An Open Letter from the Director of Government Relations

Hello, RMFU Members!

Tyler Garrett here, Director of Government Relations for Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. This is the first of many letters I write to you to chat briefly about my experience representing you and the interests of family farmers and ranchers in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

While in future iterations of these letters, I will primarily focus on what I’ve been up to since the last letter, I wanted to start this one with a huge thank you to all of you.

Thank you all for being so supportive of me during our efforts to improve the lives of family farmers and ranchers throughout the legislative process. We would not have been as successful in this session if it were not for you. There are so many of you who joined me at the Capitol to testify, took calls from me to answer my questions about a topic I needed more information on, participated in events either in-person or remotely and asked great questions or provided insightful feedback, and showed up in so many other ways to help make my first legislative session such a success. For all of that, I want to say a huge THANK YOU!

Since the session has ended, we have continued to celebrate some of our major wins this session—particularly being the first state in the nation to enact Right to Repair legislation. We have also, unfortunately, seen some defeats. I, along with many of you, was disappointed that Governor Polis chose not to stand with farmers and ranchers when he decided to veto two of the bills we fought so hard for this session—SB23-256—Management of Gray Wolves Reintroduction and SB23-273—Urban Renewal Authority. Overall, I consider this session a tremendous success with the bills we were able to get passed and because of the lessons I have learned, which I will carry forward into future sessions.

I have been asked repeatedly what I am going to do now that the session is over, and at first, I questioned that as well. In the month since our final state

wrapped up its legislative session for the year, I have stayed even busier than I could have imagined, and I have loved every minute of it! I have been able to attend a couple of bill signings, including one for HB23-1008—Food Accessibility and SB23-270—Projects to Restore Natural Stream Projects. I have also met with two of our Congresswomen. I was part of a small group that met with Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-7) to discuss our priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill, and I attended Rep. Yadira Caraveo’s office opening in Northglenn. I also had the great opportunity of meeting with the future of agriculture in our region when I judged the prepared speech competition at the Colorado FFA State Convention. Finally, I have been excited to be able to connect with more of you during this time at chapter meetings and various other events.

I look forward to the coming months when I can continue to connect with you all more and meet with legislators to start planning what we will do for you in the 2024 legislative session. If we are at an event together, please come by and say hey. I’d love to hear from you about what you would like to see done in the future and how we can collaborate to make whatever we pursue a success.

Again, it has been such an honor to represent you all! Until next time, stay safe, and best of luck this season!

Gratefully,
Tyler Garrett, Director of Government Relations