Legislative, regulatory and legal representation are keys for strengthening agricultural awareness and perspectives on state and national issues. Participating on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Issues Advisory Committee allows Texas farmers and ranchers to do just that.
“Our members hold knowledge that they have learned through their experience in production and management that is vital to this process at the national level,” Regan Beck, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) director of Government Affairs, said.
Members of the Issues Advisory Committee—which consists of 13 subcommittees each focused on a specific, high-profile agricultural topic—identify issues and discuss actions and possible solutions.
The Issues Advisory Committee met March 8-9 in Washington, D.C.
Each committee consists of Farm Bureau members with knowledge and direct involvement on particular issues of importance to U.S. farmers and ranchers, Beck noted.
Those members, who were appointed by AFBF President Zippy Duvall, include 10 leaders from Texas.
As a member of the Agricultural Labor Committee, TFB Vice President and District 5 State Director Mark Chamblee covers issues of guest worker programs, employment taxes, health care and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
Jay Johnson, a Swisher County rancher, serves on the Animal Care Committee, which focuses on issues of standards in animal care and health, antibiotic use, processing and the commerce clause.
TFB District 8 State Director Neil Walter represents Texas on the Budget and Economy Committee, tackling issues like tax reforms and codes, appropriations, estate taxes, the federal budget process and the Balanced Budget Amendment.
TFB District 6 State Director Val Stephens is a member of the Energy Committee, which concentrates on the Renewable Fuel Standard, fracking, pipelines, carbon regulations, Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and renewable energy sources.
The Environmental Regulations Committee covers issues pertaining to the Endangered Species Act, climate change, the Clean Air Act and wildlife and farming interface. Williamson County farmer Bob Avant represents Texas on this committee.
As a member of the Food Safety Committee, Lubbock County farmer Bernie Thiel discusses certification standards, labeling, food safety education, the Food Safety Modernization Act and federal food safety programs.
TFB District 1 State Director Pat McDowell serves on the Market Structures Committee, which covers marketing and bargaining, checkoff programs, credit markets, commodity markets and futures, retail production standards and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
The Pest and Invasive Species Committee covers issues related to quarantines, inspections at ports, research needs for invasive species control, pesticide restriction and exemptions and control and remediation. TFB Secretary-Treasurer and District 13 State Director Scott Frazier serves on the committee.
Dewey Hukill, a Lamb County farmer and former TFB state director, represents Texas on the Technology Committee. This committee focuses on data privacy and control, unmanned aircraft systems, biotechnology, other new breeding techniques and robotics.
Bob Reed, Matagorda County farmer and former TFB state director, sits on the Water Committee. He studies the Clean Water Act, along with national and regional water storage programs, flood control and Army Corps of Engineers water-related efforts.
Outcomes of the committees’ deliberations include advice and counsel to the AFBF board of directors on policy-related actions AFBF might be advised to take recommendations for state Farm Bureau policy development and policy recommendations to the AFBF Resolutions Committee.
“These committees serve as a resource and advise AFBF’s board of directors based on their specific expertise,” Beck said. “Working together with representatives from other states allows our Texas farmers and ranchers to help the national leadership better understand how each issue will affect producers in the various states.”
Committee members may also be asked to testify at congressional hearings with lawmakers and communicate with the media.
Each member will also participate in additional conference calls and webinars throughout the year to he