January 19, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 3
AFBF ADDRESSES ISSUES OF INTEREST TO GEORGIA FARMERS Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting last week adopted policy addressing the proposed GIPSA rules, the 2012 farm bill, EPA oversight, country of origin labeling and other issues affecting Georgia farmers. AFBF delegates agreed that the new farm bill should maintain a safety net that consists of direct payments, a countercyclical and marketing loan program and crop insurance. Some Southern states attempted to offer direction for budget reconciliation, but the delegates decided against it. In discussion of the proposed rules for the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), the delegates embraced tournament-style production contracts and adopted policy to support opportunities for producers to participate in programs that pay additional compensation for premium products (for example, Certified Angus Beef). Delegates did not agree with a GIPSA proposal to prohibit livestock buyers from making purchases for more than one packer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering submitted comments on the proposed GIPSA rules. The delegates were in strong agreement that oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is needed, adopting a statement that “congressional action is necessary to restore common sense to environmental regulation of our farms.” In particular, the resolution asked lawmakers to consider legislation to halt the EPA’s regulation of greenhouse gases. New dairy policy was adopted to allow for the consideration of a temporary supply management program, but delegates maintained AFBF’s opposition to a mandatory milk production quota system. The AFBF resolutions committee recommended new language giving implied support of federal legislation that would legalize the sale of unpasteurized milk for human consumption. The state of Georgia does not allow such sales and GFB supports the state’s position. GFB North Georgia Vice President Bernard Sims moved to strike the language and the delegates agreed. The resolutions committee also recommended striking language of support for federal funding to implement country of origin labeling (COOL) regulations, but GFB 3rd District Director George Chambers moved that the language be retained and his motion carried. GFB 9th District Director Lucius Adkins offered an amendment to clarify AFBF’s support of crop insurance products for all farmers, adding livestock and poultry producers. The delegates adopted the amendment.