[6] In the early 1900's, they campaigned for a parcel post system, direct election of senators, and voting rights for women.

[citation needed] In 1949, the NFU attempted to help pass the Brannan Plan, which would provide subsidies to farmers, especially those with smaller-than-average operations.

[citation needed] During the 1970s, NFU took part in developing rural health systems and was also included in the World Hunger Action Council.

[citation needed] In 1982, NFU participated in reallocating a portion of the military budget to humanitarian food aid using commodity surpluses from the US.

In 1908, the Pleasant Valley Union in Rooks County, Kansas, elected Amanda Bates as the first-known woman chapter president, more than a decade before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote.

[15] NFU supports the creation and maintenance of a system of waterways, railways, and roads that ensure the flow of products to the market.”[16] The organization also supports the continued expansion of telecom utilities into rural areas, as well as adequate health care, including increased funding for emergency response personnel and greater access to prescription drugs.

[17] NFU has opposed the privatization of Social Security, citing the aging population and slow economic growth of rural America.

COOL was first passed in 2002 and revised in 2008, and mandates that muscle cuts of meat and some vegetables, nuts, and fruits sold at retail must contain a label informing consumers about the country where the product was sourced.

During the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama received a perfect 100 percent rating, based on his support of the 2008 Farm Bill and a renewable fuel standard.

The organization gave John McCain a grade of zero percent, partly because he favored reducing subsidies for ethanol and food products.

The NFU typically supports liberal policies, such as increased government and environmental regulation, anti-trust activities, and social safety net programs.