By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Continuing to advocate for farm safety net programs, disaster assistance, stronger border security and beneficial free trade agreements top the list of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) national legislative priorities for 2024.

“The decisions that are made on Capitol Hill have a direct impact on Texas farmers and ranchers,” Laramie Adams, TFB associate director of Government Affairs, said.

The TFB state board of directors names priority issues for the upcoming congressional session after organizational policy is set by voting delegates from across the state during the TFB annual meeting.

Priority issues identified include the farm bill, disaster assistance, border security, trade, ag labor, 1944 Water Treaty, rural connectivity, livestock/crop protection and regulatory reform.

“Issues important at the county level make their way through our policy development process,” Adams said. “They are voted on during the annual meeting, and the board of directors determine the top priorities for legislative action based on member feedback and organizational policy.”

Farm bill
The farm bill, which was last passed in 2018, was granted a one-year extension in November, but Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to work quickly to reach an agreement on a new bill.

“Farmers and ranchers need a new, modernized farm bill that takes into account the many changes and challenges that have occurred over the past five years since the last bill was passed,” Adams said. “The farm bill needs to reflect today’s realities—such as inflation and supply chain challenges—and needs to strengthen crop insurance.”

The farm bill addresses farm program payments, food policy, conservation initiatives, rural development and more.

Adams noted TFB will continue to stay engaged with the Texas congressional delegation and members of the agriculture committees of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

Disaster assistance
Texas farmers and ranchers have experienced extreme weather events over the past several years, leading to devastating crop and livestock losses.

“Disaster assistance is in place to help farmers continue operating during tough times,” Adams said. “But sometimes these programs are not delivered in a timely, equitable and efficient manner. Farm Bureau has made it a priority to work with lawmakers and federal agencies on establishing methodology that is fair, accurate and timely.”

1944 Water Treaty
The current water scarcity and ongoing drought conditions in South Texas are causing major issues for farmers and ranchers.

The U.S. and Mexico established an agreement in 1944 that requires Mexico to provide the U.S. with an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year over a five-year period. Mexico, however, has repeatedly waited until the end of the five-year cycle to fulfill its water contribution.

“Farm Bureau is working toward solutions to force Mexico to abide by the 1944 Water Treaty and ensure annual delivery of water to the U.S.,” Adams said. “Farmers in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley need the water to grow their crops. The lack of water will lead to smaller crops and could lead to increased food costs for consumers.”

Member involvement
TFB staff will work to implement the legislative priorities at the national level, but Adams noted members’ stories and testimonials are essential.

“It’s important that farmers and ranchers remain engaged with their lawmakers,” he said. “The most effective communication is from our members themselves. They’re able to tell their story and relate how an issue has impacted them personally, and that’s powerful.”

A National Affairs Awards Trip is also planned for April to allow county Farm Bureau leaders and members to meet with lawmakers.

VoterVoice, a feature available at texasfarmbureau.org/advocacy/voter-voice, makes it easy to stay in touch with elected officials.

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