this year. “The education directors from the Farmers Union states have worked together to develop a common curriculum and theme this year. Given the dramatic increase in farmer to consumer direct marketing, the theme is particularly appropriate.” Hansen said the curriculum and theme will explore the many reasons why farmer to consumer direct marketing continues to grow.

Hansen said, “Taste and freshness have a lot to do with the growth of direct marketing, but more and more consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it was grown, and who grew it, especially with the recent importation of contaminated pet food components from China. For some consumers, they are also worried about the environment, including the energy used to transport most food over one thousand miles before it is consumed. Family farmers are finding that consumers are also willing to pay more for locally grown food that is wholesome, higher quality, and fresh,” Hansen said.

The Nebraska Farmers Union sponsored youth camp is an organizational tradition dating back to 1913, when NEFU was first organized. The camp is open to the public, and membership in NEFU is not required. Children from all over Nebraska attend camp, including Omaha, Lincoln, small towns, and farms. The cost of camp is $110. Campers learn about the importance of agriculture, the basics of cooperation, teamwork, civic responsibilities, soil and water conservation, and will participate in many varied recreational activities.

The youth camp receives baseline financial support from CHS Foundation for operation of the camp. The Nebraska Humanities Council provides support for “Music From Around The World” with Dave Marsh. The Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation provides scholarships to campers who need financial assistance, and also fund a bus that runs from Beatrice to Lincoln, Grand Island, and Halsey.

For more information about camp, contact the Nebraska Farmers Union state office at (402) 476-8815, or go to their web site at: http://www.nebraskafarmersunion.org/, look under calendar, and click on youth camp for enrollment forms.

Nebraska Farmers Union is the state’s second largest and oldest general farm organization representing over 4,500 farm and ranch families and the rural communities they live in. The mission of Nebraska Farmers Union is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, and the rural communities they live in.

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