AFBF Board sets 2013 action plan

Following the delegate session of the American Farm Bureau Federation's 94th Annual Meeting in Nashville, the AFBF board of directors established priorities for AFBF's 2013 strategic action plan. Aggressively working to secure passage of legislation early in the year that addresses both long- and short-term agricultural labor needs is a priority for AFBF.

A recent Farm Bureau economic analysis concluded that $5-$9 billion in annual production is in jeopardy if the employee shortage cannot be filled.

Passage of the Water Resources Development Act and reform of the harbor maintenance trust fund and the inland waterways trust fund is another priority for AFBF.

Another important priority is working to secure passage of a new farm bill that meets core principles important to farmers and ranchers.

This includes a farm income safety net and crop insurance products to provide risk management tools that help protect farmers from catastrophes, including programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and specialty crops producers not covered by farm programs or federal crop insurance.

The board also directed AFBF to defend standards and incentives necessary to further develop the U.S. renewable fuels industry; oppose Environmental Protection Agency efforts to expand the scope of navigable waters subject to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act; oppose expansion of federal Clean Water Act permit requirements for poultry and livestock farmers and ranchers; protect farmers' and ranchers' tax interests in debates on fiscal policy and tax reform; and protect farmers' and ranchers' interests in development of Food and Drug Administration food safety regulations.