Policy Articles
Grassroots Policy Development
Published January 10, 2022
NDFB President Daryl Lies says policy development is the highlight of the American Farm Bureau convention. "This is the granddaddy of the grassroots policy development process," said Lies. "It starts with an idea with a member at the county level…“Working Out Details” Shipping Fresh Potatoes to Mexico
Published January 10, 2022
In 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court allowed market access for the U.S. fresh potato industry beyond the border areas. For the last seven months, Bryant Christie Incorporated Vice President of Global Access Matt Lantz and other potato industry professionals have been…Potato Industry Leadership Institute Planned for February
Published January 8, 2022
Ahead of the upcoming Washington Summit, the Potato Industry Leadership Institute will take place in California. National Potato Council Chief Operating Officer Mike Wenkel says the 10 day program will cover key ag issues for the potato industry’s next generation…EU Suspends Tariff on U.S. Dry Edible Beans
Published January 7, 2022
As expected, the European Union has suspended the 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. dry bean imports for one year while the two sides work toward a permanent solution. These tariffs have been in place since 2018 in a trade…Climate May Play a Bigger Role in New Farm Bill
Published January 7, 2022
Agriculture is starting to think about a new farm bill. The current legislation expires in 2023. The Russell Group President Randy Russell anticipates an evolutionary farm bill, with the exception of climate. Climate is expected to be front-and-center, with a…National Potato Council Prepares for Washington Summit
Published January 7, 2022
Now that the Potato Expo is over, the National Potato Council shifts their focus to an annual meeting at the end of February. NPC's annual meeting is typically held at the end of the Potato Expo, but that changed this…Proposition 12 Takes Effect Over the Weekend.
Published January 7, 2022
The law sets minimum space requirements for farm animals and prohibits the sale of meat from animals in housing that don’t meet its specifications. It’s expected to have major impacts on the pork industry and could affect prices. A petition…Frustration Seen Over AFBF Rules Committee Decision
Published January 7, 2022
Policy development is at the heart of the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting, but there is some consternation over possible changes for the delegate session. "Depending on the report from the rules committee is received by the delegates once…SBA Takes Input on Navigable Waters Rule
Published January 7, 2022
The American Farm Bureau Federation was represented in a Small Business Administration listening session about the proposal to repeal and replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. AFBF Senior Congressional Relations Director Courtney Briggs said it is important that agriculture’s side…