An understanding of regulatory actions, legislative policies and legal issues are key to strengthening agricultural awareness and perspectives on state and national issues. Participating on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Issues Advisory Committees allows Texas farmers and ranchers to provide their expertise on various agricultural topics.

Members of the Issues Advisory Committee—which consists of 10 subcommittees each focused on a specific, high-profile agricultural topic—identify issues and discuss actions and possible solutions.

The Issues Advisory Committees met Feb. 15-16 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.

Those members, who were appointed by AFBF President Zippy Duvall, include seven leaders from Texas.

Bruce Frasier, a Dimmit County farmer, serves on the Agricultural Labor Committee, which covers guestworker programs, OSHA regulations, health care and employment taxes.

As member of the Animal Care Committee, Jared Ranly of Falls County discusses standards in animal health, antibiotic use, processing, government programs and the commerce clause.

Brett Rosser of Randall County represents Texas on the Budget and Economy Committee. This committee focuses on the tax code, tax reform, federal budget process, appropriations, the balanced budget amendment and estate taxes.

TFB District 6 State Director Warren Cude serves on the Energy Committee. Members of this committee concentrate on the Renewable Fuel Standard, fracking, pipelines, Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, renewable energy sources and carbon regulations.

The Environmental Regulations Committee covers issues pertaining to the Endangered Species Act, climate change, the Clean Air Act, inspections at ports, invasive species, flood control and wildlife and farming interface. Hidalgo County member Isaac Sulemana represents Texas on this committee.

Jerry Moody, a Titus County farmer, represents Texas on the Market Structures committee. Members of this committee discuss checkoff programs, credit markets, retail production standards, commodity markets, futures and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act.

As a member of the Technology Committee, Philip Mundine of Brazos County discusses data privacy and control, unmanned aircraft systems, biotechnology, other new breeding techniques and robotics.

Other state Farm Bureau representatives will serve on the Farm Policy, Federal Lands and Organics, Food Safety and Direct Marketing committees.

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.

“Texas farmers and ranchers with knowledge and expertise on various topics are able to work with Farm Bureau leaders from other states to help the national organization better understand how each issue will impact agriculture,” Jay Bragg, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.

Committee members may testify at congressional hearings and communicate with the media.

They will also participate in conference calls and webinars throughout the year to help Farm Bureau staff develop testimonies and write comments on proposed federal regulations.