AFBF approves strategic action plan
Mar 23, 2020, 10:52 AM
by
Kathleen M. Dutro, INFB Marketing Team
A new strategic plan adopted by the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors identifies agricultural labor, regulatory reform, rural life and trade as priority issues for 2020.
AFBF will work on all issues covered by AFBF policy as they arise, the organization noted, but the following topics were targeted by the board for intensive advocacy planning and grassroots engagement:
- Agricultural labor – Enact legislation that helps farmers and ranchers meet their labor needs.
- Regulatory reform – Enact legislation and achieve regulatory changes to protect members’ ability to farm and ranch, including monitoring conservation compliance implementation and appeals; ensuring proper implementation of renewable energy mandates; protecting farmers’ access to modern farming technology, veterinary medications and crop protection tools; ensuring responsible policy on animal agriculture production and accurate information about the healthy consumption of meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products; and seeking partners and maintaining a non-regulatory approach to achieve climate and conservation goals.
- Rural life – Achieve policies that promote greater access to broadband in rural areas, reduce opioid addiction, address mental health challenges, promote rural resilience and help rural economies via rural entrepreneurship and Main Street-friendly tax policies.
- Trade – Achieve and expand trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture.
In addition, the board placed several issues on a “watch list” to be monitored for threats or opportunities that warrant increased action. These are dairy policy, truth in food labeling, hemp production, infrastructure, updates to the National Organic Standards, right to repair erosion damage on their property, and taxes.
