January 18, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 3
AFBF ADDRESSES ISSUES OF INTEREST TO GEORGIA FARMERS A number of policies of interest to Georgia farmers were adopted during the American Farm Bureau Federation 93rd annual meeting held Jan. 8-11, including policies addressing government fiscal policy, animal care standards and others. Several of Georgia Farm Bureau’s 33 policy submissions were adopted into AFBF policy and Georgia delegates spoke on a number of policy actions offered during floor discussions. GFB submitted language supporting a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget, which was adopted by AFBF delegates. GFB 1st Vice President Gerald Long offered an amendment calling for an increase in bonding requirements for livestock buyers to protect producers. The amendment passed. California Farm Bureau offered an amendment to AFBF policy to allow the federal government to regulate cages for egg-laying hens. GFB President Zippy Duvall spoke in opposition to the amendment, which was voted down. During discussion on U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements, Texas Farm Bureau offered an amendment to make the COOL rules voluntary. The WTO issued a ruling against U.S. COOL rules in late 2011, finding that the rules are a technical barrier to trade with livestock producers in Canada and Mexico. GFB 3rd District Director George Chambers spoke in opposition of the Texas amendment, suggesting that the U.S keep a COOL program that conforms with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements. The Texas amendment was voted down. Florida Farm Bureau offered an amendment calling for a milk supply management program that accounts for regional differences in milk supply and demand. GFB 2nd District Director Randy Ruff spoke in favor of the amendment, and the delegates passed it. The floor discussions included a recommendation to delete language in support of a government indemnification program to address situations where erroneous government reports result in agricultural enterprises suffering financial losses. Duvall petitioned to have the indemnification language reinstated to AFBF policy and delegates agreed. Regarding the 2012 farm bill, GFB submitted language to support the preservation of direct payments as part of a government safety net program. GFB’s proposed language was deleted in committee. During floor debate, GFB 9th District Director Lucius Adkins defended direct payments and moved for a resolution to reinstate the direct payment language, but his motion failed by a voice vote.