Twenty five GROWMARK FS general managers, board presidents, young farmer customers, and board and staff members were able to meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan earlier this week at his office in the Capitol. Speaker Ryan outlined seven points of his agenda for next year, and attendees were able to discuss several issues important to the System, including GMO labeling.

“The meeting with Speaker Ryan was a great opportunity for our group to verify what I’ve known for a long time – that the Speaker is a friend to virtually all of our issues as an agricultural cooperative,” said GROWMARK and Conserv FS board member Kevin Malchine. “Every time I speak with him, I come away impressed.”

“It’s really valuable to meet someone like Speaker Ryan in person because you get to know them as an individual,” said Paul Munie, a farmer from Caseyville, Illinois and St. Clair Service Company customer. “I really appreciated the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to me with the Speaker.”

The meeting occurred as the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Washington Conference was held concurrently, and GROWMARK System members were able to conduct meetings with Speaker Ryan and more than 30 Representatives and Senators from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.