3 minute read
PAC Progress
[SNAP] (formerly known as food stamps) as well as a variety of smaller nutrition programs to help low-income Americans afford food for their families. Title 5: Credit. The Credit title covers federal loan programs designed to help farmers access the financial credit (via direct loans as well as loan guarantees and other tools) they need to grow and sustain their farming operations. This is where Farm Credit gains its authority.
Title 6: Rural Development.
The Rural Development title covers programs that help foster rural economic growth through rural business and community development (including farm businesses) as well as rural housing, and infrastructure.
Title 7: Research, Extension,
and Related Matters. The Research title covers farm and food research, education, and extension programs designed to support innovation, from federal labs and state universityaffiliated research to vital training for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Title 8: Forestry. The Forestry title covers forest-specific conservation programs that help farmers and rural communities to be stewards of forest resources.
Title 9: Energy. The Energy title covers programs that encourage growing and processing crops for biofuel; help farmers, ranchers and business owners install renewable energy systems; and support research related to energy.
Title 10: Horticulture.
The Horticulture title covers farmers market and local food programs, funding for research and infrastructure for fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops, and organic farming and certification programs. Title 11: Crop Insurance. The Crop Insurance title provides premium subsidies to farmers and subsidies to the private crop insurance companies who provide federal crop insurance to farmers to protect against losses in yield, crop revenue, or whole farm revenue. The title also provides USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) with the authority to research, develop, and modify insurance policies.
Title 12: Miscellaneous.
The Miscellaneous title is a bit of a catch-all. The current title brings together six advocacy and outreach areas, including beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers, agricultural labor safety and workforce development, and livestock health. Beware as Congress starts their engines on this massive project, and stay tuned in for thinking, talking, and taking action. ■
PAC Progress:
The 2022 MI GreenStone PAC Contribution Campaign was record setting with almost $34,000 being contributed by more than 460 Michigan GreenStone customers. This is another strong representation of the support members have for the MI GreenStone PAC. Your board of directors and management team are diligently evaluating legislative leaders and will be sharing the importance of rural communities, agriculture, and the Farm Credit System with elected officials. The WI Farm Credit PAC Contribution Campaign received over $2,000 from Wisconsin GreenStone customers. The WI Farm Credit PAC funds will also be disbursed by your Directors and management team in coordination after a similar evaluation process. The AgriBank District 2022 Farm Credit PAC drive competition brought in almost $295,000 in contributions from Farm Credit employees and association directors. These funds are used to support federally elected officials. A portion of the Farm Credit PAC funds will be allocated to the GreenStone territory and your directors and management team will assist in the delivery and communication of the Farm Credit message. As the debate over policies critical to rural communities and agriculture heats up, we are well positioned to carry the messages of Farm Credit and our customers. In fact, the work has already begun with Ag Day in Michigan and Wisconsin. Overall, our success will be determined by the strength of the relationships we have with elected officials, and that is why your support of the PACs is so important. Thank you for being a champion of our communities and the agricultural industry! ■
