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- The Ag Agenda: Speak up for Agriculture
- By Bob Stallman
American Farm Bureau Federation
- Agricultural advocacy is our most important chore. It is not a luxury. It is not something we do “if we have the time.” We must make the time, as if we were changing oil or mucking out a calf stall. It may not be fun but the work has to be done. The forward to our AFBF policy book spells it out - individuals have a moral responsibility to help preserve freedom for future generations by participating in public affairs. People have the right and the responsibility to speak for themselves. As active, involved Farm Bureau volunteers, we recognize the necessity and accept the obligation to stand up and speak out for agriculture.
Over the years, we have seen many and heard even more who want to speak for farmers. They come from diverse walks of life, far from the agricultural path, yet they profess to know our occupation better than we do and are eager to cram their pet philosophies on all who disagree.
Too many in Congress do not understand modern farming’s needs and were tempted by schemes that would have reduced our efficiency, productivity and profitability, in the process weakening national well-being.
Farm Bureau represents our interests well in Congress, in the courts and with the administration and its regulatory agencies. But no one presents our interests better than you do. Last August, AFBF had a special push for members to communicate with their members of Congress, to promote selected issues. As a result of your efforts, we secured farm-produced renewable fuels a place in the nation’s energy security plans and we succeeded in obtaining Trade Promotion Authority for the president so U.S. negotiators can participate in trade discussions and open new markets for our exports.
Keep up the good work. Stay informed and involved, working through your county, state and American Farm Bureaus to speak up for agriculture. If you don’t, others will.
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