By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Leadership Conference, set for Feb. 24-25 in Austin, offers farmers and ranchers from across the state the opportunity to meet with legislators and get the latest on what’s happening in the 89th Legislative Session.

“This conference will allow us to discuss policy issues, the legislative session and hear from and meet with legislators,” Charlie Leal, TFB state legislative director, said. “This meeting is especially important because the legislative session will have just kicked off, and we can get some much-needed face time with our elected officials.”

Legislative items to be discussed during the meeting include water, energy issues, foreign ownership of agricultural land and right to farm enforcement.

The future of the state’s water supply is an important issue, Leal said.

Future water supplies are declining rapidly across the state, and the growing population will only require more water. Legislation that tackles the funding for water will be covered during the conference.

The loss of agricultural land is a concern as energy projects continue to crop up. Speakers will highlight programs and legislation that aim to save productive farm and ranch lands.

Foreign ownership of agricultural land and private property rights are two major topics that have been discussed by members and lawmakers. TFB staff and legislators will cover foreign ownership bills and their impact on private property rights.

Historic protections from city regulatory overreach for farmers and ranchers were passed last legislative session. Both state law and the Texas Constitution now protect the right to farm and ranch. But some cities are not recognizing the new laws, and legislation could be introduced to help farmers and ranchers cover their legal expenses if legal action against cities is necessary.

“These are just a few of the topics we’ll cover during the conference and this upcoming legislative session,” Leal said. “We hope to see many Farm Bureau members in attendance and visiting with their elected officials.”

Registration for the conference will begin Monday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m. The opening general session will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m., followed by a group dinner.

On Feb. 25, a morning session will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. After a group luncheon, buses will depart for the Capitol so members can visit with legislators.

A tentative agenda will be available online at texasfarmbureau.org in January.

Contact Betsy Simon at bsimon@txfb.org with questions about hotel reservations.