Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention this month adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2022. Key topics ranged from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture. 

“Delegates from all 50 state Farm Bureaus and Puerto Rico came together today to demonstrate the power of grassroots leadership,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The policies set forth will guide Farm Bureau in its mission to advocate for farmers and ranchers and build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our entire nation and world.”

Arizona’s delegates, Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse and First Vice President John Boelts, represented Arizona well during the policy session.

“As the agriculture industry continues to face challenges, Farm Bureau will be there to assist our members in tackling those challenges,” explains Smallhouse. “We continue to be involved in lobbying on the county, state and national issues. We will be there to discuss issues of profitability, property rights, labor, water, trade, farm policy, tax issues, environmental issues and much more.”

Long-standing frustration over imbalances in the meat industry led to calls for greater transparency in livestock markets.

As farmers’ labor struggles continue, delegates approved additional policies that build on existing AFBF policies regarding the need for employee stabilization and reforms to the guestworker program. 

Delegates voted to bring more transparency to the federal milk pricing system. Several changes to policy include support for a more consistent format for milk checks and a review and audit of the producer price differential on milk. Delegates also called for USDA to publish resources that show how each Federal Milk Marketing Order operates and differs by region.

Delegates updated policy on biofuels to include renewable diesel. The addition recognizes the innovation and potential that sustainable biofuels play in providing environmental benefits while creating opportunities for America’s farmers.

As farmers and ranchers continue to increase their reliance on digital technologies, delegates voted to support raising the standard for federal broadband projects to be at least 100 Mbps for both uploads and downloads.

Recognizing the growth of urban agriculture and the importance of ensuring the success of all forms of agriculture, delegates voted to create new policy to support its continuation and acknowledge its economic contributions.

 

AFBF thanks the more than 50 speakers and more than 4,000 registered attendees who helped make the 2022 Convention such a success. Registered attendees may view selected workshops and sessions on-demand on the convention website for the next 90 days. 

 

Planning for the American Farm Bureau’s 2023 Convention has already begun. Mark your calendar to meet us Jan. 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico