1
PolicyoftheNationalFarmersUnion
Enactedbydelegatestothe115thanniversaryconvention
SanDiego,CA
March5-8,2017
NationalFarmersUnionMissionandVisionStatements
Mission–Toadvocatefortheeconomicandsocialwell-being,andqualityoflifeoffamily
farmers,ranchers,fishermenandconsumersandtheircommunitiesthrougheducation,
cooperationandlegislation.NationalFarmersUnionadvocatesforthesustainableproduction
offood,fiber,feedandfuel.
Vision–NationalFarmersUnionwillcontinuetobetherespected,influentialand
independentnationalvoiceandcoalitionleaderthatbridgesfamilyproducersandconsumers
onbehalfofavibrantandgrowinggrassrootsmembership.
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CONTENTS
Preamble....................................................................................................................................................................13
ArticleI–AgriculturalProgramsfortheFamilyFarm..........................................................................15
A. GeneralProgramProvisions................................................................................................................16
1. MeasuresofEconomicEquity........................................................................................................16
2. DirectingBenefitProtectiontoFamilyFarms.........................................................................16
3. ProvidingaSafetyNet........................................................................................................................18
4. FarmViabilityProgramsforFamilyFarms..............................................................................18
5. LocalFood&FoodSystems.............................................................................................................19
6. BeginningFarmersandRanchers(alsoseeArticleIV.A-FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
CreditPrograms)...........................................................................................................................................20
7. UrbanFarming......................................................................................................................................21
B. Dairy,Livestock,AquacultureandFishing....................................................................................22
1. DairyPolicy.............................................................................................................................................22
i. DomesticDairyPolicy.................................................................................................................22
ii. MarketOrderReform..................................................................................................................23
iii. MilkProteinConcentrate/Ultra-FilteredMilkProducts(alsoseeArticleI.D–
LabelingofCommoditiesandCommodityProducts)..................................................................24
iv. ConsumerProtection(alsoseeArticleI.D–LabelingofCommoditiesand
CommodityProducts)..............................................................................................................................25
v. RawDairy.........................................................................................................................................25
2. LivestockPolicy....................................................................................................................................26
i. AnimalWelfare...............................................................................................................................26
ii. LivestockandLivestockProductImports(alsoseeArticleIII–International
Trade,Cooperation,andtheFamilyFarm).....................................................................................27
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iii. ConsumerProtection(alsoseeArticleX.J–FoodSafetyandArticleI.D–Labeling
ofCommoditiesandCommodityProducts).....................................................................................27
iv. LivestockHealth............................................................................................................................28
v. StateAnimalIdentification........................................................................................................31
vi. NationalAnimalIdentification................................................................................................31
vii. Aquaculture,FishingandAlternativeLivestock..............................................................32
1. MarineAquaculture.................................................................................................................33
2. SustainableWorkingWaterfrontsandFisheries........................................................33
C. LabelingofCommoditiesandCommodityProducts.................................................................35
1. Country-of-OriginLabeling..............................................................................................................35
2. LabelingofFoodProducts...............................................................................................................36
3. NutritionLabeling...............................................................................................................................37
D. Commodities...............................................................................................................................................37
1. Wheat,CoarseGrains,Oilseeds,Rice,andCotton..................................................................37
2. OtherProgramCommodities(wool,mohair,honey,pulsecrops,etc.).......................38
3. Tobacco....................................................................................................................................................39
4. Peanuts.....................................................................................................................................................40
5. Sugar..........................................................................................................................................................40
6. TreeFarmsandForestry..................................................................................................................40
7. SpecialtyCrops......................................................................................................................................41
8. Honey/Pollination...............................................................................................................................42
9. Value-AddedandMinimallyProcessedFoods........................................................................43
10. Value-AddedUsesofFarmProducts....................................................................................43
E. Agri-Tourism..............................................................................................................................................43
F. RiskManagement.....................................................................................................................................43
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1. LivestockProducerAssistance......................................................................................................43
2. CropInsurance......................................................................................................................................44
3. NationalFoodLiabilityInsuranceProgram.............................................................................47
4. RiskManagementEducation..........................................................................................................47
G. FarmProgramAdministration...........................................................................................................48
1. Farmer-ElectedCommittees...........................................................................................................48
2. NaturalResourcesConservationService..................................................................................48
3. ImprovedMarketingMechanisms................................................................................................49
H. SpecialAgriculturalPoliciesandServices.....................................................................................49
1. FarmLabor.............................................................................................................................................49
2. SafetyofFarmersandFarmWorkers.........................................................................................50
3. StorableCommoditiesProducerProtection............................................................................51
i. FederalWarehouseAct...............................................................................................................51
ii. AgMerchandiserorSupplierBankruptciesandReceiverships................................52
iii. CommodityBasis...........................................................................................................................52
4. AgriculturalCensus.............................................................................................................................52
5. NationalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)......................................................................52
6. CommodityResearchandPromotionPrograms....................................................................53
7. GrainStandards....................................................................................................................................55
8. GrainInspection...................................................................................................................................56
9. USDA’sInformationMandate.........................................................................................................56
10. NationalOrganicStandards(alsoseeArticleI.D.–LabelingofCommoditiesand
CommodityProducts)...................................................................................................................................56
11. PlantBreeding................................................................................................................................57
12. PlantGeneticResources.............................................................................................................58
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ArticleII–FamilyFarmersandTechnology..............................................................................................59
A. GeneticallyModifiedOrganismsandBiotechnology................................................................59
B. AgriculturalTechnology........................................................................................................................61
C. InformationCollectionandProtection...........................................................................................61
D. UnmannedAerialVehicles(Drones)................................................................................................62
ArticleIII–AgricultureCompetitionandConcentration.....................................................................63
A. CompetitionandAntitrust....................................................................................................................63
B. LivestockMarketReform......................................................................................................................65
C. PoultryMarketReform..........................................................................................................................65
D. ProductionContracting.........................................................................................................................66
E. Profit-TakingbyManufacturersofFarmInputs.........................................................................67
ArticleIV–InternationalTrade,Cooperation,andtheFamilyFarm..............................................69
A. AgriculturalTradeNegotiations........................................................................................................69
B. TradePromotionAuthority(Fast-Track)......................................................................................72
C. FairandTransparentTradePractices............................................................................................73
D. HealthandInspectionStandardsforFoodandFiberImports.............................................73
E. ChinaTrade.................................................................................................................................................74
F. InternationalFoodAssistance............................................................................................................75
G. WorldFarmersOrganization(WFO)...............................................................................................75
H. PoliciesTowardDevelopingNations...............................................................................................76
I. FarmersandFarmYouthEducationalExchangePrograms..................................................76
ArticleV–CreditandtheFamilyFarm........................................................................................................77
A. FarmServiceAgency(FSA)CreditPrograms..............................................................................78
B. FarmCreditSystem.................................................................................................................................79
C. CooperativeFinancing...........................................................................................................................81
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ArticleVI–FarmCooperativesandtheFamilyFarm............................................................................82
A. CooperativeLaw.......................................................................................................................................82
B. RochdalePrinciples.................................................................................................................................82
C. AdditionalPrinciples..............................................................................................................................83
D. TeamworkofFarmersUnionandCooperatives.........................................................................86
E. CHS..................................................................................................................................................................86
ArticleVII–WaterandLandPolicy,ConservationandtheFamilyFarm.....................................87
A. ObjectivesofaComprehensiveLandPolicy.................................................................................87
B. ProhibitionofForeignOwnershipofFarmland,CommercialFishingPrivilegesand
Disclosure.............................................................................................................................................................88
C. LandTransfer.............................................................................................................................................88
D. PublicLands................................................................................................................................................89
E. NationalGrazingLandsCoalition......................................................................................................92
F. ForestHealth..............................................................................................................................................92
G. WaterQuantityandQuality.................................................................................................................92
1. WaterQuantityDistribution...........................................................................................................92
2. WaterQualityProtection..................................................................................................................94
3. CleanWaterAct....................................................................................................................................96
4. DroughtMonitoring............................................................................................................................97
H. AirQuality....................................................................................................................................................98
I. AnimalFeedingOperations(AFOs)..................................................................................................98
J. ConfinedAnimalFeedingOperations(CAFOs)...........................................................................98
K. PesticideRegulation.............................................................................................................................100
L. FertilizerRegulations..........................................................................................................................101
M. InvasiveSpeciesControl................................................................................................................102
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N. PrescribedBurning...............................................................................................................................103
O. LandownerRights.................................................................................................................................103
P. EminentDomain(alsoseeArticleVIII.F–IRSTaxCode1031Exchanges)....................104
Q. Zoning....................................................................................................................................................105
R. ClimateChangeandCarbonSequestration................................................................................106
S. Conservation...........................................................................................................................................107
1. LandRetirementandEasementPrograms............................................................................110
2. ConservationReserveProgram(CRP).....................................................................................110
3. NationalBufferStripInitiative....................................................................................................112
4. ConservationStewardshipProgram(CSP)............................................................................113
5. SodbusterandSwampbusterProvisions................................................................................113
6. Wetlands...............................................................................................................................................113
T. SustainableAgriculture......................................................................................................................115
U. PredatorandRodentControl...........................................................................................................115
V. EndangeredSpecies.............................................................................................................................115
W. ArmyCorpsofEngineers...............................................................................................................116
X. Nuclear,RadioactiveandToxicWaste.........................................................................................116
Y. SurfaceMining........................................................................................................................................117
ArticleVIII–EnergyandtheFamilyFarm..............................................................................................118
A. EnergyObjectives..................................................................................................................................118
B. Distribution..............................................................................................................................................119
1. PetroleumSupply.............................................................................................................................119
2. ElectricityandDeregulation........................................................................................................119
3. EconomicAssistance.......................................................................................................................121
4. PublicOwnershipofPowerMarketingAdministrationandPowerGenerators...122
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5. HydroelectricPower........................................................................................................................122
6. Pipelines................................................................................................................................................122
C. DevelopmentofRenewableEnergyandFuelsfromtheFarm..........................................123
1. Priorities...............................................................................................................................................123
2. Ethanol...................................................................................................................................................127
3. RenewableFuelStandard..............................................................................................................128
4. Biodiesel................................................................................................................................................129
5. CompressedNaturalGas................................................................................................................129
6. WindEnergy........................................................................................................................................129
7. SolarEnergy........................................................................................................................................130
8. RenewableEnergyStorage...........................................................................................................130
9. CooperativeDemonstrations.......................................................................................................130
D. EnvironmentalPrecautioninEnergyProductionandUse.................................................131
1. FuelStorageTanks...........................................................................................................................131
2. WasteProducts..................................................................................................................................131
3. HydraulicFracturingandWastewaterInjection................................................................132
E. LandownerRightsinNaturalResourcesProjectDevelopment(wind,solar,fracking,
oil,etc.)................................................................................................................................................................132
ArticleIX–EconomicRegulationandtheFamilyFarm.....................................................................135
A. FederalBudgetReform.......................................................................................................................135
B. MoneyandCreditPolicy(alsoseeArticleIV–CreditandtheFamilyFarm)................135
C. BankRegulation.....................................................................................................................................136
D. CreditUnions...........................................................................................................................................136
E. EstateandGiftTaxPolicy..................................................................................................................137
F. IRSTaxCode1031Exchanges.........................................................................................................137
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G. IncomeTaxReforms............................................................................................................................138
H. Taxation.....................................................................................................................................................138
I. TaxCredit..................................................................................................................................................139
J. CommodityFutures..............................................................................................................................140
ArticleX–RuralDevelopmentandtheFamilyFarm..........................................................................142
A. RuralCommunityDevelopment.....................................................................................................142
B. Transportation.......................................................................................................................................143
1. U.S.HighwayTrustFund...............................................................................................................144
2. TruckTransportation......................................................................................................................144
3. RailTransportation..........................................................................................................................145
i. RailService....................................................................................................................................145
ii. CertificatesofTransportation(COT).................................................................................147
iii. Safety...............................................................................................................................................148
C. PortDevelopment,ShippingPolicy...............................................................................................148
D. AirTransportation................................................................................................................................149
E. RuralUtilities..........................................................................................................................................149
1. TelephoneServices..........................................................................................................................149
2. ElectricServices.................................................................................................................................149
3. Telecommunications.......................................................................................................................150
4. RuralAccesstoTechnologyandInformation.......................................................................150
F. SmallBusinessDevelopment...........................................................................................................151
1. IndustrialDevelopmentBonds...................................................................................................151
2. SmallBusinessPolicy......................................................................................................................151
3. EnterpriseFacilitation....................................................................................................................151
ArticleXI–QualityofLifeinRuralAmerica...........................................................................................153
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A. HealthCare...............................................................................................................................................153
1. HealthCareCoverage,AccessandCare..................................................................................153
2. PrescriptionDrugs...........................................................................................................................155
3. MedicareandMedicaid..................................................................................................................155
4. Veterans’Rights.................................................................................................................................156
B. Education..................................................................................................................................................156
1. PublicResearch(alsoseeArticleVIII.J–CommodityFutures).......................................159
2. NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture............................................................................160
C. SocialSecurity.........................................................................................................................................160
D. PeoplewithDisabilities......................................................................................................................161
E. Employment:ANationalPriority...................................................................................................161
F. ImmigrationPolicy...............................................................................................................................162
G. ExpandingOpportunitiesforSeniorCitizens............................................................................163
H. FoodandNutritionPrograms..........................................................................................................164
1. AdministrationofFoodandNutritionPrograms................................................................164
2. FoodAssistancePrograms............................................................................................................165
3. ChildNutritionPrograms..............................................................................................................166
I. NutritionMonitoring(alsoseeArticleI.D–LabelingofCommoditiesandCommodity
Products)............................................................................................................................................................166
J. FoodSafety(alsoseeArticleIII.D–HealthandInspectionStandardsforFoodand
FiberImportsandArticleI.D–LabelingofCommoditiesandCommodityProducts)..........167
1. RegulatoryAuthority.......................................................................................................................167
2. FoodSafetyStandards....................................................................................................................167
3. InspectionofPerishableCommodities....................................................................................169
4. Agri-Terrorism...................................................................................................................................169
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K. FoodWaste...............................................................................................................................................170
L. WorldFoodDay.....................................................................................................................................170
M. Housing.................................................................................................................................................170
N. LiabilityInsurance................................................................................................................................171
O. ConsumerProtection...........................................................................................................................171
P. CampaignFinanceandElections....................................................................................................171
1. CampaignFinance.............................................................................................................................171
2. ElectionsandElectedOfficials....................................................................................................172
Q. U.S.FreedomsandLiberties.........................................................................................................173
R. PostalService..........................................................................................................................................173
S. RuralEmergencyServicesandManagementPlanning........................................................174
T. VotingDistricts.......................................................................................................................................174
1. Redistricting........................................................................................................................................174
2. StateLegislativeDistricts..............................................................................................................175
ArticleXII–FamilyFarmersandTheirOrganization.........................................................................176
A. EducationalActivities..........................................................................................................................176
1. SeminarsandWorkshops.............................................................................................................176
2. FarmersUnionYouthPrograms.................................................................................................177
3. FarmersUnionYoungFarmerProgram.................................................................................177
4. FarmersUnionEducationCenter..............................................................................................178
B. Communications....................................................................................................................................178
C. FarmersUnionLegislativeBudgetFund.....................................................................................178
D. PoliticalEffectiveness..........................................................................................................................178
E. MembershipExpansion......................................................................................................................179
F. MembershipBudgetInformation...................................................................................................179
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G. FarmersUnionRelatedServices.....................................................................................................179
H. CooperationwithReligiousOrganizations................................................................................180
I. CooperationwithOtherOrganizations........................................................................................180
FamilyFarmingandCrisisRelief–2017SpecialOrderofBusiness............................................181
FamilyFarmingandDairy–2017SpecialOrderofBusiness.........................................................182
FamilyFarmingandFarmBills–2017SpecialOrderofBusiness...............................................184
FamilyFarmingandExpandedHigherEthanolBlendUtilization–2017SpecialOrderof
Business..................................................................................................................................................................186
FamilyFarmingandLeadingtheWayonClimateChange–2017SpecialOrderofBusiness
.....................................................................................................................................................................................188
FamilyFarmingandTradePolicy–2017SpecialOrderofBusiness...........................................189
Glossary...................................................................................................................................................................190
INDEX 204
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PREAMBLE1
We,themembersofNationalFarmersUnion,inthefollowingpolicystatement,striveto2
articulatethefundamentalprinciplesofafood,fiberandenergypolicyessentialtoournation3
andtoday’sworld.Thisissuetranscendseverysocial,economic,environmental,and4
geographicboundaryofourplanet.5
ThegoalofNFUistoprotectandenhancetheeconomicwell-beingandqualityoflifefor6
familyfarmers,ranchers,fishers,andourlocalcommunities.Ourexperiencesasfamily7
farmers,ranchers,fishers,andthoseconcernedwiththesurvivalofproductivefamily-oriented8
agricultureprovideuswithauniqueandqualifiedperspectivetomakemeaningful9
contributionstothisissue.10
TheFarmersUnionsymbol,atriangleconstructedwitheducationatitsbaseandcompleted11
withcooperationandlegislationonitssides,representsastructurethattakesonmore12
importancethaneverbefore.Educationisnotonlyforouryouth,butalsoforadults,families13
andourseniors.Itaffordsustheopportunitytoshareandlearnfrombothyoungandold.14
Theeducationalprocessmustextendbeyondourfarmsandreachouttoallconsumers,as15
wellasacrossbordersandoceans.Sharinginformationisimportant,butsharingourvalues,16
concerns,andspiritisofgreatersignificance.17
ThegoalsofFarmersUnionhavegrownoutofourunderstandingofGod,nature,andthe18
loveofourcountry,withrespectforthepastandvisionforthefuture.Ourgoalsarenourished19
throughthetruthandrightnessoftheidealsexpressedintheDeclarationofIndependence,the20
ConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesanditsBillofRights.WeaffirmourfaithinabenevolentGod,21
whosegracehasbestoweduponusimmenselyfertileresources,andwhosejusticedemands22
stewardship.23
Woventhroughoutthisdocumentisasenseofmoralandethicalvaluesthatfamilyfarmers24
embraceasweassumetheresponsibilitiesthatarepartofeveryacreofground,dropofwater,25
animal,plantoranyofthemultitudeofresourcesentrustedtoourcare.Wearealsovery26
cognizantoftheneedtoextendbeyondourfencerowsandtownshipstoensurethesegiftsare27
sharedandnotexploitedorwasted.28
Werecognizetheinvaluablecontributionsofstewardshipandexpertiseofferedby29
indigenouspeopleandmultigenerationalfarmersaswellasallfarmerswhoembraceand30
perpetuatehistoricallyrootedandtraditionalapproachestofarmingandfishing.31
14
Thefamilyfarmsystemofagriculturalproductioncanprovideopportunitiesforindividual1
enterprisetoallfamiliesinoursociety.Thissystemachieveseconomicandsocialstability,as2
wellassoil,waterandenvironmentalstewardshipofournaturalresourcesandunparalleled3
productionefficiency.Wecannotchangeorimprovethepastbutwillproactivelyadvance,with4
astrongvisionforthefuture,thebestinterestsoftoday’sfamily-orientedagriculture.5
Weacknowledgethatfamilyfarmersemployawidevarietyofphilosophiesandpractices.6
Ourresponsibilityistobeinclusiveandservealltypesoffamilyfarmsinlegislative,7
educational,andcooperativeareas.8
Thelossoffamilyfarmsandotherindependentlyownedbusinessesisnotinevitable.We9
believetheacceleratedmarchtowardaverticallyintegratedproductionsystemmustbe10
reversed.Thisrequiresactiontoenforceandenhanceantitrustandcompetitionlaws,11
strengthentheregulatorysystemandrevitalizeindependentlyownedbusinessesand12
competitivemarkets.13
Parityisthecornerstoneofourpolicy.Ourdefinitionofparityexpandsbeyondthe14
simpleeconomicdefinition.Webelievethatitshouldencompassasenseofbalancethat15
notonlydiminisheshunger,butalsofosterspeaceandjustice.16
Weremainwhollydedicatedtothestrengtheningofthefamilyfarmsystemandfarmer17
cooperatives.Theessenceofthecooperativemovement–farmersworkingtogetherforour18
mutualbenefit–isthespiritthatmotivatesFarmersUnionactivity.Weviewattemptsto19
restrictfarmer-ownedand–controlledcooperativesasanassaultonfarmersthemselves,and20
wewillvigorouslydefendtheCapper-VolsteadAct.Familyfarmershaveavaluabletoolin21
workingtogetherinfarmer-ownedand–controlledcooperatives.Theyareessentialtoour22
economicwell-beingandsuccess.23
Cooperationalsocomesfromknowledgeaswellasrespectforotherpeopleandcultures.24
Ourspiritofcooperationmustcontinuetogrowandnothavelimits.Ourchallengeistotake25
thisknowledgeandspiritandincorporateitintomeaningfulpolicythroughlegislationonlocal,26
stateandnationallevels.27
Thisdocumentisnotacollectionofwords,butananthologyofthespiritofthehundredsof28
thousandsoffamilyfarmers,ranchers,fishersandtheiradvocatesthatmakeupour29
organization.Wededicatethisdocument,alongwithourenergyandefforts,tobringabout30
long-termmeaningfulpolicythatidentifiesourcommonthreadandutilizesthatenergyforthe31
commongood. 32
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ARTICLEI–AGRICULTURALPROGRAMSFORTHEFAMILYFARM1
Afamilyfarmorstructuredfamilyfarmisoperatedbyafamily,withthefamilyproviding2
thebaseofthelaborneededforthefarmingoperation,assumingtheeconomicrisk,and3
makingthemanagementdecisions.4
Thefamilyfarmisthekeystoneofafree,progressive,democraticnationalsociety,aswell5
asastrongAmerica,andisthebasisofasafe,secureandstablefoodsystem.Avertically6
integratedand/ormultinationalgrainandfoodconglomerateisnotafamilyfarm.7
Thefuturecontrolandownershipofagricultureisafundamentalissuefacingournation8
andtheworld.Nationalfarmpolicymustprovidedirectionwithanemphasisonprofitable9
farmcommoditypricestoensurethatcontrolandresponsibilityofagricultureisvestedwithin10
thefamilyfarm.Thedeclineinthenumberoffamily-sizedcommercialfarmsmustbereversed.11
Thefamilyfarmsystemofagriculturalproductionistrulysustainable.Sustainableagriculture12
integratesthreemaingoals–environmentalhealth,economicprofitabilityandviability,and13
socialeconomicequity.Webelievefarmersengagedinsustainableagriculturesetoutto14
protecttheenvironment,improvetheirqualityoflifeandenhancethecommunitiesinwhich15
theylive.Programsthatencouragesustainableagriculturethroughdiversifiedproduction,16
improvedmarketingstrategies,andenhancedvalue-addedopportunitiescanbekeysto17
reversingthistrend.Anotherimportantaspectofreversingthedeclineinthesefarmsisto18
encouragenewfarmerstoentertheagricultureindustry.Farmsandconsumersneedstability19
andfairnessinafarmprogram.Farmers,ruralcommunitiesandconsumersareatthemercyof20
amarketplacethatisincreasinglydominatedbyverticallyintegrated,multinationalgrainand21
foodconglomerates.22
Familyfarmshavetherighttoafairandcompetitiveenvironmentintheirpursuittobe23
financiallyviable.Wesupportplansthatprotectnetfarmincomeforfamilyfarmers.24
Wecommitourselvestobeinggoodstewardsofthelandandresourcesbyworkingtoward25
innovativeapproachesthatmovebeyondtheparametersofpastfarmprogramsandseekto26
bridgephilosophicaldifferenceswithintheagriculturalcommunityandournation’spolitical27
structures.28
Atthecoreofourwillingnesstoembracenewagriculturalpolicydirectionsisthe29
fundamentalneedtodirectthebenefitsoffederalagriculturalpoliciestotheproductionlevels30
offamilyfarmandranchoperations.31
16
Choiceanddiversityofagriculturalpracticeshavealwaysbeenessentialtothesuccessand1
prosperityofagricultureintheUnitedStates.Asadvancescontinuetooccurinallagricultural2
practices,NFUcallsonallpeopleaffectedbyagriculturetobemindfuloftheirneighborsand3
showmutualrespecttowardtheirfarmingpracticesandproductionchoices.Sixmajorgoalsto4
improveagriculturallegislationforfamilyfarmersare:5
1. Profitability:toenhanceandprotectnetfamilyfarmincomeandprovideasafetynet;6
2. Accountability:toreducegovernmentcostsandpreventactivitiesthatarecounter-7
productivetotheintentoftheprograms;8
3. Directedbenefits:todirectbenefitstowardfamilyfarmingoperations;9
4. Simplicity:torequirelessbureaucracyandredtape;10
5. Conservation:tomaintainandenhanceournaturalresources;and11
6. Diversity:tomaintainopportunitiesforfamilyfarmers,regardlessofcropand12
managementchoice.13
A. GENERALPROGRAMPROVISIONS14
1. MEASURESOFECONOMICEQUITY15
Forgenerations,farmingandranchingincomehaslaggedbehindtheoverallprosperity16
ofthenation.Thenationalfarmpolicybasedon“parity”wasintendedtocreatetoolsthat17
wouldbalancethisinequityofagriculturalincomecomparedtotheaverageincomein18
othersegmentsofsociety.LikeothereconomicmeasuressuchastheConsumerPriceIndex19
andtheCostofLivingIndex,aneconomicyardstickforagricultureisessential.“Parity”20
pricesprovideareasonablestandardformeasuringtherelativeeconomichealthof21
agriculture,andweurgecontinuedsupportofthecalculationofan“AgriculturalParity22
Index.”NFUcontinuestobeuniqueinitsunwaveringsupportforthismeasurementof23
economicequity.24
Wesupportindexingfarmprogramsupportlevelstoreflectchangesinthecostof25
production.Westronglysupportnationalfarmpolicyprovidingareturnofthecostof26
productionplusanopportunityforreasonableprofitforfarmersandranchers.27
2. DIRECTINGBENEFITPROTECTIONTOFAMILYFARMS28
Characteristically,afamilyfarmisownedand/oroperatedbyafarmfamilywiththe29
familyprovidingthebaseofthelaborneededforthefarmingoperation,assumingthe30
economicrisk,makingmostofthemanagementdecisions,anddependingsubstantiallyon31
agricultureforalivelihood.32
17
Familyfarmsareateconomicriskascropandlivestockproductionandlandownership1
arebeingconcentratedintothehandsoffewerandfewerlarger-than-family-sized2
corporatefarmunits.3
Theprimaryobjectivesofnationalagriculturalpolicyshouldbetoenablefarmersto4
significantlyincreasenetfarmincome,improvethequalityofrurallife,andincreasethe5
numberoffamilyfarmers,sofarmersmaycontinuetoprovideareliablesupplyoffoodand6
fiberandserveasstewardsofournation’sresources.Ruralcommunitiesarericherand7
moreviablewithmorefarmers,evenifthereisthesameamountofagriculturalproduction.8
Webelievepaymentlimitsshouldberealisticandmeaningful.Thismeans:9
i. Thedefinitionofapersonwhoisactivelyengagedinproductionagriculture10
needstoremainstrongandrequireactivepersonalmanagementandactive11
personallaborintheactualfarmingoperation;12
ii. Paymentsbetransparentanddirectlyattributabletoapersonwhomeetsthe13
criteriaofactivelyengaged;and14
iii. Pricesupports,togetherwithrealisticoverallper-programandvolume-based15
commodityprogramlimitations,areeffectivetoolstoassistindirectingbenefits16
tofamilyfarmproducers.17
Wesupportdirectingfarmprogrambenefitstotheproductionlevelsoffamilyfarm18
operatorsinsuchawayastoreducegovernmentcostswhilefurtheringthesustainability19
ofourfamilyfarms,ourruralcommunities,andournaturalresources.20
Directedbenefitprovisionsshouldinclude:21
i. Thefamily-sizedfarmshouldbeprotectedfromthecutsscheduledunderthe22
termsofanyfuturebudgetacts;and23
ii. Prohibitionofartificialsubdivisionoffarmstoavoidlimitsshouldbeenforced.24
Whileweopposedecouplingfederalfarmprogrampaymentsfromplantingdecisions25
andbelievethatproduction-orientedbenefitsarethemostviablepublicpolicyalternatives26
availabletodaytorespondtothecrisisfacingfamilyfarmagriculture,werecognizesome27
farmers,byvirtueoftheirenterpriseandchoiceofharvest,cannotbenefitfrompayments28
unlessharvestoccursmechanically.Therefore,wesupporttheopportunityforallour29
membersandproducerstochoosefarmprogramsthatbestfittheiroperation.30
Wesupportfuturefarmpolicywhichrecognizesourgeographicaldifferencesand31
providesforflexibilityregardlessofthetypeofagricultureoperation.32
18
3. PROVIDINGASAFETYNET1
NFUurgesCongresstogivethesecretaryofagriculturetheauthoritytoimplement2
commodityloanprogramswithloanratessetatalevelthatatleastequalstheregionalcost3
ofproductionasmeasuredbytheEconomicResearchService.4
Toprovideasafetynet,wemusttakeactionto:5
i. Improveandfullyfundapermanentdisasterprogram;6
ii. Improvecommodityloanrates,andextendtheloanperiodfromninemonthsto7
18months.Aproducershouldhavetheoptiontoforfeitafterninemonths;8
iii. Improveandexpandriskmanagementtools(seeArticleI.G.2-CropInsurance);9
iv. Adequatelyfundlivestockcompensationprogramstopreventthesell-offofbase10
breedingherdsoftheUnitedStatesintheeventofadisasterdeclaration;11
v. Establisharegionalizedcostofproductionfloorunderdairyprices;12
vi. Establishafarmer-ownedStrategicNationalFood,FeedandBiofuelsFeedstock13
Reserve;14
vii. ExpandtheFoodSecurityCommodityReserveProgram;15
viii. Implementaneffectiveinventorymanagementprogramforallfarm16
commodities;17
ix. Enhanceafarmstoragefacilityloanprogram;18
x. ContinueandsupportaneffectiveConservationReserveProgram(CRP);and19
xi. Limittheauthorityofthesecretaryofagriculturetotakediscretionaryactions20
thatwouldresultinlowerfarmincome.21
4. FARMVIABILITYPROGRAMSFORFAMILYFARMS22
Congressshouldcontinuetosupportprogramstoimprovetheprofitabilityoffarmsand23
increaseopportunitiesforfamilyfarmersandranchers.Wesupportrevitalizinglocaland24
regionalfoodandenergysystems,increasingwealthandasset-buildinginrural25
communitiesandencouragingentrepreneurshipandinnovationinfarmingandranchingby26
fundingprogramsthataddress:27
i. Marketdevelopmentandpromotion;28
ii. Productdevelopment/differentiationandpromotion;29
iii. Consumereducation;30
iv. Businessplanning;31
v. Alternativeownershipmodelsandstructures;32
19
vi. Localandregionalinfrastructureneeds;1
vii. Localandregionalfoodsecurityneeds;2
viii. Localandregionalenergyneeds;and3
ix. Attractingnewandbeginningfarmers.4
5. LOCALFOOD&FOODSYSTEMS5
NFUsupportsallinitiativesaimedatregionalizingourfoodsystem.Thismayinclude6
encouragingthedevelopmentofregionalfoodhubs,incentivizingthosefarmswhocommit7
togrowingnon-commodityfoodcropsandeasing/simplifyingtherestrictionsonsmall8
meatpackerstoprocessmeatforretailsale,aswellasthefarmerswhoselldirect-to-9
consumerandinstitutionsthatpurchasetheirproductsforresale,andeducating10
consumers.Wesupporttheexpansionofagriculturaloperationsinurbanandperi-urban11
areas.12
Thelocalfoodmovementhasmanybenefitsincluding:13
i. Enhancedmarketsfortheproductsthatmanymembers’farmsproduce;14
ii. Theabilityforfarmerstocapturealargershareoftheretailfooddollar;15
iii. OpportunitiestoemployandengagemoreAmericans,inmoreregions,inthe16
pursuitofagriculture;17
iv. Keepingconsumerdollarscirculatingineachrespectiveregion,andtothefamily18
farmstherein;19
v. Reconnectingconsumerstothefoodtheyeatandtheirfamilies;20
vi. Reducingtransportationcosts;21
vii. Providingfresher,healthierfoodproducts,withareducedneedfor22
transportation,long-termstorage,processingortreatment;23
viii. Foodsecurity:encouragingfoodproductiontobespreadacrossthecountry;and24
ix. Allowingformoreprofitableandsustainablemethodsofagriculturetobe25
employed.26
Wesupport:27
i. USDA’spromotionofbuyinglocalandregionalagriculturalproducts,suchasthe28
“KnowYourFarmer,KnowYourFood”initiative,asameanstoprovidenewand29
largermarketsforsmallerspecialtycropfarmers.Localwillbedefinedbythe30
consumertobetheimmediatearea,state,orregion,butmustbeU.S.-produced;31
ii. Promotionoffarm-to-schoolandfarm-to-institutionprograms;32
20
iii. Promotionoffarmersmarketsandcommunity-supportedagriculture(CSA);1
iv. Regionalfoodhubdistributioncenters;2
v. Thepurchaseofsurplusfruitsandvegetablesforfederalfoodaidprograms;3
vi. Removalofbarriersandincentivessothatfarmersmarketsandfarmstandscan4
redeemfederal,stateandlocalnutritionbenefits;5
vii. GeographicallydisadvantagedprovisionsforU.S.areasnotincludedinmain6
farmprograms;7
viii. Localseedproducerswhoproduceregionallyadaptedseed;and8
ix. Improvedaccesstoreasonablypricedliabilityinsuranceforsmalllocal-market9
anddirect-marketingproducers.10
6. BEGINNINGFARMERSANDRANCHERS(ALSOSEEARTICLEIV.A-FARMSERVICE11
AGENCY(FSA)CREDITPROGRAMS)12
WerecognizethattheaverageageofaU.S.farmercontinuestoincreaseandamajority13
ofthenation’sfarmlandwillchangehandsinthecomingyearsduetotheagingfarmer14
population.Theabilityofthenextgenerationoffamilyfarmerstocontinuetoproducefood15
andfiberiscriticaltotheeconomy,health,andsecurityofournationandlocal16
communities.Inordertoaddressthiscriticalconcern,thenecessaryprogramsmustbein17
placeandfundedinordertomeettheuniqueneedsandbarriersfacingbeginningfarmers18
andranchers,withspecialemphasisonreturningmilitaryveterans,andensurethatthey19
canenterandsustainfarmingorranchingasaviablelivelihood.20
Wesupport:21
i. TheBeginningFarmerandRancherIndividualDevelopmentAccountsprogram;22
ii. TheloancategorywithinFarmServiceAgencythatdirectsoperatingloansto23
provideflexiblecapitalthroughoperatingmicroloansforbeginningfarmersand24
ranchers;25
iii. Maintainingtheloanset-asidewithinthedirectandguaranteedFarmService26
Agencyloanprogramforbeginningfarmersandrancherswhilereducingthe27
farmmanagementexperiencerequirementfrom3yearsto2years;28
iv. Increasingthedownpaymentloanprogramlimit;29
v. Incentivesand/ortaxcreditstolandownerstoleaseorselltobeginningfarmers30
orranchers(alsoseeArticleVI.C-LandTransfer);31
21
vi. Cost-sharedifferentialsandfundingset-asidesforbeginningfarmersand1
ranchersintheEnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP),Conservation2
StewardshipProgram(CSP),andotherprograms;3
vii. Includingapriorityforprojectsbenefitingbeginningfarmersandranchers4
withinValue-AddedGrantProgramandfosteringnewentrepreneurial5
opportunitiesforbeginningfarmersandrancherswithintheRuralDevelopment6
grantsandloansprograms;7
viii. Continuationandfundingprogramsthatprovideeducationandtrainingto8
beginningfarmersandranchers,includingforagriculturalrehabilitationand9
vocationaltrainingprogramsformilitaryveterans;10
ix. TheRiskManagementAgency(RMA)ensuringfairaccesstocropandrevenue11
insurancebybeginningfarmersandranchersincludinganadditionalcrop12
insurancesubsidy;13
x. NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculturesupportingresearch,education,and14
extensiononissuesrelatedtobeginningfarmersandranchers,farmtransition,15
andfarmentry;16
xi. Thereauthorizationandfullfundingofprogramspreviouslyadministeredby17
theNationalSustainableAgricultureInformationServicetoserveasaresource18
forbeginningfarmersandranchers;19
xii. TheestablishmentofafundingpriorityforthefederalFarmandRanchLand20
ProtectionProgramforeasementsconservingfarmlandforwhichthereisa21
generationalfarmtransferplan,easementswhichincludetheuseofanOptionto22
PurchaseatAgriculturalValueoreasementswhichoccurinconjunctionwiththe23
transferoftheconservedlandtoabeginningfarmer;and24
xiii. SpecifictrainingandeducationforstateandcountyFSAandNRCSstaffon25
helpingbeginningfarmersandranchersaccessprograms,withemphasison26
specialtycropsandalternativeenterprises.27
7. URBANFARMING28
NationalFarmersUnionrecognizesurbanagricultureasanimportantpartofmeeting29
risingfooddemands,supplyingeasieraccesstohighlynutritiousvegetablesandfruits,30
reconnectingthefoodconsumerwiththefarmer,storingcarbonoutoftheearth’s31
atmosphereandalsoasanimportantnewmarketopportunityforemergingfarmers.32
22
B. DAIRY,LIVESTOCK,AQUACULTUREANDFISHING1
1. DAIRYPOLICY2
i. DomesticDairyPolicy3
WeurgeCongresstodevelopacomprehensivedairyprogramtoallowdairy4
producersacrossthenationtoreceiveaprofitablereturnontheirinvestment.5
Itshould:6
a. Encourageandenableproducerstousesustainableenvironmentalpractices;7
b. Provideahigh-quality,stablesupplyofdairyproductstoconsumers;8
c. Assistnewfarmersenteringintodairying;9
d. Balancemilksupplyanddemandthroughalong-termsupplymanagement10
program;11
e. Encouragevoluntaryproducerassessmentsforanindustry-managed12
programthatmustclearlydemonstratetheywillstabilizeandincrease13
producerprices;14
f. Prohibitmandatoryproducerassessmentsunlessitcanclearlybe15
demonstratedthattheysubstantiallyincreaseproducerincome;16
g. ProvidefullfundingoftheSchoolMilkProgramandSpecialMilkPrograms;17
h. Include100percentrealdairyproductsintheNationalSchoolLunch18
Programaswellasinschoolvendingmachines;19
i. UtilizetheCommodityCreditCorporation(CCC)tomitigatelowprices;20
j. Providetransparencyinmilkpricereporting;21
k. RequiremandatoryparticipationofprocessorsinanauditedNational22
AgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)survey;23
l. Requiremandatoryparticipationofprocessorsinanauditedcold-storage24
report;25
m. Includedevelopmentofatransparentpricingmechanismtoreplacethe26
inadequateChicagoMercantileExchange(CME)pricingsystem;27
n. Ensureresearchandpromotionactivitiesaredirectedtowardenhancing28
incometofamilyfarmers;29
o. Provideanincentivepaymenttodomesticproducerswhoagreetovoluntary30
limits.Fundingshouldbeprovidedbythoseproducerswhoincrease31
23
productionfromthepreviousyearandproducemorethanaleveltargetedto1
family-sizedfarms;2
p. Prohibitvolumepremiums;3
q. Includemarketlossassistanceduringtimesoflowprices,withcapped4
paymentsbasedonproduction.Thecaplevelsshouldbetargetedtofamily5
farmers;6
r. Prohibitfederallegislationallowingdairyforwardcontractsthatgive7
processorsandmarketerstheabilitytopaybelowtheminimummarket8
orderprice;9
s. Includeafloorpricepolicyformilk.Thefloorpriceshouldhelpproducersin10
allregionsofthecountryandprovideforsupplymanagement.Thefloor11
priceshouldbesetatalevelthatallowsproducerstoearnafairreturnon12
theirmilkfromthemarketplace;13
t. Provideforminimumpricesthatarebasedonaformulathatreflectswhat14
consumersarepayingforalldairyproducts;15
u. RequireplantstopaytheminimumpricesestablishedbyUSDAforbutter,16
nonfatpowder,andcheddarcheese;17
v. Prohibittheuseoffluidmilkasalossleaderattheretaillevel;and18
w. RequireUSDAandCMEtostandardizelabelingandpackagingofsurplus19
dairyproducts.20
Anyfuturedairyprogramshouldinclude:21
1. Feedpriceadjusterbasedonregionalfeedprices;22
2. Federalgovernmentassistancecommensuratetolevelsconsistentwith23
othercommodities;and24
3. Acapacitymanagementmechanism.25
ii. MarketOrderReform26
Afederalordersystemshouldbemaintainedandexpandedtoincludeallareas27
withinthecontinentalUnitedStates.Anationalmilkmarketingorderandpricing28
reformshouldemphasizemaximumreturntoproducers.Transportationdifferentials,29
qualitypremiums,andusageresultinpricedisparitiesthroughouttheUnitedStates.A30
revisednationalmilkmarketingordershouldinclude:31
24
a. Apricediscoveryformulaattheproducerlevelallowingforvariablemarket1
conditions;2
b. Afloorpriceonallclassesofmilk;3
c. Priceincentivesthatreflectthevalueofallmilkcomponents;4
d. TestsforcomponentpricingthatarecheckedforaccuracybyUSDA;5
e. Anationalmakeallowancethatisadjustabletocoverprocessingand6
fortification.Thisallowanceshouldbegeneratedfromthemarket,not7
deductedfromtheestablishedpricethroughend-productpricing;8
f. Abasemakeallowancethatisadjustabletoreflectthedifferencebetween9
milkpricesandtheproducer’scostofproduction;10
g. Eliminationofblocvotingonmarketorders;11
h. Thecontinuationofthecurrentorderprovisionsfollowingthedefeatofa12
proposedchange.Ordersshouldonlybeeliminatedthroughaproducer13
referendumwithnoblocvoting;and14
i. TheestablishmentofafederalmilkmarketingorderthatincludesCalifornia15
sothatCaliforniadairyproducerpricesarebroughtinlinewithpricespaid16
inthefederalorder,whichwillbenefitalldairyproducersnationwide.17
iii. MilkProteinConcentrate/Ultra-FilteredMilkProducts(alsoseeArticleI.D–18
LabelingofCommoditiesandCommodityProducts)19
Importedcasein,milkproteinconcentrate(MPC)andultra-filtered(UF)milk20
products,blends,andfoodpreparationshavebenefitedfromasignificantloophole21
inU.S.dairytradepolicyandhavedistortedthenation’sdairymarket.Under22
currentlaw,caseinandMPCimportsarenotlimitedundertheHarmonizedTariff23
SchedulesoftheWTO.Inaddition,casein,MPC,andUFproductsarebeingusedin24
thecurrentproductionofstandardizedcheeses,althoughtheydonotmeettheU.S.25
FoodandDrugAdministration’s(FDA)definitionofmilk.26
Wesupport:27
a. MaintainingFDA’scurrentdefinitionofmilktopreventcaseinandMPCfrom28
beingusedinstandardizedcheese;29
b. Actionsthatrestricttheimportationofcasein,MPC,dairyblends,andfood30
preps;31
25
c. Properlyinformingconsumersabouttheuseofcasein,MPC/UFdairyblends1
andfoodprepsinfoodproduction,includinglabeling;2
d. Immediatepassageoflegislationtosubjectcasein,MPC,andotherdairy3
blendstoatariffratequota;4
e. Imposingstrongpenaltiesforthedairyplantsusingcaseinand/orMPCand5
dairyblendsinstandardizedcheeseproduction;6
f. Requiringanend-usecertificationonallimportsofMPC,dairyblendsand7
foodpreps;8
g. BringingatradeactionagainstnationsthataredumpingsubsidizedMPC,9
dairyblendsandfoodpreps;10
h. DisallowingMPCforhumanconsumptionuntilitmeetsthenecessary11
generallyregardedassafe(GRAS)requirements;and12
i. ProhibitinggovernmentsubsidizationoftheproductionofMPC.13
iv. ConsumerProtection(alsoseeArticleI.D–LabelingofCommoditiesand14
CommodityProducts)15
Rapidlychangingtechnologywithintheproductionofdairyproductshasledto16
consumersbeinguninformedaboutthetruenatureofalldairyproducts.We17
supportthefollowinginitiativestoensureconsumerscanmakeinformedpurchase18
decisions:19
a. StateandfederallegislationtorequireallschoolstouserBST-freemilk;20
b. RestrictingtheuseoftheRealSealtodomesticallyproduceddairyproducts21
andsubsequentenforcementofitsstandards;22
c. EducatingandpromotingtheRealSealprogramtoconsumers;23
d. Increasingthefederalstandardsforfatandsolidsinfluidmilktomeetthe24
nationalaverageofthemilkcontentproducedonU.S.farms;25
e. Requiringimportstomeetthesamehighstandardsusedfordomestically26
produceddairyproducts;and27
f. Prohibitingtheadditionofartificialsweeteners,suchasaspartame,todairy28
products.Ifallowed,theymustbelabeledassuch.29
v. RawDairy30
Wesupport:31
26
a. Theproductionandsaleofraw/unpasteurizedmilkasitprovidesamarket1
nichefordairies.Becauseofthepossiblerisksofcross-contamination,we2
recommendthatraw/unpasteurizedmilkbebottledastheproductofa3
singlesourceandwhereverpossibleatthephysicallocationofthatsource.4
Single-sourcebottlingwillkeepintactthechainofresponsibilityandgreatly5
aidintrackingpossiblecasesofcontamination;6
b. Policies,practicesandstandardsforresponsibleraw/unpasteurizedmilk7
productionfordairyproducersthatchoosetoproduceraw/unpasteurized8
milk(orraw/unpasteurizeddairyproducts)forhumanconsumption;9
c. Equalaccesstoraw/unpasteurizedmilk(and/orrawdairyproducts)for10
humanconsumptionforallconsumersthatchoosetoconsume11
raw/unpasteurizedmilk;and12
d. ProducersconformingtoGradeAproductionspecifications.13
2. LIVESTOCKPOLICY14
i. AnimalWelfare15
Wesupport:16
a. Producers’rightstoownandraiselivestockandhavelivestockandtheir17
productsrecognizedaspersonalproperty;18
b. Promotionofanimalwelfare,asopposedtoanimalrightsinitiativeswhich19
wouldlimitproductionagriculturebyimposingmandatoryrestrictionson20
traditionalmethodsofagriculturalanimalproduction;21
c. Responsiblecareandmanagementofanimalstoprovideforthewelfareof22
herdsandflocks;23
d. Educatingthepublicregardingtheimportantuseofanimalsforagricultural24
andmedicalresearch.Anyillegalactionstakenbyanimalrights25
organizationstowardproducersshouldbeprosecutedtothefullestextentof26
thelaw;and27
e. Thedevelopmentofeggsexingtechnologiestoeliminatetheeuthanasiaof28
malechickshatchedinegglayingoperations.29
Weopposeabanontheslaughterofhorsesandthecriminalizationofindividuals30
processing,shipping,transporting,purchasing,selling,delivering,orreceivingany31
horse,horseflesh,orcarcassforthepurposeofharvest.32
27
WecallforthereinstitutionoffacilitiesandUSDAinspectiontodealwiththe1
processingandhumanedisposalofhorses.2
ii. LivestockandLivestockProductImports(alsoseeArticleIII–International3
Trade,Cooperation,andtheFamilyFarm)4
Theunrestrictedimportationoflivestockandlivestockproductsiscausing5
seriousdamagetoourdomesticindustry.Additionally,alackofsufficientmeat6
importinspectionposesanincreasedpotentialofcontaminatedfoodreaching7
tablesintheUnitedStates.WerecommendthatCongressincorporatethefollowing8
stepstoprotectU.S.livestockproducersfromunfairtradingpractices:9
a. InvestigatetheimpactofforeignpricingpracticesontheU.S.market;10
b. Imposecountervailingdutiestooffsetsubsidiespaidtoforeignexporters;11
c. Requiretheamountofimportedmeatandliveanimalsintendedfor12
slaughterbereportedweekly;13
d. Re-establishSection301,allowingtheUnitedStatestoimposetrade14
sanctionsagainstforeigncountriesthattheUSTRdeterminesapplicable;15
e. Re-establishtheMeatImportAct,whichwasreplacedundertheUruguay16
Round,byreplacingexistingtariffratequotasystemwithanimportquota17
system;and18
f. Requireend-usecertificatestomonitortheflowoflivestockbeingimported.19
iii. ConsumerProtection(alsoseeArticleX.J–FoodSafetyandArticleI.D–Labelingof20
CommoditiesandCommodityProducts)21
Wesupport:22
a. StrengtheningUSDAandFDAsafetystandardstopreventbovine23
spongiformencephalopathy(BSE)contaminatedproductsfrombeing24
imported(alsoseeArticleI.C.2.iv–LivestockHealth);25
b. Requiringmorevigorousinspectionofimportedmeatprocessing26
facilitiesandimportedmeatstoensureforeignstandardsareequalto27
U.S.standards;28
c. Banningmeatand/ormeatproductsfromforeigncountriesthatallow29
useofmedicationsoradditivesnotapprovedforuseintheUnitedStates;30
d. ProhibitingtheimportationofgroundandshavedmeatintotheUnited31
States;32
28
e. Enforcingallexistingquarantinerequirementsandhealthstandardsas1
setforthbyUSDA/AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)2
regardingimportsoflivestockandothercommodities;3
f. USDAensuringarigorousandenhancedmeatinspectionsystem,inorder4
tomaintainconsumerconfidenceinthesafetyandwholesomenessof5
meatandpoultryproducts;and6
g. ExpandingthecoverageoftheLivestockIndemnityProgramtoinclude7
animalsthatdiefrompneumoniaasadirectresultofaneligibleadverse8
weatherevent.9
Weoppose:10
a. TheshippingofU.S.beef,pork,poultry,orfishtobeprocessedinforeign11
countriesthatisthenreturnedtotheU.S.forU.S.consumption;and12
b. Anychangestoslaughterinspectionthatmovesinspectiontasksaway13
fromUSDAinspectors.ThisincludesanyexpansionoftheHACCP-Based14
InspectionModelsProjectoranyotherprojectthatwouldprivatize15
inspectionroles.16
iv. LivestockHealth17
Livestockhealthiscriticaltoproductionagricultureandournation’sabilityto18
provideasafefoodsupply.Achievingthenecessarymeanstoensurelivestockhealthis19
apriorityforNFU.Wesupportgoodanimalhusbandrypracticesastheprimarymeans20
oflivestockhealthmaintenance,aswellasthefollowinginitiativestoensurelivestock21
health:22
a. Weencouragealllivestockproducerstodevelopprofessionalrelationships23
withtheirveterinarianstounderstandallaspectsoftheVeterinaryFeed24
Directiveasimplemented;25
b. ContinuetoallowFDAtopermittheuseoftherapeuticantibioticsapproved26
foruseinlivestockunlessvalidscientificevidenceprovestheproductis27
unsafe.NFUbelievesthatantibiotictreatmentshouldbereservedforclinical28
treatmentofillnessandforjudicioususeinpreventingillnessduringperiods29
ofstress,andsupportsproducers’righttotreathisorheranimalswith30
antibioticstoaddressherdhealthissueswhileopposingtheconstant31
subtherapeuticuseofantibiotics;32
29
c. Inordertoprotectthecontinuedandeffectiveuseofantibioticsforhuman1
healthcare,weopposetheoff-labeluseofantibioticsand/orarsenicalsand2
fluoroquinolonesinanimalproduction;3
d. Fullyfunddiseaseeradicationprograms,includingtestingofwildlife,non-4
traditionallivestockspeciesandimportedlivestockandlivestock5
byproducts;6
e. Banlivestock,animalproteinproducts,andmeatimportsthatwould7
jeopardizeU.S.effortstoeradicatelivestockdiseases,includingBSEand8
Foot-and-MouthDisease(FMD);9
f. Encouragecongressionalsupportforemergencyeconomicassistancefor10
producerswhohavesufferedeconomicandmarketlossesasaresultofan11
incidentoflivestockdisease,ascoveredbytheAnimalHealthProtectionAct12
(PL108-498);13
g. EstablishfundingforavoluntaryJohne’sDiseasetestingprogram;14
h. Increaseresearchontransmissionmodes,vaccineregimens,andprotocolfor15
vesicularstomatitisbyfederalofficialsandprivateorganizations;16
i. Re-evaluatethequarantinerestrictionandreclassificationofvesicular17
stomatitisfromClassAtoaClassBdisease;18
j. PreventBovineSpongiformEncephalopathy(BSE)andFoot-and-Mouth19
Disease(FMD)through:20
1. Increasingfederalandinternationalresearchtounderstandand21
preventBSE/FMD;22
2. Continuingthesite-specificbanonprocessing,blending,andshipping23
ofmeatfromaplantwhereBSEhasbeenfound,untilsubsequenttest24
resultsshowthattheplantisfreeofBSE;25
3. RescindingtheUSDArulesthatallowtheimportoflivestockand26
meatproductsfromcountrieswithactivediseaseoutbreaksand27
returningthatauthoritybacktoCongresswithproducerand28
consumerinput;29
4. Continuingthebanonlivestockandmeatimportsfromcountries30
withBSE/FMDoutbreaksuntilthediseaseiscontrolledand/or31
eradicated;32
30
5. Banningallmeatandfeedimportsfromcountriesthathavenot1
implementedandenforcedaruminant-to-ruminantfeedban;2
6. Prohibitingtheimportationofanimalproteinproductsfrom3
countriesthatcannotcertifyBSE-andtransmissiblespongiform4
encephalopathies(TSE)-freeproducts;5
7. ProhibitingTSE-positivematerialsinnon-ruminantfeeds;and6
8. Cross-referencingallregulationsforcompleteconsistencyof7
standards.8
k. Developacomprehensivestrategyandworkwithelectricproviderstohelp9
producersdetectandeliminatestrayvoltage.Thestrategyshouldinclude10
researchonstrayvoltage,inspectorstodetecttheproblem,andpublic11
educationaboutfundingavailabletoassistproducerswhohavesuffered12
lossesduetostrayvoltage;13
l. EnforceSection21GeneralRequirementRule215-BoftheNationalElectric14
SafetyCodetoprohibitusingthegroundasthesoleconductororreturnto15
utilitiessubstations;16
m. Requireuser-feesforimporterstoimplementinspectionsanddisease17
prevention;18
n. EncourageCongresstocontinuefundingresearchandpreventionmethods19
forallharmfulandlife-threateningstrainsofinfluenza.USDAshoulddevelop20
astrategicplantohelpproducersdetect,monitor,anderadicateinfected21
animals.Vaccinationcompensationformandatorycullingshouldbedirected22
towardproducerswithlimitedfinancestopreventthedrivingoutofsmall23
producers;and24
o. UrgeCongresstoupgradethePlumIslandAnimalDiseaseCenter;however,25
weopposecompletionoftheNationalBio-andAgro-Defenseresearch26
facilityinanylocationcriticaltofoodproductioninournation.Ifcompleted,27
rigorousstandardsofcontainmentmustbedevelopedandthegovernment28
shouldassumecompleteliabilityshouldcontainmentnotbesuccessful.29
Fundingmustbefull,adequateandcontinuoustomeettherigorous30
standardsofcontainment.Topreventanybiosecurityrisk,fundingforthis31
facilityshouldbeexemptfromanybudgetarycuts.32
31
p. LegislativeeffortstoamendtheMinorUseandMinorSpeciesAnimalHealth1
Actof2004toincludelanguagethatwouldprovidefederalincentives,tax2
andothers,forthedevelopmentandlabelingofmuchneeded3
pharmaceuticalsforminorspeciesandminoruses.4
v. StateAnimalIdentification5
WesupporttheUSDA’sactiontoleaveanimalidentificationfordisease6
managementtothestates.Weurgestateprogramstoestablishvoluntaryindividual7
animalidentificationsystemsthatrecognizethatthecollectedinformationisthesole,8
proprietarypropertyoftheproducerandthoseauthorizedtouseit.Anylivestock9
databaseshallbehousedatthestategovernmentlevel–notprivatelyheld.Thedata10
shallonlybesharedintheeventofadiseaseoutbreakandtotheextentnecessaryfor11
itscontrol.12
vi. NationalAnimalIdentification13
NFUdoesnotcurrentlysupportamandatoryNationalAnimalIdentificationSystem14
duetoavastarrayofissuesnotyetaddressed:15
a. Costsofimplementingtheprogramremainuncertain.TheDepartmentof16
HomelandSecurity(DHS)hasstatedthenecessityofanationalanimalI.D.17
programtocombatterrorism;therefore,weurgeCongresstoprovidethe18
fullfundingnecessarytocreateandmaintainthedatabaseandprovide19
compensationtoproducersfortheircostsofimplementingtheprogram;20
b. AnynationalanimalI.D.programshouldbeadministeredbyUSDA;21
c. Mitigateproducerliabilityforcontaminatedfoodproducts.Aseamless22
systemshouldbeprovidedatallretaillevelsthatensurestheinformation23
gatheredthroughanI.D.systemiscomplementarywiththatprovided24
throughmandatorycountry-of-originlabeling;25
d. Useoftheproprietaryinformationshouldincludeclearlimitstoensure26
protectionundertheFreedomofInformationAct(FOIA).Accesstoproducer27
informationshouldbeavailableonlytorelevantfederalandstateagencies28
andonlyintimesofanimaldiseaseoutbreaksorbioterrorismattacks;29
e. Ensureduniformityofidentificationsystemwithtrackingtechnologyand30
databasemanagement;and31
32
f. Controlofthedatabaseneedstoremainunderthecontrolofthefederal1
government.TheconcernswehavewithUSDA’sproposaltoallowa2
privatelymanageddatabasesysteminclude:3
1. Itforcesproducerstobearthefinancialburden,whichtheycannot4
afford;5
2. Thispublicdatabasewillcreatearevenuesourceforprivateentities6
seekingtomakeaprofit;7
3. Itdoesnotcontainoversighttoprotectconfidentialproducer8
information;9
4. Itdoesnotmitigateproducerliability;10
5. Itwillcreateopportunitiesforpackerstoconditionthepurchaseof11
livestockuponparticipationinavoluntaryI.D.program;12
6. Itassumescoordinationamongacomplexwebofdatawithno13
guaranteesofsuccess;and14
7. Itassumesallsectorsofthelivestockindustrywillagreeuponthe15
developmentandmaintenanceofasingleentitytorepresenteach16
species’interests.17
vii. Aquaculture,FishingandAlternativeLivestock18
Theland-basedaquacultureandalternativelivestockindustriesrepresent19
opportunitiesforfamilyfarmerstoestablishnewand/ormorediversifiedfarming20
enterprises.21
Inordertoensureconsumerconfidenceinthehealthandsafetyoftheseproducts,22
wesupport:23
a. Theextensionoffederal,orequivalentstate,foodinspectionservicesfor24
theseproductsandrecommendthatauniforminspectionfeesystembe25
adoptedbytheagencyofjurisdiction;26
b. Recognizingfarm-raisedfreshwaterfishandshellfishproductionasa27
domesticatedlivestockunderUSDAdefinitionandmovingitsinspection28
fromFDAtoUSDAjurisdiction;29
c. Recognizinggamefarmsaslivestockoperationsandsubjectingthemtoall30
livestockhealthregulations,aswellasmakingthemeligibleforanybenefits31
providedtraditionallivestockoperations;32
33
d. Recognizingvermicultureasanagriculturalpracticeandwormsasan1
alternativelivestock;2
e. Recognizinginsectfarmingasanagriculturalpracticeandinsectsasan3
alternativelivestock;and4
f. USDA,utilizingstatedepartmentsofagriculturewherefeasible,beingthe5
agencythatregulatesallhealthissuesforthesefarmsandranches,aswellas6
providingproduction,processing,andmarketdevelopmentassistancefor7
theseproducts.8
1. MarineAquaculture9
Thedevelopmentofindustrial-scaleoffshorefinfishaquacultureisdetrimental10
tothefamilyfishersandlocaleconomiesofhistoricfishingcommunities.Itshould11
notbeallowedtoproceedunlessanduntilthereisnationallegislationinplacethat12
ensuresitcanbeconductedwithoutharmingmarineecosystemsandcoastalfishing13
communities.14
Weoppose:15
a. Promotionofoffshoreaquacultureoperationsthatdisplaceorendanger16
traditionalfishingpracticesandonshoreinfrastructure;17
b. Inefficientuseofmarineresourcesasfeedwithinsuchoperations;18
c. Federalsubsidiestopromote,sustainorfurtherdevelopsuchoperations;19
and20
d. Marinefishingoperationsthatarenotcommunity-basedanddonot21
contributetothepromotionoflocallyandsustainablycaughtwild22
seafood.23
2. SustainableWorkingWaterfrontsandFisheries24
Smallboatfishersfacemanyofthesamechallengesasfamilyfarmers:anaging25
population,consolidationofthefishingfleet,andhighcostofproductioninfueland26
licensecostsmakeithardtoenterorsustainafishingbusiness.Overfishingof27
foragefishhabitathasledtoacurrenteconomiccrisisformanysmallboatfishers28
andtheircoastalcommunities.Drasticdeclinesincommercialandgroundfishoffof29
allU.S.coastswillnecessitateextremecutstofishharvest.Theeconomicimpactof30
thesereductionswillbedevastatingforsmallboatfishers.31
Wesupport:32
34
a. Protectingourworkingwaterfrontssothatviablefamilyfishing1
businessescanthriveandgrow;2
b. Disasterassistanceforsmallboatfishers;3
c. FullassistanceofUSDARiskManagementAgencyforsmallboatfishers;4
d. Developmentandsupportofcooperativemarketing,processingand5
brandingmodelsthatprovideafairlivelihoodforfishingfamilies,6
healthylocalfoodproducts,andsustainabilityofwildharvestfisheries;7
e. ExtensionofthefullrangeofUSDAKnowYourFarmer,KnowYourFood8
(KYF)programstosupportsmallboatfishersandprovideaccessto9
educationandtrainingforbeginningfishers;10
f. Programsthatprovideregionallyappropriateresearchandtechnical11
assistancetoimproveprofitabilityofsustainablefishingpractices,12
enhancedmarketingandprocessingofsustainablycaughtfish;13
g. Programsthatenhancetheproductionandprocessingoflocalmeatand14
poultryshouldbeextendedtoincludefish;15
h. USDAconservationprogramsthatsupportthedevelopmentand16
adoptionofsustainablefishingpracticesandprotectcoastalecosystems;17
i. Nutritionincentivesshouldbeextendedtofreshfish;18
j. Catchlimitsasessentialmeansofrebuildingfishstocks;19
k. Selectiveharvestingpracticesthatallowhealthystockstobetargeted,20
whileat-riskanddepletedstocksareavoided;21
l. Reviewingcurrentpracticesaswellasdevelopmentofnewfishinggear22
ortechniquesthatavoiddepletedstocks;23
m. Foragefishpopulationsbeingcarefullymanagedtoavoidoverharvest24
usingscience-basedannualcatchlevelsandariskadversemanagement25
strategy;26
n. Developmentofmeaningfulprotectionsforsensitiveseafloorhabitat27
essentialfortheneedsofmanagedspeciesbasedonbestavailable28
science;and29
o. Prohibitingfishinggearsand/orpracticesthatarenotconduciveto30
protectingtheseimportantandvulnerableareas.31
35
Weopposeopeningclosedareasoftheoceanfisheriesinresponseto1
recentdeclinesingroundfishstocks.2
C. LABELINGOFCOMMODITIESANDCOMMODITYPRODUCTS3
1. COUNTRY-OF-ORIGINLABELING4
Wesupportreauthorizationandfullimplementationofmandatorycountry-of-origin5
labeling(COOL)foragricultural,aquacultureandwild-caughtseafoodproducts.Mandatory6
COOLisavaluablemarketingtoolforproducers,anditallowsconsumerstoknowwhere7
theirfoodisproduced.U.S.producershavetherighttodistinguishtheirproductsfrom8
thoseofothercountriesandU.S.productsshouldnotbecategorizedasaNorthAmerican9
product(alsoseeArticleII–AgricultureCompetitionandConcentration).10
Wesupportthefollowingprinciplesinthecontinuedimplementationofmandatory11
COOLinordertoqualifyandbelabeledasU.S.-produced:12
i. Meatproductsmustcomefromananimalborn,raised,andslaughteredinthe13
UnitedStates;14
ii. Freshproduce,honey,andnutsmustbeexclusivelygrownandprocessedinthe15
UnitedStates;16
iii. Dairyproductstobelabeledtoindicatecountry-of-origin;17
iv. Farm-raisedfishandshellfishmustbehatched,raised,andprocessedinthe18
UnitedStatesorwildfishandshellfishharvestedandprocessedsolelyinthe19
UnitedStatesorbyaU.S.-flaggedvessel;20
v. USDAshouldprohibitanythird-partycompliancereviewsandthirdparties21
dictatingwhattypesofrecordsproducersneedtokeepandthemannerinwhich22
therecordsshouldbekept;23
vi. USDAshouldperformany/allproducerauditstodeterminecompliancewiththe24
law;25
vii. AllowthosewhosolelyproduceU.S.productstoself-verifythatfact;26
viii. Allowproducers,processorsandretailerstomaintainrecordsinamannerof27
theirchoosing,aslongastheinformationisavailableandcanbetransferredtoa28
standardizedformatintheeventofanauditbyUSDA;29
ix. IntheabsenceofmandatoryCOOL,thesamelabelingstandardsoutlinedin30
mandatoryCOOLshouldbemaintainedtobenefitproducersandconsumersin31
anyvoluntaryprogram;and32
36
x. Ifanationalanimalidentificationprogramisimplemented,theinformation1
shouldincludecountry-of-origindistinctionforconsumersofcovered2
commoditiesatallretaillevels.3
2. LABELINGOFFOODPRODUCTS4
Thoroughandaccuratefoodlabelsareanimportanttoolthathelpsconsumersmake5
informeddecisionsandallowsproducerstodifferentiatetheirproducts.Wesupport6
conspicuous,mandatory,uniform,andfederallabelingforfoodproductsthroughoutthe7
processingchaintoincludeallingredients,additives,andprocessessuchas:8
i. Artificialgrowthhormones;9
ii. Productsderivedfromclonedanimals;10
iii. Theidentityoftheparentcompany;11
iv. Carbonmonoxideinjectedinmeatandseafoodorpackagingforappearanceor12
shelf-lifepurposes;13
v. Pointoforiginandproducer-determinedstandardsforgeographicindicators,14
includingpercentagecomingfromthatorigin;15
vi. Dateofkill,formeatandseafood;16
vii. Whetherthemeatwasfrozen;17
viii. Thedate/datesthemeatwassubsequentlyrefrozen;18
ix. Irradiatedproducts,andwecallforfurtherresearchonitslong-termeffectson19
humanhealth;20
x. Maintainingandprotectingtheintegrityoforganiclabeling;and21
xi. Labelingstandardsforthesaleoforganicproducts,whilenotlimiting22
opportunitiestomarketothernaturalorsustainablyproducedfoodproducts.23
xii. Requiringlabelingofmilkfromcowsinjectedwithrecombinantbovine24
somatotropin(rBST),ahormonetostimulatemilkproduction.Intheabsenceof25
federallabelingrequirements,weencouragefarmer-certifiedrBST-freelabeled26
products;27
xiii. Requiringlabelingofimitationandsubstitutedairyproducts;28
xiv. Labelingtheuseofcasein,MPC/UFdairyblends,andfoodprepsinfood29
production;and30
xv. Requiringthelabelingofartificialsweeteners.31
Weoppose:32
37
i. Labelingpoultrychilledbelow26degreesFahrenheitasfresh;and1
ii. USDAregulationthatallowstheadditionofuptoeightpercentwater-weightto2
poultryproductswithoutmandatingthattheseproductsaresolabeled.3
3. NUTRITIONLABELING4
Wesupportprovidingconsumerswithinformationonnutrientsinfoodproductsto5
helpavoidmisleadinghealthclaims.6
D. COMMODITIES7
1. WHEAT,COARSEGRAINS,OILSEEDS,RICE,ANDCOTTON8
Afarmprogramshouldrecognizethemarketrealitiesofthefundamentallyunique9
businessoffarming.Suchaprogramshouldincludethesebasicprovisions:10
i. Pricesupportandincomesupportmechanismforwheat,coarsegrains,oilseeds,11
rice,andcottonthatestablishesafloorundermarketpricesandenables12
producerstoobtaintheirincomefromthemarketplace;13
ii. PriceandincomesupportsshouldprimarilybeprovidedbyCCCnon-recourse,14
commodityloans;15
iii. Loanmaturityperiodsshouldbeextendedatthediscretionoftheproducer,for16
upto18months;17
iv. PricesupportandCCCloanratesshouldbesetatlevelstoensureproducers18
havetheopportunitytoreceiveafairreturnontheirinvestment.Theloanrate19
shouldnotbeforlessthantheUSDAnationalaveragecostofproduction.CCC20
loanratesshouldbeadjustedannuallytoreflectinflationandproductivity;21
v. PricesupportsandCCCloanratesshouldbeannuallybalancedinanupward22
manner,inordertopreventmarketandplantingdistortions;23
vi. NFUstronglyurgestheestablishmentofavoluntary,farmer-ownedmarket-24
driveninventorysystemthatreducesvolatilityinagriculturalcommodity25
markets.Inorderforsuchasystemtosucceed,werecommendthefollowing:26
1. USDAwillofferperbushelstorageratesforcommoditieswhenpricesfall27
belowadesignatedloanrate,whichissetnearthemidpointbetweenthe28
variableandfullcostofproductionforeachcommodity.Enrollmentin29
thestorageprogramwillceasewhenpricesrecover;30
38
2. Farmersmayenteranyportionoftheircropintostorage,whichmust1
remainenrolledintheprogramuntilthemarketpriceforthecommodity2
reachesthereleaseprice,orapproximately160percentoftheloanrate;3
3. Farmersmustmaintainthecropinproperconditionwhileinstorage;4
4. Economicallysoundinventorycapsshouldbesetoneachcommodity.5
Shouldtheinventorycapbereachedforacommodity,avoluntaryset-6
asideprogrammaybemadeavailablebyUSDA;7
5. Whenthereleasepriceisreached,thefarmermaysellthecommodity8
intothemarketorholdthecommodity,butstoragerateswillcease;9
6. Allowingthesecretaryofagriculturetheauthoritytomanageprice-10
depressingsurplusesbyprovidingproducersincentivestoplant11
dedicatedenergycropsonacreswhicharenow,ormaybeproduced,in12
surplus;13
7. Commoditysupportbasedonactualproductionhistory(APH),where14
available.ForcaseswithoutAPH,theprogramyieldcannotbelowerthan15
countyFarmServiceAgencyyields.Additionally,weurgethe16
establishmentofAPHfloorstoprotectproducersintheeventof17
successivecropfailurebroughtonbynaturaldisasters;18
8. Plantingflexibility;19
9. Low-interestgrainstoragefacilityloansshouldbemadeavailableto20
producers;21
10. Eachfarmoperatorandcropsharelandlordshouldbeeligiblefor22
maximumloanvolumetargetedtofamily-sizedproducers;23
11. Farmersshouldhavetherighttoperiodicallyupdateacreagebasesand24
provenyieldsonallcropsforeachfarm;and25
12. Farmersshouldhavetheoptiontostoreforfeitedgrainandreceive26
storagepaymentsuntilfinalsaleisconsummated.27
NFUbelievescottonshouldbeacoveredcommodityinanyfuturefarmbill.Wesupport28
thedesignationofcottonseedasan“otheroilseed”forthepurposeoftheAgriculturalRisk29
Coverage(ARC)programandthePriceLossCoverage(PLC)program.30
Weopposethegrowing,harvesting,orprocessingofcastorbeans.31
2. OTHERPROGRAMCOMMODITIES(WOOL,MOHAIR,HONEY,PULSECROPS,ETC.)32
39
Wesupport:1
i. Theestablishmentofaneconomicsafetynetprogramforothereligible2
commoditiesbasedonpriceincomesupportsprovidedthroughCommodity3
CreditCorporation(CCC)non-recourse,commodityloansinamanner4
comparabletomoretraditionalfarmprogramcrops.Othereligiblecommodities5
include,butarenotlimitedto:a)wool;b)mohair;c)honey;d)pulsecrops;and6
e)foragecrops,ifhayedorgrazed;7
ii. FundingtheWoolandMohairProgramfromtariffsonsheepandwoolimports;8
and9
iii. ThePulseHealthInitiative,afocusedefforttoincreaseandleveragescientific10
researchontheadvantagesofpulsecrops11
3. TOBACCO12
WeurgeactionbyCongressandtheadministrationto:13
i. Provideforaplanandfundingforeconomicdevelopmentassistancetotobacco-14
dependentcommunities;15
ii. Establishcountry-of-originlabelingfortobacco;16
iii. Ensurethatallimportedtobaccomeetsthesamestandardsofdomesticleafand17
ismonitoredandtrackedinasimilarfashionasdomesticleaf;18
iv. Toacttoincludeprovisionstocontinuetheinspectionofforeigntobaccofor19
U.S.-bannedchemicalsandpesticides;20
v. ContinueUSDAresearchtodevelopnewusesfortobaccoplants,suchas21
developmentofanypesticidalpropertiesandmedicalresearch;22
vi. Supportthepresident’sCommissiononTobaccorecommendationsandthe23
effortsoftheAllianceforHealthEconomicandAgriculturalDevelopment24
(AHEAD);25
vii. EstablishanewchapterundertheFood,DrugandCosmeticActforthefairand26
effectiveregulationofalltobaccoproductsinthewayinwhichtheyare27
manufactured,sold,labeledandmarketedandensurethatgrowersandother28
stakeholdershavetheopportunitytoprovideinputandcommentsonanyfuture29
rulesissuedbyFDA;30
viii. Ensurethatadequatefundingisprovidedforgrowercompensation,aswellas31
tobaccocontrol,education,andcessationprograms;and32
40
ix. Establishmechanismsbywhichtobaccoandtobaccoproductscanbemonitored1
andtrackedininterstateandforeigncommercetopreventtheillegal2
manufacture,saleanddistributionoftobaccoproducts.3
4. PEANUTS4
Historically,U.S.farmpolicyhasrecognizedthatforpeanuts,thecostofrequirementsof5
thesector,suchasspecialtyharvestingequipmentandstoragefacilitieswouldattracta6
limitednumberofequipmentdealers,processors,andmarketers.Therefore,family-sized7
farmswouldrequireparticularattentiontotheorderlyandhonestmarketingofsucha8
crop.9
Wesupport:10
i. Growermarketingassociationsandfederalmarketingandwarehouseassistance11
toaidinthemaintenanceoffairandtransparentmarketcompetition;12
ii. Increasedresearchfundingtodevelopalternativeusesforpeanuts;13
iii. Prohibitingtheimportationofpeanutsoranypeanutproductsfromcountries14
thatproducenopeanuts;and15
iv. Prohibitingtheimportationofpeanutsorpeanutproductsfromcountriesthat16
haveplantdiseaseproblems,useunjustlaborpractices,orhavelessstringent17
pesticideregulationsthantheUnitedStates.18
5. SUGAR19
Wesupportthecontinuationoftheno-costU.S.sugarprogramandencourageCongress20
toworkwithU.S.sugarproducerstoadoptastrongsugarprograminfuturefarmbills.21
Today’sprogramhassuccessfullyprovidedconsumerswithstable,reliablesuppliesof22
sugaratreasonableprices,providedsugarproducerswithdecentincomeandprovided23
goodemploymentopportunitiesinruralcommunities.24
Programquotalimitsmustbecarefullysafeguardedtoprotectdomesticproducersfrom25
themaskingofsugarimportsintheformofstuffedmolassesandotherstealthproducts26
capableofrefinement.27
Weopposeethanolproducedfromimportedsugarreceivinganytaxpayersubsidies.28
6. TREEFARMSANDFORESTRY29
Theeconomicwell-being,aswellastheindependentexistenceoffamily-sizedtree30
farmers,isthreatenedbyregulatoryuncertainty,over-regulationofwetlands,and31
restrainingbufferzones.Wesupportthefamily-sizedtreefarmers.32
41
NFUencouragesprivatelandownerstoadoptcooperativesustainableforest1
managementpractices,includingbutnotlimitedtocompletionandimplementationof2
foreststewardshipmanagementplansasrecognizedbyUSDA’sForestService.3
NFUencouragesstateandlocalgovernmentstoprotectprimeharvestableforestlands4
throughlocalzoningordinances.5
7. SPECIALTYCROPS6
Specialtycropsincludebutarenotlimitedtofruits,vegetables,treenuts,driedfruits,7
nurserycrops,floricultureandhorticultureincludingturfgrass,sod,Camelliasinensisteas,8
coffeeandherbalcrops.Congressshouldprovidemandatoryfundingforasafetynet9
program,includingriskmanagementtools,toallowproducerstoearnthecostof10
productionplustheopportunityforareasonableprofitfromthemarketplace.11
Wesupport:12
i. MandatoryfundingfortheSpecialtyCropBlockGrantProgram.Specialtycrop13
blockgrantsthatareprovidedtostatesshouldbeprovidedtoproducersandnot14
supplantstatebudgets;15
ii. Collaborationwithconsumer,culinaryandotherfoodgroupstopromoteU.S.16
specialtycrops;17
iii. Protectionforspecialtycropproducersfromimportsduringtheprimaryharvest18
seasonforperishablecrops(windowofharvest);19
iv. Incentivesforallfederalnutritionprogrambeneficiariestousetheirbenefitsat20
farmersmarkets,CSAsandotherdirectmarketingoutlets.Reauthorizationand21
expansionoftheSNAP-basedFoodInsecurityNutritionIncentiveGrantProgram22
andtheChildNutritionActwithcontinuedprioritizationforthedirect-to-23
consumermarketingandthelocalandregionalsourcingoffruitsandvegetables;24
v. Reclassificationofindustrialhempasanon-controlledsubstanceandadopting25
policytoallowAmericanfarmerstogrowindustrialhempunderstatelaw26
withoutaffectingeligibilityforUSDAbenefits,andsupportinglegislationto27
allowforindustrialhemptobecomeacropintheU.S.again;28
vi. Astate’srighttomaketheirownchoiceonmedicalandrecreationalmarijuana29
bycallingonCongressandU.S.DEAtoreclassifymarijuanaasaschedule2or30
lowerdrug;31
vii. USDAdesignationoftreesyrupsasaspecialtycrop;and32
42
viii. Bothseedexchangesandseedlibrariesfortheopenexchangeofheirloomand1
open-pollinatedseed.2
8. HONEY/POLLINATION3
Pollinatorsarevitaltoagricultureandinparticulartotheproductionoffruitsand4
vegetables.Bee-pollinatedforageandhaycropssuchascloverandalfalfaarealsousedto5
feedlivestockanddairyanimals.Introducedparasiteshavehadasignificantimpacton6
honeybeesintheUnitedStates.Undeterminedfactorshaveledtoanobservedcollapsein7
thebeepopulations,commonlyreferredtoasColonyCollapseDisorder.8
Therefore,wesupport:9
i. Agriculturalresearchandeducationtoencourageinnovativeapproachesto10
protectinghoneybeehealthandimprovegeneticstocksofhoneybees;11
ii. Developmentandexpandedresearchtoenhancenativepollinators;12
iii. EncouragingEPAtoenforceitspesticideuselabelstoensureproperapplication13
ofpesticides;14
iv. Encouragingcollaborationbetweenthepesticidemanufacturingandpollinator15
industriestoeducateapplicatorsandproducersaboutthepotentiallyharmful16
effectsofpesticidesonpollinatorpopulations;17
v. Continuedmonitoringofpestpopulationsandpestcontrolmethods;18
vi. Continuedmonitoringofpollinatorimports,accidentalimportationofpestsand19
invasivespecies;20
vii. Ensuringthatpollinator-beneficialhabitatandbestmanagementpracticesare21
eligibleforcost-sharingassistanceandincentivesinUSDAconservation22
programsintendedtoassistproducers;23
viii. Publicresearchofeffectsofpesticides,suchasneonicotinoids,onbeecolonies,24
especiallyrelatedtoColonyCollapseDisorder;25
ix. TheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)defininghoneyasafoodproduct26
basedontheCodexAlimentariusstandardssothatU.S.beekeepershavethe27
abilitytoutilizetradeandlegalmechanismswhenimportedhoneyis28
adulterated.UntiltheFDAdefineshoneyasafoodproduct,wesupporteffortsat29
thestateleveltoauthorizestatedepartmentsofagriculturetodefinehoney30
usingtheCodexAlimentariusstandardsasaguideline;and31
43
x. Thecontinuedconsiderationofhoneybeesandhivesforinclusioninlivestock1
compensationprograms.2
Weopposeanyattempttoclassifysweet,white,oryellowcloverasaninvasivespecies3
ortoprohibitthesaleorplantingofsweetcloverseedbecauseofitsimportantrolein4
honeyproduction.5
9. VALUE-ADDEDANDMINIMALLYPROCESSEDFOODS6
Wecommendandsupportartisanproducersfortheirpioneeringeffortsinrevitalizing7
agricultureintheirlocalcommunities.Theireffortshaveresultedinmultiplebenefitsby8
creatingvalue-addedrevenuestreamsforthemselvesandtheircommunities.9
Theseproductsalsosupplyahighquality,balanceddietforconsumers.10
Wesupportpoliciesandprogramsthatencouragethefurtherdevelopmentofthese11
typesoffarm-basedenterprises.12
10. VALUE-ADDEDUSESOFFARMPRODUCTS13
Wesupportvalue-addedusesoffarmcommoditiesthatencouragethedevelopmentof14
bio-degradableconsumerpackagingasthestandardchoiceforstoragecontainers,15
packagingandbags.16
E. AGRI-TOURISM17
Wesupport:18
1. Theinclusionofagri-tourism,includingon-farmbedandbreakfasts,aspartofthe19
definitionofagricultureandencourageUSDAtorecognizethevalueofagri-tourism;20
and21
2. USDAdevelopingandimplementingaprogramtoeducateproducersabout22
liabilitiesassociatedwithagri-tourismoperations.23
F. RISKMANAGEMENT24
Weencourage:25
1. Theexpansionofriskmanagementtoolstocoverallcommodities;and26
2. TheFSAtoalwaysconsiderpreventedplantacresinrevenuecalculationsnot27
limitedtofarmsafetynetprograms,riskmanagementprogramsanddisaster28
programs.29
1. LIVESTOCKPRODUCERASSISTANCE30
Wesupport:31
i. Fullandpermanentfundingforthelivestockcompensationprograms;32
44
ii. Safeguardstoassurethatprogrambenefitsaretargetedtofamilyfarmersand1
ranchers;and2
iii. Deferringthetaxconsequencesofaforcedliquidationoflivestockifitisdueto3
severeweatherconditionsorothercausesandiftheanimalsarereplacedwithin4
a5-yeartimeframe.5
2. CROPINSURANCE6
Cropinsuranceandrevenuecoverageshouldnotbeconsideredareplacementforfair7
marketpricesandanadequatepricesupportprogram.8
Wesupport:9
i. Thecontinuationandimprovementofthefederalcropinsuranceprogram;10
ii. Apermanentdisasterprogram,inadditiontocropinsurancethataddresses11
bothcatastrophicandshallowlosses;12
iii. Enhancingtheaffordabilityofcoverageabove75percentofactualproduction13
history(APH);14
iv. Alimitationonthecumulativevalueofallfederalpremiumsubsidiesforthe15
purchaseof“buy-up”cropinsurancecoverage.Intheeventbudgetcutsresultin16
decreased“buy-up”premiumsubsidies,thosecutsshouldbeaccomplishedby17
capsonper-individualsubsidies.Cropinsurancesubsidiesshouldbeattributed18
toindividualsbasedontheirshareofownershipofinsurableproductionand19
entitiestheyown;20
v. Developmentoffederalcropinsurancepoliciesthatprovideadollar-per-acre,21
multi-perilcoverageoptionsimilartopoliciesthatexistforsingle-perilhail22
coverage;23
vi. Developmentoffederalcropinsurancepoliciesbasedontheregionalaverage24
costofproductionfortheinsuredcommodity;25
vii. Developmentofnewproductsthatallowproducerstoprotecttheirincomein26
timesoflowpricesand/orqualitylosses;27
viii. Expandedproductionlossandrevenueprotectionprogramstocovermore28
cropsandlivestockinanequitableandcomparablemannerinallstates;29
ix. Developmentofproductsthatallowproducerstobetterprotectagainst30
livestockandlivestockfeedlosses;31
45
x. DirectingtheRiskManagementAgencytofurtherdeveloptheWholeFarm1
RevenueProtectionProgram;2
xi. LegislativeactiontoprovidetheRMAauthoritytoallownationwidecropand3
revenueinsurancepilotprograms;4
xii. Legislativeoradministrativeactiontoincreasetheproducerrepresentationon5
theFederalCropInsuranceCorporation(FCIC)boardofdirectorsandestablish6
alocalappealsprocessincludingconflictresolution;7
xiii. Providingfamilyfarmproducerstheopportunitytoutilizeallavailabledisaster8
programswithoutpenalty;farmersrelyingonsurfacewaterforirrigation9
shouldnotbepenalizedbybeingforcedtosignupcropasdry-landinsteadof10
irrigatedlandduetoan“actofGod”resultinginlackofwaterbecauseof11
drought;12
xiv. Reasonablefundingforcropinsuranceagentandcompanyreimbursement;13
xv. NoreductionofAPHforfederalcropinsurancepurposeswhenproductionis14
reducedbynaturaldisasters;15
xvi. Offeringanadequate,individualcatastrophiccoverageprogramtoprovidea16
safetynetagainstcropdisasterswithagraduatedpremiumbasedonacres17
ratherthancrops;18
xvii. Signuprequirementsthatcontainenoughflexibilityincludingchangesto19
establishedplantingdatestoallowproducerstorespondtoweatherchanges;20
xviii. Beingeligibletoplanta“ghost”cropwhenaproducercollectsapaymentfora21
preventedplanting;22
xix. Theuseofcovercropsforstewardshippurposesonpreventedplantedacres23
whenfeasible;24
xx. Replacementofcovercroprulestiedtoeligibilityforcropinsurancecoverage25
withtheestablishedGoodFarmingPracticesprocess;26
xxi. Preventedplantingprovisionsininsurancepoliciesthatcanprovidevaluable27
coveragewhenextremeweatherconditionspreventexpectedplantings.To28
maintaintheintegrityoftheprogramandavoidabuse,producersshouldmake29
plantingdecisionsbasedonagronomicallysoundandwell-documentedcrop30
managementpractices.WeencouragetheRMAtodevelopguidelinesthatare31
objectiveratherthansubjective;32
46
xxii. Maintainingeligibilitytoreceivepreventedplantingindemnitypayments1
regardlessoftheproducer’splantinghistory;2
xxiii. Theinclusionoflocalqualityandbasisadjustmentsinrevenueassurance(RA)3
products;4
xxiv. Theriskmanagementprogramtorecognizeandaccommodatetheunique5
productionandactuarialexperienceofproducersofcertifiedorganic6
commodities;7
xxv. Notreducingestablishedcropinsuranceduringthatcropyear;8
xxvi. Thedevelopmentofanoptional,supplementalcropinsuranceproductto9
expandproductionlosscoveragebyhelpingoffseteithercatastrophicormodest10
productionlossesintheeventofweather-relatedorotherinsurabledisaster11
losses;12
xxvii. RequiringtheRMAandtheFSAtocoordinatealldefinition,reporting13
requirementsandinformationtechnologies;14
xxviii. Thecreationofregionaladvisorycommitteescomposedofproducers,insurance15
agentsandinsurancecompanyofficialstoworkwithRMAregionalstaffand16
officestoestablishappropriatepolicies,proceduresandeducationalactivities17
fortheindividualRMAregions;18
xxix. Thedevelopmentandexpansionofproductsthatallowproducersofnon-19
programcommodities,smalldiversifiedfarmingoperationsofspecialtyand20
minorcropstohaveequitableinsurancecoveragebasedonthemarketfor21
whichitisproduced.USDAshouldmakewhateverregulatoryoroperational22
changesarenecessarytoremovebarriersandensurefairaccesstocropand23
revenueinsuranceforbeginningfarmersandranchers;24
xxx. Theconceptofariskmanagementaccountthatwouldbeaprivate,self-insured25
policyforfarmersthatissimilartothecurrenthealthsavingsaccount.Thisis26
notareplacementforcropinsurance;rather,itisanalternativetoolforfarmers;27
xxxi. Preventativeplantinglossesincludingallweathercontingencies,including28
drought;29
xxxii. AcropinsurancepremiumduedateofDecember1withnointerestchargesto30
thepremiumiftheclaimisunsettled;31
47
xxxiii. Conservationcompliancetobeeligibleforfederalcropinsurancesubsidies,but1
recognizetheneedforthefollowingspecializedcarve-outprovisions:2
a. ExpeditedlandclassificationdeterminationsbyNRCS;3
b. Expeditedclassificationappeals;4
c. Abilitytowaivepenaltiesfor“ingoodfaith”orotherminorerrors;5
d. Abilitytomitigatebeforepenaltiesareassessed;6
e. Assessmentofpenaltiesonindividualstractsonly,notwholefarms;7
f. Severabilityofpenaltiesbetweenlandownersandtenants;8
g. Penaltiesapplyingonlygoingforwardfor“ingoodfaith”errors;9
h. Relaxedrequirementsforregionsthathavenotreceivedthebenefitof10
naturaldrainageincooperationwithNRCS;11
xxxiv. Thecontinueddevelopmentofriskmanagementtoolsfororganic-certified12
crops;and13
xxxv. Additionalcropinsurancesubsidiesforfarmersusingprovenandeffective14
conservationpractices.15
Weoppose:16
i. RMAallowingoutsideinfluenceoncropinsurancepremiumlevelswithregard17
tospecificcropinputs,practicesortechnologies;18
ii. Thesaleofcropinsurancebyaglendinginstitutionsandotheragindustriesthat19
areabletocoercetheproducer,i.e.lendersdiscountinginterestorrequiring20
purchaseofthelender’sowncropinsuranceproductasconditionofreceivinga21
loan;22
iii. Thevoidingofanentirecropinsurancepolicyduetoanerrorinasinglelineof23
thepolicy;and24
iv. Thesaleofcropinsurancebyfederalagencies.25
3. NATIONALFOODLIABILITYINSURANCEPROGRAM26
Wesupportanationalfoodliabilityinsuranceprogramtoassureatanationallevelthat27
unprocessedorlessprocessedwholefoods,freshfruits,cheeseanddairyproducts,meats28
andfreshvegetablescontinuetoremainaccessibleinthemarketplace.CurrentU.S.food29
liabilitycultureplacesthefarmerinanunfairpositionandthismustbeaddressedifwe30
intendtohavefarm-freshorlessprocessedfoodsavailabletoconsumers.31
4. RISKMANAGEMENTEDUCATION32
48
WeencouragetheUSDAtocontinuefundingriskmanagementeducationgrants.1
G. FARMPROGRAMADMINISTRATION2
Weurgefullimplementationandfundingofallprovisionsofthe2014FarmBill,consistent3
withtheintentofCongress.4
1. FARMER-ELECTEDCOMMITTEES5
Wesupport:6
i. Theintegrityandindependenceoffarmer-electedcommitteesincarryingout7
farmprograms;8
ii. Sufficientfundingsothecommitteememberscanbetrainedandcanfunction9
effectively;10
iii. AppointeestostateFSAcommittees,whichadministerfarmprograms,being11
familyfarmers;12
iv. Farmer-elected,county-orarea-farmercommittees;13
v. UniformityofinterpretationofUSDAprogramstothemaximumdegreepossible,14
whilestillmeetinglocalneeds;15
vi. Offeringappealsatthelocal,state,andnationallevels;16
vii. Continuinganindependentappealsprocessandtheproducer’srightto17
mediation;18
viii. Programstoeducateproducersandothersaboutmediationprocesses;and19
ix. GreaterauthoritygiventoFSAcountycommitteesindeterminingthedisaster20
designationsandtheappropriateprogramapplications.21
Weopposeselectionofthecountyorareafarmercommitteesbypoliticalappointment.22
2. NATURALRESOURCESCONSERVATIONSERVICE23
TheNaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)shouldbetheserviceagencyto24
providetechnicalassistanceworkingwithlocalboardsandlocalconditionswhenever25
possible.WesupportthefollowingchangestoNRCS:26
i. Implementationofanappealssystem;27
ii. Givingthesoilconservationdistrictboardstheauthoritytohearfarmerappeals28
onconservationland-useissues,includinggood,fairvariances;29
iii. Providingfullfundingforconservationtechnicalassistancetoimplement30
conservationprograms;31
49
iv. AppointeestotheNRCSstatetechnicalcommittees,whichprovideadviceand1
counseltostateconservationists,beingactivelyengagedinafamilyfarm2
operation;3
v. NRCSstatetechnicalcommitteeshavingvotingpoweroverthecost-sharerates4
andrankingprocedures;and5
vi. FundsdesignatedtoNRCSprogramsbeingusedtohirelocalfishersandfarmers6
toimplementconservationprojects.7
Weoppose:8
i. TheprivatizationoftheservicesoftheNRCSandobjecttoforcingfarmerstopay9
forthetechnicalassistance,whichshouldbeprovidedbyNRCSstaff;and10
ii. AnyefforttoeliminateNRCSorshiftconservationservicestosomeotheragency11
orbranchoftheUSDA.12
3. IMPROVEDMARKETINGMECHANISMS13
NFUreaffirmsitssupportforenablinglegislationtoestablishaNationalAgricultural14
RelationsBoardorseparateboardforsinglecommoditiesorgroupsofcloselyrelated15
commodities.Onceestablished,thisboardshould:16
i. Bringfarmersandfarmcooperativestogetherwithhandlersandprocessors,for17
thepurposeofbargainingoverpricesreceivedbyagriculturalproducers.18
Farmersneedandareentitledtoafirmlegalprocedurewhichwillenablethem19
tomanagetheproductionandmarketingoftheirproducts;and20
ii. Helppreservethelong-standingrightsoffarmerstoparticipateinbargaining21
associationsandcooperativeswithoutbeingsubjecttoantitrustaction.22
H. SPECIALAGRICULTURALPOLICIESANDSERVICES23
1. FARMLABOR24
WeencourageCongresstocontinuefundingexistingprogramsandestablishnewgrant25
initiativesthataimtoimprovethesupply,stability,andtrainingoftheagriculturallabor26
force.27
TheNationalLaborRelationsActshouldbeextendedtoworkersoncorporateand28
otherfarmsthatemployenoughhiredhelptobesubjecttothefederalminimumwage29
provisionsapplicabletoagriculturalworkers.30
Wesupportenforcementofthefollowinglaborstandards:31
50
i. Workerprotectionstandardsregardingwagerates,health,safetyandhousing1
conditionsformigrant,seasonal,minorityandotherfarmlaborersandfor2
educationoftheirchildren;3
ii. Allowtherightsofworkerstobargaincollectivelyforfairwages;and4
iii. Providealivableminimumwage.5
2. SAFETYOFFARMERSANDFARMWORKERS6
AgriculturehasbeendeterminedtobeahazardousoccupationintheUnitedStates.7
Farmmachineryisnotsubjecttofederalsafetyregulationsorrecallsbutisinstead8
manufacturedaccordingtovoluntarystandardssetbytheAmericanSocietyofAgricultural9
andBiologicalEngineers.10
Werecommend:11
i. Farmerstakeadvantageoftrainingopportunities,includingpesticideapplicator12
programs,asoftenaspossible;13
ii. Farmequipmentmanufacturersbesubjecttorulesrequiringproductsafety,and14
thatmanufacturersbeliablefordamagessufferedduetoinjuriescausedby15
faultyequipment;16
iii. Developingincentivesforthepurchaseofrolloverprotectionforfarm17
equipment;18
iv. Standardizedhazardandcautionlightsanddistinctturnsignalsonallfarm19
equipmentthatusespublicroadways,andincreasededucationofthepublicon20
theneedtorespectthem;21
v. DiscouragingtheuseofSlowMovingVehicleemblemsforpurposesotherthan22
theirintendeduse;23
vi. Farmersandtheiremployeeshaveaccesstoinformationregardinghazardous24
materialsusedonthefarm;25
vii. Farmersmaintainadequaterecordsontheirtransportation,use,storage,and26
disposaloffertilizersandpesticides;27
viii. Farmersandsmallbusinesseshaveavoiceinassuringthatrulesimplementing28
theOccupationalSafetyandHealthActof1970,establishedfortheprotectionof29
thoseemployedbyfarmersandsmallbusinesspersons,arereasonableand30
workable.ThisassuresthatOSHArequirementsarewithinthereasonable31
51
financialreachoffarmsandbusinessesaffected,thatthepenaltiesarenot1
excessive,andthatreasonableperiodsoftimeareallowedforcompliance;2
ix. Congressprovideforcontinuedexemptionofsmallfarmsandbusinessesthat3
have10orfeweremployeesfromtheinspectionprovisionsofthelaw;4
x. Familyfarmersexercisereasonablecaretopromotethesafetyofthemselves5
andtheirfamilies;and6
xi. DevelopingInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO)standardsthatadequately7
protectthehealthandsafetyofchildren.8
3. STORABLECOMMODITIESPRODUCERPROTECTION9
i. FederalWarehouseAct10
Wesupporttherightofindividualstatestoregulatethegrainmerchandising11
activitiesofwarehouseslicensedbythefederalgovernment.NFUwillopposefederal12
preemptionofstateregulatoryauthorityovergrainmerchandisingunless:13
a. Federalregulationincludesappropriateandeffectiveoversightoffederally14
licensedwarehousesandmerchandisingactivities;15
b. Modificationstofederalwarehouseandmerchandisingactivitiesthatmay16
haveanimpactonproducersareproposedandadoptedthroughpublic17
rulemakingproceduresratherthantheannuallicensingprocess;18
c. Producersareprovidedaprotectionprogramfundedbythewarehouseand19
merchandisingindustryagainstlossesfromwarehouseandmerchandising20
companyinsolvenciesandbankruptciesatnolessthan:21
1. 100percentinthecaseofwarehousereceiptedstoredgrainand22
grainsoldforpaymentwithin30daysofdelivery;and23
2. $3millionperproducerforeachcommoditystored,delivered,or24
contractedwithin31-365daysofdelivery25
d. Limitationsontheleveloflicensingflexibilityprovidedtograinwarehouses26
andmerchandisersareenactedtoensureitdoesnotresultinareductionin27
existingfinancialprotectionsforproducers;and28
e. States’abilitiestofundoperationsandinventorytransactions,liquidity,and29
maintain“weights-and-measures”regulationsareprotected.30
Wefurtherurgethateachstateprovidesupplementalguaranteesbeyondany31
federalmaximum.Congressshouldtakewhateveractionisnecessarytoensurethat32
52
storedcommoditiesremainthepropertyofthosepersonswhodeliveredthemfor1
storage.Warehousesshouldberequiredtoissuenegotiablewarehousereceiptsupon2
request,atacostnottoexceedthedumpcharge.3
ii. AgMerchandiserorSupplierBankruptciesandReceiverships4
Farmersshouldbegivenfirstpositionpriorityinagmerchandiserorsupplier5
bankruptciesandreceiverships,includingcommoditiespricesunderdeferredpriceand6
delayedpaymentcontracts.7
iii. CommodityBasis8
Basisshouldreflectthecostoftransportationandstoragefromthepointoflocal9
deliverytothepointofterminaldeliveryanditisnottobeusedasariskmitigationtool10
forthegrainmerchandiser.Wecallforoversightbytheappropriatefederalagency11
and/ortheCommodityFuturesTradingCommissiontoinvestigateabusesofthebasis12
levels.13
4. AGRICULTURALCENSUS14
Censusdataareusefulindesigningfarmprogramsanddefendingandpromotingthe15
interestsoffamily-sizedfarmoperations.Thecensusofagricultureprovidesdatathatshow16
thetrendsintheagriculturaleconomyofeachcountyandstateandforthenation.NFU17
encouragesthefollowingrelativetothecensusofagriculture:18
i. Continuetobeconductedeveryfiveyears;19
ii. Oppositiontoeffortstoincreasetheminimumfinancialcriteriaforclassifying20
agriculturaloperations;21
iii. Continuedcollectionofneededdatarelatingtocorporateinvolvementin22
agricultureandcoordinationwithinformationcollectedonforeigninvolvement23
inthepurchaseoffarmlandandagriculturalenterprisestomoreclearlyreflect24
thepatternofownershipandmanagementofU.S.agriculture;and25
iv. OppositiontoUSDAusinginformationobtainedinthecensusinamannerthatis26
detrimentaltofamilyfarmersandranchers.27
5. NATIONALAGRICULTURALSTATISTICSSERVICE(NASS)28
WesupportadequatefundinglevelsforNationalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)29
andrecognizetheimportanceofsurveys.AsUSDAusesNASSinformationformultiple30
programs,NASSshouldworkwiththefarmerstorecordtheneededinformationinsteadof31
usinganotherdatasource.32
53
WeencourageproducerstorecognizetheimportanceoffillingoutNationalAgricultural1
StatisticsService(NASS)data,whichisusedbyUSDAtodeterminepriceandyield2
informationformultipleUSDAprogramsandgrantopportunitieswithinourstatesand3
countygovernmentsthatcallforsuchmetrics.4
6. COMMODITYRESEARCHANDPROMOTIONPROGRAMS5
Wesupportavoluntarycheckoff,withproducerparticipationdeterminedatthepoint6
ofsale.Oursupportforproducer-financedcommodityresearchandpromotionprogramsis7
determinedbytheextenttowhichproducerswhoareactivelyinvolvedinproduction8
agriculturecontroltheprograms.9
NFUwillsupportprogramsfinancedfromtheproceedsofsalesbyproducersof10
agriculturalcommodities,onlyifthefollowingcriteriaaremet:11
i. Researchandpromotionprogramsareforthesolefinancialbenefitofdomestic12
familyfarmers;13
ii. Disbursementoffundscollectediscontrolledsolelybyboardsofnon-processing14
domesticproducerselectedbythedomesticproducersassessed,andthe15
operationsoftheprogramaresolelycontrolledbythosedomesticproducer16
boards;17
iii. Membersofnationalproducer-fundedboardsshallbenominatedandelectedby18
producers,withtheelectionprocesssupervisedbyFSA;19
iv. Itshallbemandatorythatalleligibleproducersbeprovidedwithaballotforall20
electionsandreferendums;21
v. Eachproducerofanagriculturalproducttobecoveredunderanymulti-22
commoditycheckoffshallhaveonevoteinanyreferendumtodetermine23
whetherthatcheckoffprogramshouldbecreatedandtheboardsocreated24
shouldadequatelyrepresentindependentfamilyfarmproducers;25
vi. Approvalisby60percentofproducersvotinginareferendumpriorto26
implementationoftheorder,withspousesallowedtovoteindividually,andno27
blocvotingallowed;28
vii. Theoutcomeofproducerreferendumsshouldbedeterminedsolelyonthebasis29
ofonevoteperperson;30
54
viii. Changesinleviesandadministrativeandoperationalproceduresshouldbe1
submittedtoproducersaffectedandsubjecttoapprovalbyasimplemajority2
vote;3
ix. Periodicreviewreferendumsshouldbefinancedandconductedbythefederal4
governmenteveryfifthyear,withnoproducerfundsusedtoinfluencethe5
voters.Asimplemajorityofproducersvotinginareferendumshallbeableto6
recallacommoditycheckoffprogram.USDAshallmakeavailablethetotal7
numberofproducers;8
x. WhenanassessmentiscollectedfromU.S.producersofacommodity,anequal,9
non-refundablefeeshouldcontinuetobeassessedonforeignimportsofthat10
commodity,ineitherrawormanufacturedform.Anyspecialprovisions11
extendedtoU.S.regions,remotestatesorterritoriesshouldnotbeextendedto12
importedproducts;13
xi. Theassessmentshouldalsobecollectedfromthoseintegratorswhoare14
currentlyexemptedbyvirtueofbeinginaverticallyintegratedoperation;15
xii. Periodicindependent,outsideevaluationsandauditsofallfinancialrecords16
shouldbeconductedtoensurethatthebenefitsoftheprogramoutweighthe17
coststoproducers,withcopiesoftheauditsavailabletoallwhopaythe18
assessments;19
xiii. Proceduresshouldbeprovidedtoenableproducerstoimmediatelyobtainthe20
refundsoftheresearchandpromotionfundstheywereassessed;21
xiv. Researchfundsgeneratedthroughproducerassessmentsshouldnotbeusedas22
asubstituteforpubliclygeneratedresearchfunding;23
xv. Farmersandranchershavetherighttodesignatetheuseofthecheckoffdollars24
heorshecontributesforresearch,promotion,expandedcooperative25
development,ornutritionprogramsandfoodbanks;26
xvi. Prohibitingtheuseofdairyproducers’checkoffmoneytoconductresearchinto27
theuseofcaseinand/orMPC’sinthemakingofcheeseandotherdairyproducts,28
ortopromoteanythingotherthanU.S.-producednaturaldairyproducts;29
xvii. Mandatoryproducerassessmentsshouldnotgotoorganizationsthatengagein30
lobbying.Nofundsshouldbedonatedorcontractsprovidedtoorganizations31
thatcarryoutpoliticalorlobbyingactivitiesortotheirsharedstaff,evenif32
55
recordsarekeptwhichseparatetheiractivity.Nocheckoffprograms/events1
shallbeheldinconcertorconjunctionwithanypolicyorganization’s2
programs/events.Severecriminalpenaltiesshouldbeassessedforusingfunds3
forpersonal,political,orlobbyingactivities;4
xviii. Thepaymentofamandatorycommoditycheckoffmustnotconstitute5
membershipinaproducerorganization;and6
xix. Producer-fundedresearchshouldremainthepropertyoftheproducers.Patents7
grantedasaresultoftheresearchshouldalsobelongtotheproducers.Royalties8
collectedshouldbereturnedtotheproducers’researchfund.9
7. GRAINSTANDARDS10
Ournation’sgrainstandardsfailtorewardproducersforproductionofclean,higher-11
qualitygrain.Thecurrentstandardsprovideawidemarginformanipulationbygrain12
buyersandprocessorsthroughblendingandotherdevices.Thegradelimitationsare13
arbitrary,permittingbuyerstoestablishlargediscountsoffactorsthatarenotnecessarily14
relatedtorealdifferencesinthevalueofagivencommodity.Ourgrainstandardsalsofailto15
identifymanyqualitycharacteristicsrelatedtotheactualend-usevalueofthecommodity.16
Wesupport:17
i. Producersreceivingapremiumforhigherqualitygrain;18
ii. Regulationorlegislationthatprovidesaconsistentgradingandmoisture19
discountscalethatismonitoredandenforcedatthelocalelevatorormill;and20
iii. Aperiodicreviewofournation’sgrainstandardssoourproducerscanmore21
effectivelycompeteinworldmarketsbasedonthequalityoftheirproduction.22
Revisedstandardsshould:23
i. Rewardpositiveactionstakenbyproducers,suchasgeneticimprovementand24
soundgrain-handlingpractices;25
ii. Establishgradeandnon-gradefactorsthatcanbecommonlyunderstoodand26
mutuallydeterminedbyproducersandend-users;27
iii. Adoptdry-mattergradingbythegraintradeasabetterwayofcompensatingthe28
producerforthegraindeliveredtotheelevator;29
iv. Beimplementedinsuchamannerthatthegradedeterminedatthetimeofthe30
initialsaleisconsistentwiththegradereceivedbytheenduser;31
v. Ensuretestingstandardsthatreflectactualgrainquality;and32
56
vi. Establishstandardizedteststhatareaccurateandreproducible.1
8. GRAININSPECTION2
Wereaffirmourpositionforthehighstandardsingraininspectionandsupportthe3
weighingsystemasauthorizedundertheoriginalFederalGrainInspectionAct.4
ToprotectandimproveourreputationasexportersofU.S.commodities,wesupport5
legislationthatwould:6
i. Prohibitandpenalizeexportersaddingforeignmaterialormoisturetoany7
commodityforoverseasshipment;8
ii. Requireexportcustomerstopayforshipmentsonaclean-grainbasis,justas9
farmersarepaidonaclean-grainbasis;10
iii. ProvidegraininspectionpersonneltospotcheckU.S.grainatforeignportsto11
determinewhetheritisofthesamekind,class,quantityandconditionthatwas12
certifieduponshipment;13
iv. Prohibittheimpositionofuserfeesfortheinspectionandgradingofagricultural14
commodities.Federalinspectionandgradingofsuchcommoditiesisinthe15
publicinterestandshouldnotbechargedtotheproducer;16
v. Continuetoinvestigategraincompaniesastothetotalpricingsystemandany17
qualitydiscountssuchasthoseforproteinschedules,testschedules,DON18
(vomitoxin)levels,fallingnumbersandscab;and19
vi. Prohibitprivatizationofgrainexportinspections.20
9. USDA’SINFORMATIONMANDATE21
USDAshouldprovideaccurateincomestatisticsforfarmersandranchers.Separationof22
incomelevelsforproducers,landlordsandintegratorswouldpermitmoreaccuratenet23
farmincomesinUSDA’sfarmprojections.24
Aeriallandmapsarevitaltoproducersforproximatelanduse,saleandproductivity.25
ThesemapsshouldbemadeavailablebyUSDAtothepublicforthegainoftheproducer.26
WeopposecharginguserfeesforformerlyfreeUSDAreportsandinformationor27
supplyingthemonlyonapaidbasisbycomputer.28
10. NATIONALORGANICSTANDARDS(ALSOSEEARTICLEI.D.–LABELINGOF29
COMMODITIESANDCOMMODITYPRODUCTS)30
57
NFUrecognizesthegrowingimportanceoforganicfamilyfarming.Organicfarmingisa1
management-intensivemethodofproductiondesignedtoachieveabalanceinthe2
agriculturalandlivestocksystemsimilartothatfoundinnaturalsystems.3
Wesupport:4
i. Theenforcementandmonitoringofthenationalorganicstandardspromulgated5
byUSDA;6
ii. StrictuniformenforcementoftheUSDANationalOrganicProgram(NOP)“1207
daypasturerule”forallcertifiedorganicdairyproducers;8
iii. Ensuringaccreditationandcertificationcostsdonotdiscriminateagainstsmall9
producers,includingsupportandfundingfortheNationalOrganicCertification10
Cost-ShareProgram;11
iv. RequiringUSDAtomaintaintheroleoftheNationalOrganicStandardsBoard12
(NOSB)astheofficialsourceofdevelopingpoliciesandprocedurestointerpret13
andimplementthefederalorganicstandards.Adequatestaffingmustbe14
providedtoenabletheNOSBtofulfillitsobligationtoorganicproducers;15
v. Maintainingorganiclivestockproductionstandardsthatareuniformand16
accountforfeedingandanimalhealthcarepracticesforcontinuousor17
transitionalorganicmanagement;18
vi. Prohibitinggeneticallymodifiedorganisms,irradiation,andtheuseofsewage19
sludgethatcontainsheavymetals;20
vii. Protectingorganicproducersfromchemicaland/orgeneticpollutionand21
providereasonableredressforanydamagecausebythisdrift;22
viii. USDAnegotiatingtradearrangementstoeliminatetheneedforNOP-certified23
U.S.farmerstocertifythroughmultipleinternationalagencies;24
ix. Thecontinueddevelopmentofriskmanagementtoolsfororganic-certifiedcrops25
(alsoseeArticleI.G.2–CropInsuranceandArticleX.B.1–PublicResearch);and26
x. Requiringincreasedmonitoringandtestingoforganicproductsoriginating27
outsidetheUnitedStatestoensurethoseproductscomplywithUSDAorganic28
standards.29
11. PLANTBREEDING30
58
WesupportthemodificationofthePlantVarietyProtectionActof1994intheareaof1
royaltyfees,takingintoconsiderationareasonableperiodoftimeforspecificcommodities2
andbasedonscientificmethods.3
Wesupportimmunityfromlegalactionforgrainhandlersfromconsequencesofthe4
PlantVarietyProtectionActwhenhandlinggrainwithoutafee.5
Wesupportprecisionbreedinginnovationsthatdonotmovegeneticmaterialfromone6
speciestoanother.7
12. PLANTGENETICRESOURCES8
Wesupport:9
i. Enhancinganddiversifyingthegenomeandplantgeneticresourcespools;10
ii. Recognizingfarmers’contributionstothedevelopmentandconservationof11
plantgeneticresourcesbyprotectingfarmers’rights,includingtherighttosave12
seed;and13
iii. Keepingpublicresearchandresearchresultsinthepublicdomainandprotected14
fromacquisitionbycorporationsorotherprivateentitiesattemptingtodevelop15
theirownproductsderivedfrompublicresearchgeneticpools.16
59
ARTICLEII–FAMILYFARMERSANDTECHNOLOGY1
Withthecontinueddevelopmentoftechnology,weasanorganizationareinvestedin2
agricultureandexcitedabouttheseopportunities.Technologywillofferfarmers,ranchersand3
fishersmanyadvantagesbuttherearepossiblerisksthatneedtobeconsidered.4
A. GENETICALLYMODIFIEDORGANISMSANDBIOTECHNOLOGY5
Therightsofbothgeneticallymodifiedorganism(GMO)producersandnon-GMOproducers6
shouldberespectedasappropriateregulatoryagenciescontinuetoresearchandevaluateGMO7
concerns.Allproducersshouldhavetherighttoaccuratelyadvertise,labelandpromote8
products.9
Werespectallnations’sovereigntyandfoodpoliciesandthusurgeopendialogue,10
cooperationandunderstandingintradenegotiationsrelatingtobiotechnology.11
Wesupport:12
1. ThereleaseofnewGMOtraitsafterissuesofcross-pollination,liability,commodity13
andseedstocksegregationandmarketacceptanceareobjectivelyaddressedand14
fairlyresolvedfortheprotectionofallproducersandconsumers.Whilebiotech15
traitsareunderpatent,thepatentholdershouldbepreparedtoindemnifyitstrait16
usersagainstfinancialburdenscausedbyclaims;17
2. Researchconductedinanenvironmentallysecurefacilitybeingexemptfromthe18
aboverequirements.Researchconductedinopenfieldsproductionshouldbe19
subjecttomandatorypublicdisclosureof:personsorentitiesinitiatingtheresearch,20
locationoftestsites,specificspeciesandtraitsinvolvedandthecharacteristicsof21
theintendedresultantgeneticallymodifiedplanttobecreated;22
3. Legislationtoprohibitthepatentingofheritageseedandanimalandbiological23
genetics;24
4. Legislationtoprohibitthereleaseofterminatorseedtechnology;25
5. Therightoffarmerstoplantseedderivedfromproprietaryorganismsontheirown26
land;27
6. NewproductsinvolvingGMOsbeingcertifiedassafebytheFDAintestingdone28
independentlyofthepatentholder,beforebeingallowedonthemarket.Such29
testingistobedoneattheexpenseofthespecificpatentholdersseekingtomarket30
suchproducts;31
60
7. LegislationrequiringthatpatentholdersorownersofGMOtechnologybeheld1
strictlyliablefordamagescausebygenetictrespassincludingsafety,health,2
economic,andenvironmentaleffects.Farmersarenottobeheldliableforfood3
safety,humanhealthorenvironmentalproblems,includingcross-pollination,4
relatedtotheuseofGMOsaslongasgenerallyacceptedcropproductionpractices5
arefollowed;6
8. Congressionalactiontoregulatethebiotechindustry’stechnologyagreements.7
Farmersshouldnothavetosignawaytheirfundamentalrights,includingbutnot8
limitedtoajuryoftheirpeersincourt,inexchangefortheprivilegeofgrowing9
biotechcrops.Grievancesshouldbesettledinthehomestateofthefarmer,notthe10
stateofthebiotechcorporation;11
9. Anydamagescausedtofarmersthroughlowerprices,lostmarkets,or12
contaminationshallbefullyreimbursedtofarmers,includinglegalfees,bythe13
companyproducingthegeneticallymodifiedproduct;14
10. AlldatausedintheanalysisofthehealthandenvironmentaleffectsofGMOsbeing15
publicrecord,andthatcriminalpenaltiesbeestablishedforthewillfulwithholding16
oralteringofsuchdata;17
11. Prohibitinggovernmentregulatoryagenciesfromlicensinggeneticallymodified18
productsthatarenotacceptableforbothhumanconsumptionandanimalfeed;19
12. USDAandFDAimprovingoversightandregulationofpharmacrops.NFUdoesnot20
endorseorsupportpharmafarmingbasedoneconomic,environmental,foodsafety,21
andliabilityriskstoproducersandconsumers;22
13. Requiringgovernmentalregulatoryagenciesandinputsupplierstoensurefarmers23
areinformedofallpotentialmarketrisksandsegregationrequirementsassociated24
withplantinganylicensedgeneticallymodifiedcrop;25
14. RequiringUSDAtofurtherinvestigateandresearchtheeffectsofGMOfeedson26
livestock;27
15. Governmentregulatoryagenciesconsideringdomesticandforeignconsumer28
acceptanceoftheproductwhenlicensing;29
16. RequiringallGMOseedtobeclearlylabeledwiththefollowinginformation:30
i. Markets(foreignordomestic)wheretheproductisnotaccepted;and31
ii. Allplantingrestrictions;32
61
17. Developmentofaverificationsystemandastorage,transportationandmarketing1
plantoaidfarmerswithnon-GMOgrains;2
18. Identity-preservedsystemsandinsisttheyreceiveprotectionfromcross-3
contamination;4
19. Thedevelopmentandimplementationofpatentrules,legislation(i.e.theHatch-5
WaxmanActforpharmaceuticals)orregulations,whichpromoteandmaintainfree6
marketcompetitioninregardtogenericproduction;and7
20. Prohibitingthesaleofseedforpesticideresistantcropsifthepesticideshavenot8
receivedregulatoryapproval9
B. AGRICULTURALTECHNOLOGY10
Wesupport:11
1. TheNebraskaTractorTestLaboratory,theonlyU.S.-approvedOrganizationfor12
EconomicCooperationDevelopmentlaboratoryandtheunbiased,third-party13
testinginformationthatitprovidesatlittleornocosttoU.S.farmerssotheycan14
makeinformedbuyingdecisions.15
2. Thefirst-saledoctrine,wherebyanindividualwhoknowinglypurchasesa16
copyrightedworkfromthecopyrightholderreceivestherighttosell,display,or17
otherwisedisposeofthatparticularcopyandprotectionsnototherwiseavailable18
forlicensees.19
3. FairRepairandRighttoRepairlegislationthatwouldallowfarmersand20
independentmechanicsaccesstodiagnosticsoftware,information,andothertools21
inordertorepairmodernequipment.22
C. INFORMATIONCOLLECTIONANDPROTECTION23
Detailedfielddatashouldonlybecollectedwiththeproducer’sconsentinamannersoas24
to:25
1. Ensuredatacollectedremainthepropertyoftheproducer;26
2. Protectprivacy;27
3. Avoidconsolidationofmarketpower;28
4. Maintaincompetition;and29
5. Preventmanipulatingmarkets.30
62
D. UNMANNEDAERIALVEHICLES(DRONES)1
Wesupport:2
1. Theuseofunmannedaerialvehicles(drones)foragriculturalpurposes,only3
afterlandownerorlandoperatorapproval;and4
2. OpeninguptheNationalAirspaceSystemtoallowdronesforagricultural5
purposes6
Weopposetheuseofdronesforcovertsurveillanceofagriculturaloperations.7
63
ARTICLEIII–AGRICULTURECOMPETITIONANDCONCENTRATION1
Inadequatemarketcompetitionisoneofthemostpressingissuesfacingproducers2
acrossthecountry.Asevidencedbythesharpdeclineinthenumberoffamilyfarmsin3
thepastdecadeandtheincreasingtrendtowardhorizontalandverticalconcentration4
intheagricultureandfoodsector,independentproducerscannotsucceedinthe5
absenceofprotectionfromunfair,anti-competitivepractices.Competitiveprovisions6
shouldbeestablishedthatensurefairness,transparency,protectionandbargaining7
rightsforproducers,andrestoreandenhancecompetitionforagriculturalmarkets.8
Packershavealwayshadtheabilityinmoststatestoownanimalsfortheir9
company’spersonalusewhenthespot/openmarketforliveanimalsfromindependent10
producerswashigherthantheywantedtopay.Byslaughteringtheirownanimalsfor11
daysandevenuptoweeks,thesupplyoflivestockfromindependentproducerswould12
escalate,causingthepriceonthespot/openmarkettodrop.Tofurtherdecreasethe13
competitioninthepackingindustry,thetopfourpackersin2015controlled14
approximately85percentofcattle,66percentofhogs,51percentofbroilers,and5715
percentofturkeys.Economistsstateanyconcentratedmarketpowerover40to6016
percentwoulddemonstratealackofcompetitionincommercewithintherespected17
industry.18
Farmersareoftenincorrectlyblamedforrisingfoodandfiberprices.Retailprices19
aremoreoftendeterminedbyforcesoutsidethecontroloffarmers,ranchers,and20
fishers.Wesupporteffortstoincreasethefarmer’sshareoftheconsumer’sdollar.21
A. COMPETITIONANDANTITRUST22
Wesupportthefollowinginitiativestoachievetruecompetitionforproducersinthe23
marketplace:24
1. Implementationofatemporarymoratoriumonlargeagriculturalmergersto25
provideCongresswithtimetoreviewandstrengthencurrentlawsas26
appropriate;27
2. RequiringUSDAtocollectandpublishconcentrationinformation;28
3. ClarificationofthePackersandStockyardsActtoallowindividualproducers29
toseekrecourseforabuseofmarketpowerwithouthavingtoprove30
competitiveinjurytotheentiremarketplace;31
64
4. RequiringtheJusticeDepartment(DOJ),FederalTradeCommission(FTC),1
andtheSurfaceTransportationBoard(STB)whereapplicabletorequire2
firmstosubmitinformationonjointventuresandalliancesbetweenfirms3
aboveacertainsize.Inmanycases,firmsthatareparticipatinginjoint4
venturearrangementsbehavejustlikefirmsthathavemergedandshouldbe5
subjecttothesamelevelofantitrustscrutinyasmergers.Thedisclosure6
requirementshouldbesetatathresholdsufficienttoincludefirmsthat7
accountforasignificantpercentageofmarketshareataregionallevel;8
5. RequiringtheDOJ,FTC,orSTBtopubliclydisclosewhyamergersubjectto9
antitrustreviewisapproved;10
6. ExpandingtheroleofUSDAtoinitiateand/orparticipateinthereviewof11
proposedmergersintheagriculturalsector;12
7. Requiringeconomicandenvironmentalimpactstatementsdetailingthe13
impactofaproposedmergeronfarmers,ranchers,andconsumerspriorto14
approval;15
8. EstablishinganOfficeofSpecialCounselonCompetitionwithinUSDAto16
streamlineandincreasetheeffectivenessofUSDAinvestigationand17
enforcementofcompetitionlaws;18
9. Establishingalevelofconcentrationthattriggersapresumptionofa19
violationofantitrustlawtomakeiteasierfortheDOJ,FTC,orSTBtoprevent20
highlevelsofconcentration;21
10. Therightofproducerstoholdretailers,distributorsandmanufacturers22
responsibleforpricegouging;23
11. Prohibitingslottingfeesthatprovidewindfallprofitstoretailersandcreatea24
barrierfornewfirmsandproducts;25
12. Atargetpriceprogramonalimitedvolumeofproductionasautomatic26
compensationforlivestockproducerswhenalackofantitrustenforcement27
orunfairimportsdamagetheirmarkets;28
13. Congressrepealingstatutoryprovisionsthatexemptrailroadsfromthe29
antitrustinjunctiveactions,aswellasthejudiciallydevelopedKeogh30
doctrinethatlimitsantitrustdamageremedies;31
65
14. Supportingstateanti-corporateandcontractproducerprotectionlegislation;1
and2
15. Providingstrongprotectiontoemployeesthatreportnon-competitive3
practices.4
B. LIVESTOCKMARKETREFORM5
Wesupportthefollowinginitiativestoreducelivestockmarketconcentrationand6
enhancecompetition:7
1. Restrictionofallformsofdirectandindirectownershiporcontrolof8
agriculturalproductsbyagribusinesses,includingtheprohibitionof9
ownership,controlandfeedingoflivestockbypackingcompanies;10
2. Encouragingdevelopmentoffarmer-ownedcooperativesformarketingand11
processing;12
3. Placingrestrictionsonthepercentageofcaptivesupplyandthatfirm-bid13
pricingbeestablishedinforwardcontractsasdirectedintheCaptiveSupply14
ReformAct;15
4. Makingpermanentthemandatorypricereportinglaw;16
5. Effortstoincreasetransparencyofmandatorypricereportinginformation,17
includingbutnotlimitedto:18
i. Eliminatingorloweringthekillcapacityreportingexemption;19
ii. Regularreportingafterthefact,evenwhenaproprietaryexemption20
precludespriceandvolumereportingonadailybasis;and21
iii. Enhancingthereporteddatetobeuserfriendly.22
6. Protectingthelivestockproducersfromunfaircompetitionandmonopolistic23
practicesbystrengtheningthedefinitionofthePackersandStockyardsAct.24
Alllivestockproducersshouldhaveequalaccesstomarketsthatdonot25
discriminateagainstfamily-farmlivestockproducers;and26
7. Enactinglegislationthatclearlydefinesandprohibitsvolume-basedprice27
discriminationinlivestockmarkets28
C. POULTRYMARKETREFORM29
WesupportenactinglegislationtogiveUSDA’sGrainInspection,Packers,and30
StockyardsAdministration(GIPSA)fullenforcementoverpoultry.Wealsorecommend31
fortheprotectionofpoultrygrowers:32
66
1. ExtensionoftheprotectionofthePackersandStockyardsActtoproducers1
whogrowandcareforbreederhens,pulletsandcommercialeggs,notjust2
broilers;3
2. ModificationstoregulationsunderthePackersandStockyardsActthat4
governintegratorfair-tradepracticesandstrengthentheenforcement5
mechanismstherein,including,butnotlimitedto,regulationsto:6
i. Prohibitcompaniesfromretaliatingagainstproducersforspeaking7
outaboutproblemsintheindustryorabouttheircontracts,orfor8
attemptingtoorganizeotherproducerstonegotiateasagroupfor9
bettercontractterms;10
ii. Prohibitcompaniesfromrequiringproducerstomakeunnecessary11
upgradestotheirfacilitiesunlessthecompanypaysforthecostsof12
thoseupgrades;13
iii. Reformthesystemusedtopayproducer,i.e.therankingsystem,to14
assurethatproducersarenotpenalizedforinputscontrolledbythe15
company,andthatthereisfulltransparencyinthefactorsusedto16
calculatetheproducers’payment;17
iv. Prohibitcompaniesfromcancellingaproducer’scontractorreducing18
thenumberoflivestockunitsplacedontheirfarmbasedsolelyonthe19
failureoftheproducertomakeequipmentchanges,solongas20
existingequipmentisingoodworkingorder;and21
v. Requiretheproductioncontractsbelongenoughintermtoallow22
producerstorecouptheirinvestments.23
3. Enactmentofstatelegislationwhichbetterdefinescontractproductionfor24
growingarrangements;and25
4. Requiringintegratorstoprovideanaccuratecash-flowanalysistonew26
poultrycontractoperations.27
D. PRODUCTIONCONTRACTING28
Currentlawfallsshortofensuringfairnessandprotectionforproducersunder29
contract.Wesupportthefollowinginitiatives/legislationtoenhancecontractproducer30
protection:31
67
1. StrengtheningtheAgriculturalFairPracticesActtoprovideimproved1
protectionforcontractproducers;2
2. ImplementationofallGIPSAprovisionsincludingdisclosureofcontract3
clausesforfarmerswhocontract,therighttodiscussthecontractwiththeir4
lawyer,financialadvisororfamilymember;5
3. Requiringcontractsandcontractrightstobewritteninplainlanguageand6
discloseriskstoproducers;7
4. Providingcontractproducersthreedaystoreviewandcancelproduction8
contracts;9
5. Providingproducerswithafirst-prioritylienforpaymentsdueunder10
contracts;11
6. Protectingproducersfromcontractterminationorpricereductionbecause12
of:13
i. Retaliationpurposes,14
ii. Inadequateorfaultyinputs/servicesprovidedbycontractor,and15
iii. Denyingopportunitytoremediateproblemsrelatedtoproduction16
specifications;17
7. Makingitanunfairpracticeforprocessorstoretaliateordiscriminate18
againstproducerswhoexerciserightsundertheproposedlegislation;19
8. Authorizingproducerbargainingtoencouragecontractproducerstoform20
collectivebargainingunitstonegotiatewithintegrators;21
9. Prohibitingtheuseofmandatoryarbitrationclausesinlivestockandpoultry22
contractstoassurethatfarmershaveadequateaccesstojusticeintheevent23
offraud,misrepresentation,breachofcontractorothercontractdisputes24
withaprocessororintegrator.Arbitrationshouldbeavoluntarymechanism25
fordisputeresolutionagreedtobybothpartiesafteradisputearises;26
10. Prohibitingcontractsinvolvingagproducersfromcontaininglanguagethat27
prohibitsatrialbyjury;and28
11. Publicizingandwidelydistributingeducationalmaterialsregardingthe29
rightsofcontractproducers.30
E. PROFIT-TAKINGBYMANUFACTURERSOFFARMINPUTS31
68
Wecallforallfarmersandmember-drivenand–controlledcooperativestoplace1
pressureandinfluenceonmanufacturersoffarminputs,whoselevelofprofitability2
comesattheexpenseoffarmers.3
69
ARTICLEIV–INTERNATIONALTRADE,COOPERATION,ANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
Futuretradeagreementsmustbedesignedtopromoterurallivelihoodsbyensuring2
fairmarketreturnsforproducersandproductionofsafe,qualityfoodforconsumers.3
Thus,futuretradeagreementsmustnotbelimitedtoregulatingdomesticsupport4
levels,exportsubsidies,andmarketaccess.Rather,everyfuturetradeagreementmust5
addressdifferencesinlaborstandards,environmentalstandards,healthstandards,and6
thetrade-distortingeffectofcurrencymanipulationandcartelizationofagriculture7
markets.8
ThemeasureofthesuccessofatradeagreementhastobeitsbenefittoU.S.9
agricultureandspecificallyofitsproducers’netincome.Vaguepromisesof“market10
access”toforeignmarketsdonotoffsetopeningourbordersforevenlargeramountsof11
foreign-producedgoodstoenterourmarkets.Marketaccessdoesnotequalmarket12
share.NFUsupportsthefederalgovernmentconductingaformalandthoroughanalysis13
ofcurrentagriculturaltradeagreementstodeterminetheirsuccessatmeetingtheir14
promisedgoalsbeforeanynewtradeagreementsarenegotiatedorproposed.15
Companieswhorepeatedlysendbannedproductstocountrieswithspecified16
requirementsandstandardsforimportsshouldbeheldliableformarketlossesby17
producersresultingfromtheshipment.18
Ourtradenegotiatorsneedtorecognizethatfoodsecurityisnon-negotiablefor19
manytradingpartners,andthattheywillneveragreetogiveusfullmarketaccess.20
A. AGRICULTURALTRADENEGOTIATIONS21
Fairtrade,notfreetrade,holdsthepotentialtoincreasefamilyfarmprofitability22
andU.S.foodsecurity,buttradebyitselfisonlyonetool.Increatingafairagricultural23
tradeenvironment,wesupporttheinclusionofthefollowinggoals,objectives,and24
provisionsinU.S.tradepolicyandininternationaltradenegotiationsandagreements25
that:26
1. Requireallcountriestomeethealth,environmental,foodsovereignty,27
workingconditions,andlaborrightsstandardsequaltothoseofproducers28
intheUnitedStates;29
2. AllowU.S.producerstherighttodistinguishtheirproductsfromthoseof30
othercountries.U.S.productsshouldnotbecategorizedjustasNorth31
Americanproducts;32
70
3. Callforaformalandthoroughanalysisofcurrentagriculturaltrade1
agreementstodeterminetheirsuccessatmeetingtheirstatedgoalsbefore2
anynewbilateralorregionaltradeagreementsarenegotiatedorapproved;3
4. Addressdomesticfoodsafety,security,andinadequateeconomicreturnsto4
producersresultingfrommarketfailure,lackofmarketcompetition,andan5
imbalanceinsupplyanddemand;6
5. Ensureglobalfoodsecurityandsafety,includingtheeliminationofunilateral7
sanctionsonagriculturalandpharmaceuticalproducts;8
6. Enhanceproducerreturns,economicdevelopment,andindividualstandards9
ofliving;10
7. Fostertheeconomicandresourcesustainabilityandefficiencyoffood11
productionanddistributionsystems;12
8. Achieveanequitabledistributionandbalanceofthecosts/benefitsof13
agriculturaltradeamongallparticipants,includingproducersand14
consumers;15
9. Acknowledgeandaccommodatethemulti-functionalityofagriculture,16
includingnon-economicconsiderationsofvaluetoproducersand17
consumers;18
10. Diminishpovertyandhunger;19
11. DonotundermineU.S.laws,jurisdictionorsovereigntyofacountryandits20
politicalsubdivisions;21
12. Arenegotiatedandenactedthroughatransparentdemocraticprocess;22
13. Provideconsumerswithanadequate,high-quality,safeandaffordable23
supply;24
14. Generatereasonableratesofreturntoagriculturalproducersby25
coordinatingeffortstoreducedumping,balancesupplyanddemand,share26
responsibilitytoprovidenutritionassistanceandmaintainanoptimallevel27
ofbufferstocksforfoodsecurity;28
15. AllowtheUnitedStatestoimposetraderemediesagainstnationsusing29
currencymanipulationtogainanunfairtradeadvantage;30
16. Haveaspeedyandfairmethodofresolvingdisputesamongtrading31
partners;32
71
17. AdvocateforthereformoftheWTOadjudicationprocesssothatcasesare1
decidedbyanindependentandunbiasedjudiciary;2
18. Allowflexibilityforindividualnationstoprovideeconomicsafetynet3
programsandaddressunforeseenproduction,market,andtrade4
circumstances;5
19. Encourageabalanceofincreasedandtransparentmarketcompetition,limits6
ontheconcentrationofmarketpowerandcoordinatedpubliccompetition7
policytoensuretheefficientandappropriateallocationofresourceswithin8
allagriculturalsectors;9
20. Maximizetheopportunityforindividualandcooperativeparticipationinall10
segmentsofagriculture;11
21. Createaneffective,efficient,timelyandtransparentimplementation,12
compliance,anddisputeresolutionprocess;13
22. Preventfurtherconversionofrainforeststoproductionagricultureto14
preservetheiressentialbiodiversityandtheirvitalroleincarbon15
sequestrationandtheglobalclimatesystem;16
23. Publishmeaningful,current,andstandardizedreportsonimportsofdairy17
products,quantitiesandtypes,andaUSDAreportontheimpactoftheWTO18
ondairyproducers;19
24. Establishtariffsonforeignimportsofalldairyingredientsthatdisplace20
domesticallyproducedmilkusageincludinganimalfeedingredients;21
25. UseGSM-102exportcreditguarantees;and22
26. FurtherutilizetheMarketAccessProgram(MAP)andForeignMarket23
Development(FMD)program.24
Wesupportthefollowingcurrentnegotiatingtopics:25
1. Unified,worldwideeliminationofexportsubsidies;26
2. Increasedtransparencyandmarketdisciplinesofstatetradingenterprises;27
3. Greaterequityandbalanceinagriculturaltariffandtariffratequotaregimes;28
4. Developmentofanimprovedandmoreinclusivemethodologyformeasuring29
thelevelandimpactofdomesticsupportprograms,includinggreenbox30
supportsandeffectivesubsidiesconveyedthroughmonetarypolicyand31
laborandenvironmentalregulation;32
72
5. Therightsofcountriestoaddressthecircumventionoftariffsandtariffrate1
quotasbytradingpartners;2
6. Theneedtoprovideconsumerinformation(labeling)onagricultural3
productsasameanstoaddressfoodsafetyconcernsandenhancemarket4
access;5
7. Nationalflexibilityinthedesignandimplementationofdomesticsupport6
programswithinreasonablenegotiatedlimitssuchastheTradeAdjustment7
Assistanceprogram;8
8. Cooperativedevelopment,implementationandenforcementofcompetition9
policies;10
9. Utilizationofend-usecertificatestomonitortheflowofallagricultural11
imports;and12
10. Allowingcountriestorestricttheimportofagriculturalcommoditiesthatare13
contaminatedorinfectedwithdiseaseorothertoxicornoxiousorganisms14
thatthreatendomesticproductionand/orfoodsafety.15
Weoppose:16
1. Eliminationoftariffs,tariffratequotasanddomestictraderemediesutilized17
tocountertheeffectsofdumpingandotherunfairtradepractices,including18
theuseofmonetary,labor,andenvironmentalregulationsthatcreate19
competitivetradeadvantages;20
2. Eliminationof“credit”forsupplymanagementprograms(bluebox);21
3. Requirementsthatdomesticsupportprogramsbede-coupled;and22
4. Importationofagriculturalproductsfromcountriesthatdonotgrowor23
producesuchproducts.24
B. TRADEPROMOTIONAUTHORITY(FAST-TRACK)25
WesupporttheimmediaterepealofTradePromotionAuthority(TPA).26
Weoppose:27
1. Fast-tracknegotiatingauthorityforthepresident;and28
2. Thefast-tracksystemofratificationoftradeagreementsinwhichtheentire29
tradepackagemustbeapprovedwithoutamendmentorrejectedintotalby30
Congress.31
73
Congressshouldhavefullopportunitytoreviewandamendprovisionsofatrade1
agreement,consistentwiththeauthorityandpowerendowedbytheU.S.Constitution.2
Becauseagricultureisonlyoneareaconsideredinthetradeagreementnegotiation,3
fast-trackcouldeasilysweepagriculturalconcernsaside.4
C. FAIRANDTRANSPARENTTRADEPRACTICES5
U.S.productsenteringintointernationaltradearesubjecttovariouspotential6
exclusionarymechanisms,impediments,andmanipulations.Thesebarrierstofairtrade7
includetariffs,unnecessaryphyto-sanitaryrequirements,arbitrarilyadjustedexchange8
rates,prejudiciallyappliedborderandvalue-addedtaxes,aswellasselectivelyapplied9
localtaxesandregulationsspecificallydesignedtopreventfairandequitabletreatment10
ofourproducts.Theseunfairtradepracticesareasignificanteconomicburdenon11
domesticproducers.Therefore,wesupport:12
1. Anti-dumpingpetitionsonbehalfofallU.S.producers;13
2. Creationandimplementationofa“greentariff”tobeimposedonall14
importedgoodsandservicesproducedorcreatedunderlessrestricting15
environmentalconstraintsthanthoseoriginatingfromU.S.sources;16
3. Conductingadequatesupplychainauditsinordertoidentifysourcesof,and17
seeksolutionsto,uncompetitivepracticesthatinfluencepricetothefinal18
consumer;19
4. Re-establishmentoftheByrdAmendment;and20
5. TheU.S.TradeRepresentativeinvestigatingcountriesforrevocationof21
GeneralizedSystemofPreferences(GSP)benefitsfromcountriesthatmay22
nolongerqualifyforprogrammingandsupportingtheU.S.Congresslooking23
intothewaythatothercountriessubsidizeagricultureanditsdetrimental24
effectsonU.S.farmers.25
D. HEALTHANDINSPECTIONSTANDARDSFORFOODANDFIBERIMPORTS26
WebelievethatfoodimportsposeamuchgreaterfoodsafetythreattoAmerican27
consumersthandomesticfood.Onlyaminimalamountoffoodimportsarephysically28
inspected,andofthosewhichareinspected,manyarerejectedforreasonsrangingfrom29
mislabelingofresiduestopesticidesbannedforuseinthiscountry.Wesupport:30
74
1. IncreasedfundingandnumberofinspectorsfortheAgricultureQuarantine1
InspectionsProgramandtransferinspectorsbacktoUSDAfromDepartment2
ofHomelandSecurity(DHS);3
2. Prohibitingtheexportofchemicalsnotregisteredforfoodandfiberusesin4
theUnitedStatesforfoodandfiberusesinothercountries;5
3. Strictmonitoringofimportstopreventimportationofresiduesofchemicals6
bannedintheUnitedStatesforfoodandfiber;7
4. Requiringallimportedfood,feed,fiber,milkproteinconcentrate(MPC)and8
animalproductsandby-productstomeetthesamefoodsafetyand9
inspectionstandardsasthoserequiredfordomesticproducts.Importsthat10
donotmeetthesestandardsshallbeappropriatelylabeled;11
5. Processingfacilitiesforsuchimportedproductsshouldbeinspectedatleast12
annually.Foodproductsfromthatfacilityshouldbelabeledassuch,evenif13
theproductoriginatedintheU.S.;14
6. Requiringinspectionbecontinuousandthorough,notjustanoccasional,15
minorsampling.Productsthatfailinspectionshouldbecondemnedandnot16
allowedasecondopportunitytoenterourcountry;17
7. Expensesforallinspectionscomingfromfeesontheimportedproductspaid18
bytheexporteratthepointoforigin;and19
8. ImplementingincreasedUSDA,FoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)and20
customsinspectionandregulationofcasein,milkderivativesandmilk21
adhesivesimportedforfooduse.22
E. CHINATRADE23
WesupportannualreviewsoftheimpactofthePermanentNormalTradeRelations24
(PNTR)forChinatodocumentitseffectonU.S.farmers.Suchreviewsshouldalso25
addresswhetherChina:26
1. RatifiesandenforcesallpendingUnitedNationscovenantsonhumanrights;27
2. Developsahistoryofactuallycomplyingwithinternationaltrade28
agreements;29
3. Enactsandenforcesrulesthatprotectindividualrights,establishes30
appropriateenvironmentalstandardsandfostersfairtrade;and31
75
4. Enactsandenforcesfoodandproductsafetystandardsequaltothose1
requiredofproducersintheUnitedStates.2
Weopposetradeprovisionsthatpittheagriculturalsectoragainsttheindustrialor3
manufacturingsectors(alsoseeArticleIII.A–AgriculturalTradeNegotiations).4
F. INTERNATIONALFOODASSISTANCE5
Everyoneshouldhavetherighttohaveaccesstosafeandnutritionalfood.We6
supportthefollowingprovisionstoenhanceinternationalfoodassistance:7
1. FundingforfoodaidprogramsbeusedtopurchaseU.S.-producedfoodwhen8
in-countrylocalfoodisunavailable;9
2. Foodanddevelopmentalaidforthosehereandabroadwhoarepoor,and10
certainlyforthoseendangeredbyfamine,toassuretheirsurvivalandwell-11
being;12
3. Providingavailablemeansandagenciestosupplythenecessaryfood;13
4. Emphasizingdistributionoffoodonceitreachesrecipients’country;14
5. Providingdonationsofhigh-qualitycommoditiesinsteadofusingpoverty-15
strickennationsasadumpinggroundforpoor-qualitygrains;16
6. AdequatefundingoftheMcGovern-DoleInternationalFoodforEducation17
andChildNutritionprogram;18
7. ContinuedworkwithCAREandotherhungerandagriculturalorganizations19
tosupporteconomicdevelopmentopportunitiesforpeopleinless-20
developedcountries.21
8. ForfeitedgrainfromNon-recourseMarketingAssistanceLoansbereverted22
backtotheUSDAtobeusedforoverseasreliefpackagestothirdworld23
countries;24
9. Developmentofaworldfood/grainreservethatisstructuredastonot25
depresspricesordiscouragefoodproductionindevelopingcountries;and26
10. ContinuedsupportofP.L.480aslongasfoodaidisnotusedforpolitical27
objectives.28
WeopposethemonetizationofU.S.foodaidtopurchasefoodcommoditiesfor29
developingcountrieswhenadequatesuppliesofU.S.-producedfoodsareavailable.30
G. WORLDFARMERSORGANIZATION(WFO)31
76
AsafoundingmemberoftheWorldFarmersOrganization(WFO),webelievethat1
WFOplaysavitalroleinprovidingtheworld’sfarmerswithaforuminwhichto2
exchangeideasandinformation,notonlyaboutfarmingtechniques,butpoliciesthat3
affectfarmers’economicwell-beinganddailylives.4
WeurgeWFOtobeanactiveadvocatefortheworld’sfarmers.5
H. POLICIESTOWARDDEVELOPINGNATIONS6
Wesupport:7
1. TheuseoftheUnitedStates’economicstrength,incooperationwithour8
privatesectorandothernations,topromotetheeconomicdevelopmentof9
less-developednations;10
2. EndingtheembargoandestablishingfairtraderelationswithCuba;11
3. Respectingthefoodsovereigntyofdevelopingcountriesbynotundercutting12
thepriceoflocalstaples;and13
4. Theadequatecompensationofindigenouspeoplesfortheconsumptionof14
theirresources.15
Weoppose:16
1. Thedumpingofagriculturalproductsindevelopingcountrieswhichputs17
localfarmersoutofbusinessanddestabilizeslocaleconomies;18
2. Theforcedremovalofindigenouspeoplesfromtheirtraditionalhomelands;19
and20
3. Theexploitationofdevelopingcountriesthroughforcingthemtoabandon21
theirowndomesticfoodsecuritypoliciesand/orindigenousseedstocksand22
foods.23
I. FARMERSANDFARMYOUTHEDUCATIONALEXCHANGEPROGRAMS24
Sinceabetterunderstandingofagricultureandtradecanhelppromoteamore25
peacefulandprosperousworld,webelievethateducationalexchangeprograms26
includingfarmers,farmleaders,andfarmyouthsshouldbeencouraged. 27
77
ARTICLEV–CREDITANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
Werecognizethatagriculturaldebtwillcontinuetobeaproblemuntilthereisa2
genuineandlastingimprovementinfarmincomeopportunities.Wesupport:3
1. TheeffortsoftheConsumerFinancialProtectionBureautomonitorandact4
onavailabilityofloansandtransparencyofloanservicingactivities;5
2. Policiesthatensureequalaccesstocredit,regardlessofgender,race,orage;6
3. Afarmcreditpolicythatisadequatelyfinancedandthatincludestheuseof7
third-partylendingagenciestohelpre-establishAmerica’sfamilyfarmsand8
providespecialassistancetobeginningandsociallydisadvantagedfarmers;9
4. TheFederalAgriculturalMortgageCorporation(FarmerMac)tocontinueas10
aviablesourceoflong-term,fixed-ratecreditforfamilyfarmers.FarmerMac11
shouldbemonitoredtoensurethatitfollowstheintentofCongressand12
helpsfamilyfarmers,ratherthantransferringtheownershipoflandto13
corporateinvestors.FarmerMacshouldnotbeusedtoweakenstate14
borrowerprotectionlawsorpenalizeborrowerswhomakeprepayments.15
Congressshouldamendthestatutetostreamlinetheoperatingstructureand16
eliminateprovisionsthatreduceFarmerMac’sefficiencyinprovidingloan17
productswithcompetitiveinterestratestofamilyfarmersandranchers;18
5. TheFederalFinancingBank,toexpediteinsuredandguaranteedloan19
programsandopposeanyattemptstoreducethevolumeofthebank,which20
wouldpushborrowersintoprivatesectorcredit;21
6. FamilyfarmersbeingeligibleforSmallBusinessAdministrationloansthat22
areavailabletootherbusinessesatlowinterestrates;23
7. Cooperativecreditunions,initiativestoallowfarmerinvestmentsintocredit24
unionsandallowingfarmerstoobtainagriculturalcreditfromcreditunions;25
8. FarmersUnionorganizationsaggressivelyformingandfurtheringcredit26
unionsandpromotinglegislationontheirbehalf;27
9. “AggieBond”programsallowedunderfederallawbeingenactedbystate28
andlocalgovernments.Theseprogramsshouldnotbeusedforloansfor29
contractproductionunlessthecontractisapprovedasaUSDAmodel30
contract;31
78
10. Thecontinuation,funding,andexpansionoftheCertifiedAgriculture1
MediationProgram(CAMP),andextensionoftheprogramauthorizing2
matchinggrantstostateswithqualifiedmediationprograms;3
11. MaintainingChapter12aspartofpermanentbankruptcylaw,reformingthe4
filingprocessandencouragingeducationaleffortstofarmersabouttheir5
rightsunderChapter12;6
12. Taxamnestyfortaxesimposedonfamily-sizedfarmsandranchoperators7
whofacetaxliabilitiesafterrestructuringorforcedsales;protectingthe8
interestsandrightsofborrowers,lenders,andtaxpayersthroughtheproper9
andconsistentimplementationofexistinglegislation;prohibitingadebtorto10
reorganizeintoalarger-than-family-farm-sizeunit;andencouragingall11
optionsbemadeavailableforFSAborrowerswithsharedappreciation12
agreements,duetoartificiallyinflatedlandvalues;13
13. Specialattentiongiventothecreditneedsofsurvivingspousesoffarmers14
whowanttocontinuefarming;and15
14. Requiringbanks,creditunions,andotherfinancialinstitutionstopublish16
andidentify,independentlyofinterestrate,anyadditionaldiscounts,17
whetheradditionalpointsorcreditratedecreaseorincreasebasedonother18
businesswiththeinstitution,includingcropinsurance.19
A. FARMSERVICEAGENCY(FSA)CREDITPROGRAMS20
Guaranteedloanprogramshavenotandcannotbecomeaviablesubstitutefor21
directlending.Wesupport:22
1. Emphasizingadequatefundingfordirect-lendingprogramsforfarm23
ownershipandoperatingexpensestobeginningandsocially-disadvantaged24
familyfarmers(alsoseeArticleI.B.5.–BeginningFarmersandRanchers);25
2. Increasingthemaximumloanamountstoreflectlandvaluesandprovide26
opportunitiesforadditionalfamilyfarmers;27
3. Aconsistent,sufficientfundingmechanismensuringloanfundingallocations28
areavailabletoallapprovedFSAloansinatimelyfashion;29
4. Increasingemergencyfundingsothatitisavailableonatimelybasis;30
5. Encouragingthesecretaryofagriculturetoseekthenecessaryauthorityto31
increasethemaximumleveloffederalemergencyfarmoperatingloansthat32
79
maybemadeavailabletoproducerswhohavesufferedmultipleyearsof1
weather-relateddisasters;2
6. Educatingborrowersonsoundfarmmanagementprinciplesinaneffortto3
reduceforeclosurerates.Borrowertrainingshouldbeprovidedbyexisting4
programs,includingFarmBusinessManagementandCooperativeExtension;5
7. Permittingtheguaranteeofloansforstockpurchasesinthefarmer-owned,6
value-addedcooperative,aslongasthecooperativecandemonstrateits7
feasibility;8
8. Allowingproducerswhohaveuseddebtrestructuringtobeeligibleforall9
federalloans,includingFSAandemergencyloans;10
9. Processingapplicationsforcreditandappealsinatimelymannertomeet11
productiondemands;12
10. Notgarnishingfederalfarmprogrampaymentstopaydelinquentfarmcredit13
paymentsexceptincasesofdelinquencyinexcessof3yearswithoutloan14
restructuring;15
11. Streamlininganddigitizingloanprogramsand/orappealsprocess;16
12. Implementingdebtrestructuring,includingdebtforgiveness,asequitablyas17
possibleandallowingadditionalrestructuringtobeconsidered;18
13. ContinuingtoenabletheUSDANationalAppealsDivision(NAD)tobean19
independentandfairforumforagriculturalproducers,asintendedby20
Congress,andbethefinaldecisiononproducerappealscases;21
14. Increasingconsistencyandeducationonthecountyandstateappeals22
processandFSAservicingresponsibilitiestotheborrower;23
15. Prohibitingtheuseofprivatecollectionagenciesandoffsetsofincometax24
refundstorecoveroutstandingdebtfromborrowerswhovoluntarily25
liquidatetheirassets;26
16. Eliminationoftermlimitsfornon-delinquentborrowers;27
17. Prohibitingtheimpositionoflong-termorpermanentwildlifeor28
conservationeasementsonlandacquiredbyFSAforeclosures;and29
18. EstablishingarevolvingloanpoolforallFarmServiceAgency(FSA)loansto30
ensureloanrepaymentiscreditedtotheFSAbudget.31
B. FARMCREDITSYSTEM32
80
TheFarmCreditSystem(FCS)shouldfollowitsoriginalpurpose-keepingthe1
familyfarmerontheland-byactivelyprovidingcredittoallfamilyfarmswithintheir2
district,regardlessofsize,andmaintainingfarmer-electedcontrolofFCSboards.3
Wesupport:4
1. ProhibitingdifferentialinterestratesforFCSmember-borrowersbecause5
theyarecontrarytocooperativeprinciples;6
2. Aninvestigationofthediscriminatoryeffectsofdifferentialinterestrates;7
3. LocalcontrolandparticipationofallFCSassociationsandbankswhile8
remainingontheforefrontofgoodgovernancepracticestokeepthesystem9
viableforproducersinthefuture;10
4. AllFCSdirectors,officers,andbondholderstotaketheleadinadvocating11
improvedfarmincomeasthebasicmeansofrepayingfarmdebtand12
securingtheFCS;13
5. FCSenforcementofregulationsgoverningtheborrowers’rightssectionsof14
theAgriculturalCreditActof1987,includingtheuseofcease-and-desist15
powerswhennecessary;16
6. CongressgivingpastandpresentFCSborrowerstherighttopursue17
litigationagainstFCSinstitutionstheyhavedonebusinesswith;18
7. FCScontinuingtobetheprimarysourceforfinancialservicesforfarmer19
cooperativesandtheirassociatedbusinesses.Wecalluponmember20
cooperativestoensurethattheseinstitutionsremainfarmer-controlled;21
8. PreventingFCSinstitutionsfrombeingsoldtooutsideentities,thereby22
exitingthesystem.Theabilitytoexitthesystemnegatesthebenefitsof23
farmercontrolandmakesitdifficulttoreplacetheservicesmandatedbythe24
AgriculturalCreditAct;25
9. ExpandingFCSlendingauthorityonlytotheextentitdirectlybenefitsfamily26
farmers,ranchers,andruralcommunities.Expandedlendingauthoritymust27
supportdomesticinvestmentsandoperations;28
10. FCSmaximizingthepatronageanddividenddistributiontoitsborrower-29
memberssotheyhaveaccesstotheFCScapitaltheyhelpedtocreate;30
11. Fullaccesstoruralcreditforfarmers,ranchers,fishers,andthecommunities31
inwhichtheylive.Weareparticularlyconcernedaboutthelackofavailable32
81
creditinruralareaswithhighunemployment,including,butnotlimitedto1
NativeAmericanReservations;2
12. Competitioninlendingtoallowcreditoptionsforourmembers;3
13. JurisdictionoftheFCSremainingundertheauthorityoftheU.S.Houseand4
SenateAgricultureCommittees;and5
14. Farmersandranchersgivenfirstchoicetopurchaseanyforeclosedor6
financiallydistressedfarmlandunderFCSjurisdiction.7
C. COOPERATIVEFINANCING8
Cooperativesarespecialbusinessentities,whichareuniqueinnatureandhave9
uniqueneeds.Cooperativefinancinginstitutionsneedtoprovidefinancialservicesand10
investmentfinancingnecessarytoassistestablishedcooperativesinre-toolingtomeet11
changingtimesinthemarkets,andtoparticipateinnewopportunitiestoservicerural12
communitiesandtheirfamilyfarmerandrancherowners.13
Thesecooperativefinancinginstitutionsneedtoestablishaprogramtoassist14
farmersandranchersandtheirruralcommunitiesbyprovidingriskcapitaltostartnew15
cooperativeventures.Theprogramshouldalsoprovidefinancialgrantstonew16
cooperativesforin-depthtrainingoftheirrespectiveboardofdirectors.17
TheNationalCooperativeBankisanimportantfinancialresourceforruraland18
urbanconsumercooperativesandweencouragethebanktoplacegreateremphasison19
rurallending.20
82
ARTICLEVI–FARMCOOPERATIVESANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
Farmer-ownedcooperativesareeffectiveinstitutionsthroughwhichthefarmercan2
reducecostsofproduction,maintainareliablesourceofinputs,andeffectivelymarket3
andprocessfarmproducts.4
NFUencouragesitsmembersandorganizationstoprovideleadershipinthe5
patronage,direction,operation,anddevelopmentofcooperativeenterprises,andinthe6
educationofmembersandthepublicastocooperativephilosophyandprinciples.7
A. COOPERATIVELAW8
Federallawprovidesafundamentaleconomicrighttoindividualfarmers,tojoin9
togetherincooperativesassociationsforthepurposesofpricing,processing,marketing,10
transporting,andsellingtheirproducts,andbargainingwithprocessorsandhandlers11
forpricesandothertermsofsale,withoutbeingsubjecttoprosecutionunderantitrust12
laws.Thisisarightforfarmersasindividualsandnotthecooperativesthatthey13
establish.14
ThebasiccooperativeauthoritiesaresetforthintheClaytonActof1914,the15
Capper-VolsteadActof1922(allowingagriculturalproducerassociations),the16
CooperativeMarketingAgreementActof1926,theAgriculturalMarketingActof1929,17
theAgriculturalMarketingActof1937,andotherstatutes,includingthosethatdeal18
withthestatusofcooperativesunderthefederaltaxsystem.Theselawsarevital.19
Governmentpoliciesandprogramsshouldhelptobetterdevelop,protect,advance,20
andpromotefarmercooperatives’roleinassembling,processing,selling,marketing,21
anddistributingfarmcommoditiesandservices.Weopposeanyattempttorevise22
cooperativelaws,administrativelyorlegislatively,thatwoulddiminishorjeopardize23
thedemocraticnatureofcooperatives,theiruniquegovernancestructure,andabilityto24
maintainfinancialandethicalintegrity.25
Weopposenewstatelawsthatallowsupposed“cooperatives”tostructureventures26
withnon-producersinwaysthatgivetheoutsidervotingcontrolofthecombined27
entity.WesupporttheeffortsoftheNationalConferenceofCommissionersonUniform28
StateLaws(NCCUSL)tofashionalimitedcooperativeassociationactthat,while29
allowingoutsideinvestment,stillprotectsthedemocraticnatureandinterestsof30
producersandconsumersinvolvedinthecooperativeassociation.31
B. ROCHDALEPRINCIPLES32
83
WereaffirmourbeliefinthebasicRochdalePrinciplesofcooperationthatwere1
designedtoensuredemocraticcontrolofthebusinessbyitsmembersandthatthe2
membersreceivetheprimarybenefitsoftheircooperativeenterprise,including:3
1. Onevotepermember,regardlessofthevolumeofbusinessdonebythe4
member,withnoproxyvoting;5
2. Eliminationofblocvoting;6
3. Directorselectedbyactivemembers;7
4. Savings/earningsofthecooperativedistributedbacktothemember-usersin8
proportiontothemembers’patronagevolume;9
5. Limitedinterest/dividendsoninvestedcapital;10
6. Salesatcompetitiveprices,andtradingnormallyconductedonacashbasis;11
7. Openmembershiptoallwhosharethecommonbondandobjectiveofthe12
co-op;13
8. Acontinuouscooperativeeducationprogramtoteachcooperative14
philosophy,principlesandoperation,fundedbyfivepercentofa15
cooperative’snetmargin;and16
9. Cooperativesworkingforthesustainabledevelopmentoftheircommunities17
throughpoliciesacceptedbytheirmembers.18
C. ADDITIONALPRINCIPLES19
Tofurtherthecooperativemovement,wesupport:20
1. CooperativesreturningtotheoriginalintentionofCapper-Volstead,which21
allowscooperativestocollectivelyprocess,prepareforthemarket,handle,22
andmarketininterstatecommerce;23
2. Prohibitionofcooperativesengagingindomesticandforeignagricultural24
productionactivities,includinglandownershipindirectcompetitionwith25
agriculturalproducers;26
3. Therightsofcooperativememberstoorganizeandoperateregionaland27
interregionalcooperatives(marketingagenciesincommon)ortomerge28
withothercooperativeassociationsandnotberestrictedbylawor29
governmentregulation;30
84
4. Exhaustingalloptionsofmaintaininglocalcontrol,includingmergerorjoint1
ventureswithanearbycooperative,beforealocalco-opisabsorbedbya2
regionalcooperative;3
5. Encouraginglocalmembersornearbycooperativeassociationsto4
repurchasealocalfacilitythathasbeenabsorbedbyaregionalcooperative;5
6. Encouragingregionalboardstoworkwithlocalcooperativestohelpthem6
operateforthebenefitofmembers;7
7. Opposingmergersorjointventuresbetweenregionalcooperativesand8
multinationalcorporationsunlesssuchamergerorjointventurewould9
benefitlocalcooperativemembers;10
8. Requiringbusinessentitiestoprovidememberswith“duediligence”11
informationthatistimelyandadequatebeforevotingonamergerbetween12
twoormorecooperatives;13
9. Cooperativemembersgivingseriousconsiderationtothelong-term14
consequencesofsellingacooperativetoprivateentitiesforshort-term15
gains;16
10. IndividualFarmersUnionmemberstakingresponsibilitytobefull17
participantsandpatronsinthecooperativemovementandtobuildcloser18
relationshipsbetweentheirfarmorganizationandtheircooperatives;19
11. Encouragingcooperativesbenefittingfromnontraditionalincomeinevents,20
suchaslitigation,toexpeditiouslydistributetheproceedstoallrelevant21
parties;22
12. Discouragingthepracticeofallowingindividuals,otherthan“atrisk”23
producers,toacquiredirectionalstatusinaproducercooperative.Statusof24
such“otherindividuals”shouldbelimitedtonon-votingandadvisoryroles;25
13. Traditionalfarmer-ownedcooperativeslendingtheirexperienceand26
cooperationinbuildingnewvalue-addedcooperativesthatwillenhance27
theirlocalcommunitiesandincreasetheprofitabilityoftheirfarmer-28
owners;29
14. Cooperativesworkingtoreturnthecostofproductionandreasonableprofit.30
Inaddition,theyshouldsupportfederalfarmpolicythatenablesproducers31
toreceiveprofitablefarmprices;32
85
15. Cooperativesbeingofsufficientsizeandstrengthtobeeffectivein1
representingtheirfarmer-memberswithoutcompetingwithfamilyfarmers;2
16. IncreasedfundingforRuralBusinessCooperativeServices(RBCS)tofocus3
itsprimaryeffortsonworkingdirectlywithfarmersintheorganizationand4
developmentofcooperatives,includingprovidingon-the-groundservicesto5
producerssuchasfeasibilitystudiesandorganizationalassistanceto6
farmers,aswellasstart-upanddevelopmentgrants;7
17. FundingfortheRuralCooperativeDevelopmentGrant(RCDG)Program;8
RCDGgrantsofuptothreeyearsshouldbegiventocentersthathave9
previouslyreceivedfundingandhavedemonstratedsuccessinstarting10
businesses.Remainingfundingshouldbemadeavailablefornewcentersto11
applyforannualgrants;12
18. Revisionsinrulesandregulationstoallowloanstoproducerswhochooseto13
purchasestockinestablishedagriculturalprocessingcooperativesandnew14
cooperativesformedforthepurposeofaddingvaluetoagricultural15
commodities;16
19. Deferralofcapitalgainstaxeswhenarefiningorprocessingfacilityissoldto17
afarmer-ownedcooperativeifthebenefitispassedontofamilyfarm18
cooperativemembers;19
20. Strengtheningtheabilityofruralcitizenstoestablishnewmember-owned20
enterprisesthatenhancefarmincomeandqualityoflifeinruralAmerica,by21
continuingourworkwiththenetworkofcooperativedevelopmentcenters;22
21. Focusingonanationalschool/trainingprogramthatbothidentifies23
opportunitiesandtrainscooperatorsintheformationandoperationof24
value-addedcooperatives.NFUcouldserveasthecoordinatorofsucha25
project;26
22. Rejectionofgovernmenteffortstodictatethetimeandmannerforreturning27
cooperativepatronageearnings;28
23. MembershipinstateFarmersUnionorganizationsbeingrequiredofall29
FarmersUnioncooperativeboardandcompanymembers;and30
24. Prohibitingtheuseofnetsavingsofacooperativetobeusedtoinvestin31
productionagriculturaloperationsbythecooperative.32
86
25. Eitherspouseshouldbeabletorepresentthefamilyfarminvotingat1
cooperativemeetings.Weencouragebothspousestobecomevoting2
membersofcooperatives.3
D. TEAMWORKOFFARMERSUNIONANDCOOPERATIVES4
ThelinkbetweenNFU,FarmersUnioncooperativesandallothercooperatives5
strengthensallentities.Thefarm-incomeimprovementmeasuresandstrategies6
advocatedbyFarmersUniondeservetheinterestandsupportoffarmcooperatives7
genuinelyconcernedaboutthewell-beingoftheirmemberfamilies.8
E. CHS9
WeurgeCHSnottolosesightofthefundamentalcooperativeprinciplesuponwhich10
itwasfounded.11
WeopposeCHSowningfarmlandinothercountriesandproducingcropsthatwill12
beindirectcompetitionwithfarmersintheUnitedStates.13
Wedonotsupport:14
1. GivingtheCHSboardofDirectorstheflexibilitytoapprovenon-member15
patronagearrangements;and16
2. ModifyingtheCHSmembershipdefinitiontoallownon-producerstherights17
grantedtomemberscurrently.18
87
ARTICLEVII–WATERANDLANDPOLICY,CONSERVATIONANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
A. OBJECTIVESOFACOMPREHENSIVELANDPOLICY2
Familyfarmersandranchershavehistoricallybeenourbestsoilandwater3
conservationistswhengiventheeconomicincentivesandflexibilitynecessarytodoso.4
Ourpolicyencouragesawell-balanced,sensibleenvironmentalpolicythatprotectsthe5
publicandtheenvironmentwithoutundulyburdeningfamilyfarmersthrough6
excessiveregulationoreconomichardship.7
Wecallonallfederalandstateregulatoryagenciestoactinaccordancewiththe8
aboveprinciplesandusetheleastintrusive,economicallypracticalandscientifically-9
basedmethodstoaccomplishsoundenvironmentalqualitygoals,withconsideration10
giventoallofthesefactorsandnotanyoneexclusively.Wesupportanationalland11
policythat:12
1. Recognizesmultipleusevaluesofpubliclandswhilestrivingforsustainable13
useinallareas;14
2. Emphasizesagricultureasthemostproductiveuseofexistinghigh-quality15
farmland;16
3. Recognizestherightofprivatelandownerstobecompensatedfor17
governmentland-userestrictionsthatamounttotakingsofproperty;18
4. Recognizesthevalueofindependentlyownedandoperatedfamilyfarmsto19
stewardshipofnaturalresources;20
5. Developseducationandoutreachmaterialsforthepublictoachievelanduse21
goalsforthebenefitoffuturegenerations;22
6. Encouragesentryintothebusinessoffarmingorownershipofagricultural23
landsbyfarmfamilies,asopposedtonon-farminterestsorlarger-than-24
family-sizedcorporations;25
7. Allowsstatestoprohibitcorporateinterestsfromcircumventingcorporate26
farmlawsbycontractingwithindividualproducers;27
8. Strengthensandenforcesstatelawstoprotectfamily-ownedand–operated28
farms;29
9. Prohibitsconcentrationoffarmlandownershipbyoff-farmcorporations,30
associations,andinterests.Theselawsmustbecloselymonitoredand31
88
strengthenedsotheymaycontinuetopreserveproductionagriculturefor1
familyfarmers;2
10. Discouragestheconcentrationoflandownershipandoff-farmownershipvia3
stateprogramsofgraduatedlandtaxesandsimilardisincentivesor4
limitations;5
11. Recognizestheimportanceofwetlands(alsoseeArticleVI.T.6–Wetlands);6
and7
12. Respectsexistingfarmingoperationsandpractices,especiallyunderthe8
pressuresofurbanencroachment.9
B. PROHIBITIONOFFOREIGNOWNERSHIPOFFARMLAND,COMMERCIALFISHING10
PRIVILEGESANDDISCLOSURE11
Foreigninterests,includingthoseactingthroughU.S.-registeredentities(except12
familiesorindividualsseekingU.S.citizenship),shouldbeprohibitedfromacquiring13
U.S.agriculturallands,holdingfederalgrazingallotmentsorcommercialfishing14
privileges.Werespecttherightofothernationstoputsimilarlimitationson15
agriculturallandsintheirnations.16
Foreignindividuals,corporationsorgovernmentsshouldberequiredtodiscloseto17
appropriateagenciestheirownershipofanyU.S.business,financial,energyorreal18
estateassets,inamannercomparabletoprocedureintheAgriculturalForeign19
InvestmentDisclosureActof1978.20
CitizensoftheUnitedStateshavearighttoknowtheextentofsuchownershipor21
controlsothatremedialstepsmaybetaken.22
C. LANDTRANSFER23
Wesupport:24
1. Establishingajointfederal-statecooperativeefforttoassistbeginningand25
sociallydisadvantagedorveteranfarmerstoacquireaneconomicallyviable26
familyfarmenterprise;27
2. Establishingincometaxincentivesforlandownersandretiringfarmerswho28
sellorleasefarmlandtobeginningorsociallydisadvantagedfarmersand29
veterans.Incentivesshouldbepromotedtoprovidefortheorderlytransfer30
ofland,priortotheseller’sdeath,andshouldbecomplementarytoestate31
planningandestateandgifttaxpolicies;32
89
3. Encouragingreligious,educational,charitableandsimilarnonprofit1
institutionsthatobtainfarmlandtoensurethatsuchlandsareoperatedor2
soldinamannerwhichpreservesandpromotesfamilyfarmunitsanddoes3
notdisruptlandvalueswithreasonabletimelimitsbeingplacedonholdings4
inordertoreturnthelandtolocaltaxrollsasquicklyaspossible;5
4. Maintainingexistingeffectiveconservationpracticeswhenlandis6
transferred;7
5. RequiringFSAtoholdpublichearingsbeforeitisallowedtoacquireland8
easementsandautomaticallyimposeconservationeasements;and9
6. Holdingthepartyresponsibleforcontaminationofprivatelandliable,after10
environmentalauditsrevealconclusivescientificevidenceofcontamination,11
whethertheyarethecurrentorformerowners.Currentornewindividual12
familyagriculturaloperatorsshouldnotbeheldliableforcontaminationthat13
didnotoccurduringtheirownership.14
D. PUBLICLANDS15
WerecommendthatCongressmaintainitscommitmenttotheresponsiblemultiple16
useofpubliclands.Thefederallandstewardshipagenciesshouldimprovetheirland17
managementtechniquesonallpubliclands.18
Livestockproductioninthe17westernpubliclandsstatesishighlydependentupon19
publiclandgrazingandlocalgovernmentservices.Thehealthofwildlifehabitatis20
dependentonwell-managedlivestockgrazing.Governmentactionsthatdrastically21
changethewaylivestockgrazingisconductedonpubliclandscouldgreatlydamagethe22
economyinruralAmerica.23
Wesupport:24
1. ThecurrentPublicRangelandImprovementAct(PRIA)formulaasafairand25
equitablemethodfordeterminingappropriategrazingfees.Grazingfees26
representthedividendsofstewardshipofthefederalland,notthevalueof27
theforageontherangeland;28
2. UtilizationofthelocalResourceAdvisoryCouncil(RAC)tosetstandardsand29
guidelinesforgrazingtailoredtothelocalarea;30
3. Reinstatementoflocalgrazingcommittees;31
90
4. Public-landmanagersassistingpublic-landpermitteestodeveloptheirown1
goalsandgrazingplansthatwouldbeutilizedinmanagingtheirpublic-land2
grazingallotments;3
5. Linkingtheholdingofgrazingpermitswithactualownershipofgrazing4
animalsbyresidentfamilyfarmersandranchers;5
6. AcertifiedmediationserviceforalldisputesregardinggrazingwiththeU.S.6
ForestServiceandBureauofLandManagement;7
7. Public-landgrazinglegislationtorequirethatindisputesbetweenpublic-8
landmanagersandpermittees,thepermitteesbeadvisedoftheirrights9
underSection8ofthePRIA,whichauthorizesland-grantuniversitystaffto10
provideassistanceandadvocacyservicestopermittees;11
8. Effortstoestablishgrassbanksonpubliclands;12
9. Effortstoestablishandpreserveplantingsofheirloomseedsandnative13
plantsonpubliclandsforthepurposeofensuringbiodiversityandthe14
protectionofnativeflora;15
10. Allowingrancherstotravelbymotorizedvehicles,controlpredatoryanimal16
populations,continuerangeimprovementsanddevelopwaterresources;17
11. Requiringthefederalandstategovernmentstopaythefullamountofthe“in18
lieuofpropertytax”(PILT)paymentsonpropertythatitownsoracquires.If19
fullpaymentisnotmade,thereshouldbeamoratoriumonanyfurtherland20
acquisitionbytheagencythatfailstomeetitsresponsibility;21
12. RequiringtheBureauofLandManagementtofollowthroughwiththe22
requiredannualsurveysandmanagementplanstocontrolwildhorseand23
burropopulationsinordertominimizedamagetoprivateandpubliclands.24
WealsosupporttheUSDA-inspectedhorseandburroadoptionprogram25
whileopposingthereleaseofnon-adoptedanimalsonpubliclands;26
13. Reimbursingfamilyfarmersandranchersbytheappropriategovernment27
agency,atafairmarketvalue,forexpensesincurredintheacquisition,28
developmentandimprovementofpublicgrazinglandsintheeventpermits29
arerevoked;30
14. Publicaccesstofederalandstatelandsbeingonlyondesignatedroutes;31
91
15. Encouragingpublic-landmanagerstosupportandfacilitatetheformationof1
locallyownedcooperativesandbusinessestoharvestandprocessforest2
products;3
16. Allfederalagencieschargedwithwildlifemanagementtakingstepsto4
eradicatediseases,suchasbrucellosisandchronicwastingdisease,fromall5
wildlifeundertheircontrolonfederallands;6
17. Involvingpermitteesintheprocessofrevising,updating,creatingand7
otherwisemodifyingplansthatgovernuseofpubliclandsinadvanceof8
publichearings,includingdraftplans;9
18. Theuseofpubliclandsforthedevelopmentofenergyproductionand10
transmissionwithprioritygiventorenewableenergyexceptwhereexisting11
livestockgrazingpermitsarenegativelyimpacted;and12
19. Decisionsmadebytheadministrationthatsupportinputfromlivestock13
producersonbestmanagementpracticesandrangeconditionswhile14
achievingastrongbalancebetweenresourcesonpubliclandsthatinclude15
grazing.16
Weoppose:17
1. Grazingregulationsandlegislationthatrequirepermitteestoremovetheir18
livestockwhiletheyappealadecisionofapublic-landmanager;19
2. Permittingnon-grazerstoacquireso-called“conservationallotments”that20
resultinthebiddingupofthepriceofanallotment,thusdenyingaccessof21
grazingpermitstolow-andmoderate-incomefamilies;22
3. Anyswapsofpubliclandswithprivatedevelopersthatwouldadversely23
impacttheagriculturalcommunity.Hearingsregardingsuchswapsmustbe24
heldwithin50milesoftheproposedlandtobeswapped.Culturaland25
economicimpactstudiesmustbedonetoassesstheimpactofsuchproposed26
swaps;27
4. Takingprivatewaterrightsandprivatestructuresonpubliclands;28
5. Reintroductionofspeciesdetrimentaltolivestockproductionand29
agriculture;30
6. Theexpansionofmilitaryreservations;31
7. Legislationthatwouldallowthebuyoutofgrazingpermitsonfederallands;32
92
8. GrazingofcattlenotbornandraisedintheUnitedStatesonpubliclands;and1
9. Thetransferoffederalpubliclandstostatecontrol.2
E. NATIONALGRAZINGLANDSCOALITION3
TheNationalGrazingLandsCoalition(NatGLC),formerlyknownastheGrazing4
LandsConservationInitiative(GLCI),seekstoprovidehigh-qualitytechnicalassistance5
onprivatelyownedgrazinglandsonavoluntarybasis,andtoincreaseawarenessofthe6
importanceofgrazinglandresourcesthroughacoalitionofindividualsand7
organizationsfunctioningatthelocal,state,regionalandnationallevels.8
Wesupport:9
1. WorkingcooperativelywiththeNatGLCtopromotebenefitsofsustainable10
grazingpracticesandtheircontinuedline-itemfunding;and11
2. RestoringNRCSannualappropriationsforconservationtechnicalassistance12
atthefieldofficeleveltoadequatelymeettheneedsofAmerica’sfarmers,13
ranchers,andlandowners.14
F. FORESTHEALTH15
Wesupport:16
1. MaintainingCategoricalExclusioncapabilityinfederalforestmanagement17
planstoaddressforesthealthissues,sotheU.S.ForestServicecanaccelerate18
theharvestofsmalltimberstandsinwesternU.S.forests;19
2. Federalandstateforestsbeingaccessibletotherenewableenergyindustry20
toallowtheuseofdevastatedwoodproductinenvironmentallybeneficial21
value-addedproducts;and22
3. Implementationandfullfundingofeffortstominimizetheeffectsofthe23
insectepidemicsonthenationalandstateforeststhroughoutthewestern24
UnitedStates.Federal,state,andprivateprogramsmustbeapproved25
immediatelytoprotectopenspace,wildlifehabitat,watersheds,cleanair26
andothernaturalresourcesaswellasinfrastructuresuchasroadsand27
utilitylinesforpublicsafety.28
G. WATERQUANTITYANDQUALITY29
1. WATERQUANTITYDISTRIBUTION30
Lawsimpactingwaterdistributionshouldnotfavorindustrial,wildlife,and31
recreationalusesoverthoseofagriculturalproducers.32
93
Wesupport:1
i. Statesrecognizingdomesticandlivestockwaterusageinneighboring2
stateswhenissuingirrigationpermitsonsharedtributaries;3
ii. Theuseofinterstatewatercompactsbetweenfederal,state,andtribal4
governmentsforregulatingwatersharingbetweenneighboringstates;5
iii. Theuseofwaterstoragethroughimpoundmentstructuresand6
conservationmeasuresasaprimarytoolforwaterdevelopment;7
iv. Adoptionoflegislationtoprotectagriculturalwaterrightsthroughstate8
waterrightsinordertopreventfuturepowerandenergyplantsfrom9
consumingwatertothedetrimentofagriculture;10
v. Requiringnewenergyplantstoreturnwatertoalevelofqualitycapable11
ofusebyagriculture;12
vi. Subjectingnewlargeenterprisesthatwilluseasignificantquantityof13
watertoapermittingprocesstoassesstheenvironmentaland14
communityimpactsoftheproposeduse;15
vii. Enforcementofthelimitationsonthesizeoffarmoperationseligiblefor16
federallysubsidizedirrigationwater;17
viii. DeferredimplementationoftheU.S.BureauofReclamationregulationon18
theuseoffederallydevelopedwatersuppliesandfacilitiesandthe19
practiceknownas“waterspreading.”Theeconomicimpactofanypolicy20
changesonfamilyfarmersandruralcommunitiesshouldbecompleted21
beforeimplementation:22
a. Waterleasinginsteadofbuyanddrypolicies;and23
b. TheUnitedNationsaddinga31starticletothe1948Universal24
DeclarationofHumanRights,establishingaccesstocleanand25
potablewaterasafundamentalhumanright.26
Weoppose:27
i. Themovementofanywaterforthepurposeofacoalslurrypipelineor28
similarventure,unlessamethodcanbedevelopedtoreturnwaterof29
equalquantityandqualitytotheoriginalareafromwhichitwastaken.30
Priortotheexportationofanywater,anenvironmentalandeconomic31
94
impactstatementshouldbecompletedtodetermineitseffecton1
agriculture;2
ii. Anyeffortsbythefederalgovernmentthroughtheusageofanational3
waterpolicytousurptherightsandprerogativesoftheindividualstates;4
iii. Anoutrightbanon“waterspreading,”ascurrentlydefinedwhichwould5
havedevastatingimpactsonagriculturalproducersintheColumbia6
BasinandotherBureauofReclamationirrigationprojectsthroughout7
theWest;8
iv. Producersbearingthecostoftakinginventoryofirrigatedlandsandany9
mandatedrenegotiationofbureaucontractsthroughtheirirrigation10
district.Webelievethatinmostcases,itisthedevelopmentofnew11
equipment,technologiesandmethodswhichhavedramaticallyincreased12
theefficiencyofirrigationsystemsandprovidedasituationinwhich13
moreacrescanbeirrigatedwiththeuseofthesameorsmalleramount14
ofwater.Agriculturalproducersshouldbecredited,andnotpenalized,15
fortheseincreasedefficiencies;and16
v. Thecondemnationofagriculturalwaterrights.17
2. WATERQUALITYPROTECTION18
Theprotectionofourgroundwaterresourcesiscriticalnotonlytocontinuing19
farmoperations,butasasourceofdrinkingwaterforthevastmajorityofrural20
residents.21
Wesupport:22
i. Thecreationofanationaldatabaseontheextentofwaterquality23
problems,includingnationwidevoluntarywell-testingprogramsthat24
includecostsharingoflandowners;25
ii. Legislationorregulationsaffectinggroundwaterbalancingthese26
interestsinanefforttokeepgroundwaterfrombecomingcontaminated27
inthefirstplace,andtomovequicklytocleanupalreadycontaminated28
sourcesofdrinkingwater;29
iii. ContinuedimplementationoftheSafeDrinkingWaterAct;30
iv. TheuniformadministrationofEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)31
policiesthroughoutthenation.Addingtothelistofcontaminantsthat32
95
municipalitiesandruralwaterdistrictsarerequiredtotestfor,as1
mandatedbyEPA,mustbebackedbyscience.WeencourageEPAtostop2
itspracticeoftargetingspecificregionswithstricterstandardsthan3
appliedinnon-targetedregions.Failuretocurbthispracticewilllikely4
resultinexodusofsensitiveindustries,includingfamilyfarms,thereby5
jeopardizingthelevelofeconomicactivitywithinthetargetedregion;6
v. Requiringinspectorsbepublicemployees,ratherthanemployeesofthe7
companieswhoarebeingregulated;8
vi. Informationandeducationconcerningthepresentconditionofour9
undergroundwatersupplyandwhatwecanandshoulddotoprevent10
anyfurthercontamination;11
vii. Effortsinresearchthatclarifytheissueofpointsourcepollutionand12
non-pointsourcepollution;13
viii. Programstoprotectandimprovethequalityofsurfacewaters,suchas14
theChesapeakeBayProgram,andurgethatallwhousetheresource,15
suchasboatersandfishers,beincludedintheeffort;16
ix. Producersparticipatinginstatewatershedassessmentprograms;17
x. ConfinedAnimalFeedingOperations(CAFOs)beingrequiredtopostthe18
appropriatebondstocoverthecostofcleaningupanycontaminationof19
landandwaterresources.Whenpostingthesebonds,CAFOsshouldalso20
berequiredtodevelopandsubmitwastestorageclosureplans;21
xi. Nationalminimumguidelines,orstandards,thatgiveprimacyfor22
implementationandflexibilityinregionalplanningtothestates;23
xii. Encouragingstatesandlocalitiestoestablishstandardsbeyondthe24
federalminimums;25
xiii. Cost-shareprovisionstargetedtosmallandmedium-sizedfarmers.26
Responsibilityforsubmittingawastemanagementplanandcomplying27
withthewastemanagementprovisionsshouldbesharedbytheownerof28
thelivestockandtheoperatorofthefacility;29
xiv. Theapplicationofbestmanagementpractices(BMP)establishedby30
agenciesoftheUSDAfordisposalofpoultrywasteandanimalmanure,31
andrecommendsuchmanurebeclassifiedassoilsupplementsandplant32
96
food,andnottoxicorhazardouswaste.IfBMPissubjecttoregulation,1
weurgetheappropriatestatedepartmenttobeassignedasthe2
regulator;3
xv. Researchtodeterminetheenvironmentalimpactofanimal-feedcontent4
onanimalwaste,whichinturnaffectsthesoilandgroundwater;5
xvi. Familyfarmersbeingappointedtoserveasadviserstoanyfederal6
agencywhenanationalwastestandardisdeveloped;and7
xvii. Targetingwatersubsidiestofamily-sizedfarmoperationstoconserve8
waterandtaxpayerdollars.9
Weoppose:10
i. Themethodofdeep-wellinjectionofhazardouswastebecauseoftherisk11
ofcontaminatingourwaterresources;12
ii. Legislationthatrestrictslivestockgrazinginpastureswhererunning13
streamsorpondsarelocatedandmandatoryfencingofrivers,streams14
andponds;15
iii. Insituleachmining;16
iv. Anyinfrastructureorresourcedevelopmentthatjeopardizesthehealth,17
safetyandqualityoffreshwateraquiferresources;and18
v. AnyEPApolicydirectivethatwouldmandatethetestingand/or19
certificationofwaterorfarmlandunlessafederalfundisestablishedto20
paynecessarycostsofmeetingcertificationrequirements.21
3. CLEANWATERACT22
CleanWaterActrulemakingrequiresTotalMaximumDailyLoad(TMDL)be23
establishedfor303(d)listedwatershed,i.e.,streamsthatareimpactedbypollution.24
CompliancewithmandatorystateandfederalwatershedTMDLregulationscan25
createahardshiponfamilyagriculturalproducersforcompliancewithstateand26
federalwaterqualitystandards.27
Wesupport:28
i. Voluntarycomplianceandincentive-based,cost-sharingprograms29
currentlyworkingtominimizeproductionagriculture’simpactonour30
nation’swaterquality;31
97
ii. Protectingthequalityofourwaterandassuringitssuitabilityfor1
beneficialuses;2
iii. RegulationsfortheprocesstoidentifywatersprotectedundertheClean3
WaterAct(CWA)beingmadeclearer,simpler,andfaster;4
iv. Exemptionsfornormalagriculturalactivitiesbeingreaffirmed;5
v. Agriculturalproducersandrepresentativesoflocalgovernmental6
entitiesfromallagriculturalareasoftheUSbeingincludedindiscussions7
toaddresstheissuesconcerningtheproposedchangestoexpand8
jurisdictionoftheCWA,anditsdefinitionsoftributariesandadjacent9
water;10
vi. Extensivemonitoringofwaterqualitytoaccuratelyassessprogress11
towardcleargoals;12
vii. Properappropriationoffundingtofullyimplementcleanwaterefforts;13
viii. Ongoingevaluationandrecalibrationofnutrientreductionand14
conservationefforts;and15
ix. Employmentofagronomicpractices,conservationeffortsandfunds,with16
afocusonthosethathavethelargestpositiveimpacttowardreaching17
cleanwatergoals.18
Weoppose:19
i. Broadeningthedefinitionofwhatwatersareconsideredjurisdictional20
undertheCleanWaterAct;21
ii. Thedeletionoftheword“navigable”watersfromthefederalClean22
WaterActwhichwouldexpandthetakingofprivatepropertyrightsand23
provideadditionalintrusiveness;24
iii. CurrentrulemakingbyEPAthatwouldestablishregulatory-based25
TMDLsforfamilyagriculturalproducers;and26
iv. Thebroadeningofthefederalgovernment’sjurisdictionoveragroupof27
waterssuchastheentireprairiepotholeregionsimplybecausethe28
bodiesofwaterareneareachother.29
4. DROUGHTMONITORING30
WesupportcontinuedfederalsupportoftheNationalDroughtMitigation31
Center.32
98
H. AIRQUALITY1
Productionagricultureshouldbeexemptfromtheregulatingofparticulatematter.2
Agricultureshouldbeastakeholderinresearchandeducationabouttheroleof3
agriculturalproductioninparticulatematteremissions.Agriculturalproducersshould4
followbestmanagementpracticeswhenpracticaltohelpreduceparticulatematterand5
improveairquality.6
I. ANIMALFEEDINGOPERATIONS(AFOS)7
NFUrecognizesthatfamilyfarmagricultureandgood,soundenvironmental8
practicesneedtoworktogether.Ourpolicyencouragesawell-balanced,sensible9
environmentalpolicythatprotectsthepublicandtheenvironmentwithoutunduly10
burdeningfamilyfarmersthroughexcessiveregulationoreconomichardship.11
Whenproperlymanaged,livestockwasteisavaluableresourcethatprovides12
essentialnutrientstocroplandandlessenstheneedforcommercialfertilizer.We13
opposethedefiningofanimalmanure,wasteornutrientsasbeingconsidered14
hazardousandregulatedunderthefederal“Superfund”law,theComprehensive15
EnvironmentalResponseCompensationandLiabilityActof1980(CERCLA)andthe16
EmergencyPlanningandCommunityRight-to-KnowAct(EPCRA).17
Animalfeedingoperationsshouldberegulatedbeginningatthelocallevel.Cost18
sharingforregulatorycomplianceshouldbemadeavailableandtargetedtofamily-19
sizedproducers.20
Wesupportstandardsthatareonagraduatedsystemofatleastthreetiers:small,21
mediumandlarge.Theyshouldbeimplementedwithaslidingscaleofstandardsthat22
addresseachsizeofoperation.23
J. CONFINEDANIMALFEEDINGOPERATIONS(CAFOS)24
Wesupportrequiringpermitsforlarge-scalefeedingoperations,i.e.,thoseconfined25
feedingoperationsthatrequireNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem26
(NPDES)permitsasdefinedundertheFebruary2003EPArulechange.Undertherule27
change,alllargeCAFOsrequirepermitsandallotherCAFOsthatdischargepollutants28
intosurfacewaterrequireapermit.Theissueofscaleiscriticalindeterminingthelevel29
ofriskassociatedwithwastemanagement.Therefore,wesupportthefollowing30
standards:31
99
1. Holdinganimalownersand/orcontractorsresponsibleforspillsandmanure1
disposalincontractfeedingoperations;2
2. Usingbestavailabletechnologytoreducetheenvironmentalimpactofwaste3
andsettinghigherstandardsforwastestorage,includingopen-airlagoons;4
3. RequiringaCAFOtohaveasetbackdistancefromanexistingresidence,5
business,church,school,publicuseareaorriparianarea;6
4. Permitapplicationsmustprepareandsubmitanutrientmanagementplan7
containingdetailedinformationregardingproposedmethodsofdistribution.8
Aerial(irrigation)sprayingofanimalwasteshouldbemonitoredbythe9
states’departmentsofhealthandshouldadheretotheagronomicallysound,10
bestmanagementpracticesadoptedbythestateinwhichthefacilityexists.11
Nowasteshouldbeappliedtoice,tohighlyerodibleslopes,orwherethe12
groundisfrozen;13
5. Includingsound,science-basedguidelinesforusingphosphorusand14
nitrogenaslimitingfactorsonthegallonsofliquidlivestockwasteandtons15
ofsolidwastetobeappliedperacreasapartofthenutrientmanagement16
plan;17
6. Permitapplicationsforalarge-scalefacilitymustservenoticeinatimely18
fashionforpubliccommentdescribingthetypeoffacilitytobeconstructed,19
includinginformationonthetypeofwastetobegenerated;20
7. Permitholdersmustdisclosethenumberofanimalunitswithinafacility21
uponrequestbytheappropriateregulatoryagency;22
8. Alivestockownerwhosepermithasbeenrevokedinonejurisdictionnot23
beingallowedapermitinanotherjurisdiction;24
9. Facilitiesthatclosebeingrequiredtousepropercleanup,includingre-25
vegetation,withinthreeyearsofclosure;26
10. Existingoperationsbeingrequiredtocomplywithpermitrequirementsat27
thetimeofpermitapproval;28
11. Permitsrequiringfinancialassuranceincludingproofofliabilityinsurance,29
equityoradequatebonding;30
12. Appropriatepenaltiesforthosewhofailtocomplywithpermitting31
requirements;32
100
13. ImplementingatemporarymoratoriumontheestablishmentofCAFOs1
basedonissuesofhealthuntillocalcontrolisre-established;and2
14. CAFOsprocessinganimalwastenutrientsintorenewableenergyresources.3
Weopposeeffortstorestrictthepropertyrightsoffamilyfarmersandrural4
residentsbylimitingtheirabilitytoregaincompensationincourtagainstaneighboring5
CAFOnuisancecausedbynegligenceorpoormanagement.6
K. PESTICIDEREGULATION7
Wesupportpesticideregulationsthatinclude:8
1. Protectionforproducersofnon-targetedcropsthatincurdamagedueto9
driftfrompesticidesontotheirproperty;10
2. Liabilityinsurancerequirementsforcommerciallicensedpesticide11
applicators;12
3. AnexemptionfromliabilitythroughEPAforgroundwatercleanupfor13
farmerswhoappliedpesticidesaccordingtolabeldirections;14
4. Provisionsemphasizingprotectionofuncontaminatedgroundwaterand15
providingmeanstokeepresiduelevelsfromincreasing;16
5. Accesstohealthandsafetyinformationforfarmers,farmlaborersand17
emergencymedicalpersonnel;18
6. GreatercooperationbetweenEPAandUSDAtohelpensurethatpesticide19
regulationsanddisposaldonotunnecessarilyinterferewithnormalfarming20
practicesandlandtransfers,suchasrequiringamandatorybufferstrip21
aroundproductivefarmland;22
7. LegislationdesignedtoeliminateU.S.productionofpesticidesnotregistered23
foruseintheUnitedStates,orforwhichapesticideresiduetolerancehas24
notbeenset;25
8. Restrictionsontheimportoffoodproductsproducedwithsuchpesticides,26
withmorefrequentinspectionsatborderstoprotectconsumersfromunsafe27
pesticideuse;28
9. Theagriculturesecretarydevelopingregulationsimplementingauthorized29
programsforlesschemicallyintensivefarmingpractices.Regulationsshould30
allowfarmerstoprotectournaturalresourceswithouteconomic31
101
disadvantage.Fullfundingforthesefarmprogramsandforpest-control1
researchinitiativesshouldbeincluded;2
10. Cooperationamongfarmers,chemicalcompaniesandgovernmental3
agenciestoreducepollutionhazardsbyusingintegratedpestmanagement,4
biologicalcontrolsorothereffectivealternativestopesticideswhen5
available;6
11. Thecreationandimplementationofsafetystandardsprotectingpeoplefrom7
exposuretopesticides;8
12. Continuedprudentuseofapprovedchemicalsforcrops,includingexpedited9
registrationsforminorusepesticidesandrequiringEPAtousepeer-10
reviewed,third-partyscience,suchasland-grantuniversities,intheir11
registrationreviewprocess;12
13. Chemicalmanufacturersincreasingtheuseofreusable,pre-measured,13
water-solubleandbulkcontainers;14
14. Federalandstateassistanceforrecyclingcontainersandinestablishing15
centrallocationsfordisposalofchemicalcontainers;16
15. StandardizationoffarmchemicalpricesandregulationsbetweentheUnited17
Statesandothercountries;18
16. Fairpricingofchemicalsandpesticidesnottiedtocommodityprices;19
17. FullfundingfortheIR-4minorcroppesticideregistrationprogram;20
18. TheFederalInsecticide,Fungicide,RodenticideAct(FIFRA)astheprimary21
regulatoryactforapplicationsofpesticidesbyfarmersandranchers.Any22
additionalpermittingrequiredbyEPAundercourtmandateshouldmirror23
existingrecordkeeping,educationandtrainingrequirementsandany24
increasesintrainingrequirementsshouldcarryprovisionsfortheexpenses25
associatedwithsuchtraining;and26
19. Extensiveresearchonnewtechnologiesandtheirapplicationsregarding27
theirimpactonnon-targetedorganisms.28
L. FERTILIZERREGULATIONS29
Thefutureofagriculturalproducersworldwidedependstoagreatextenton30
developingandimplementingthebestuseoffertilizers.31
Wesupport:32
102
1. Nohazardouswastebeingincludedinfertilizers;1
2. Manufacturerslabelingallingredientsinfertilizersandproviding2
notificationtobuyers;3
3. Anhydrousammoniacontinuingtobeclassifiedasnon-hazardousforthe4
purposesoftransportingnursetanksonpublicroadways;5
4. Privatelyownedanhydrousammoniafacilitiesandequipmenttomeetthe6
samesafetyrequirementsandstandardsasthatoflicenseddealers.We7
encourageprivateownerstoattendanhydrousammoniasafetytraining8
classes;9
5. Thefederalgovernmentsteppingupenforcementoftheillegalproductionof10
methamphetaminesandfullyfundingmeasurestopreventthetheftof11
agriculturalmaterialsandcleanupofconfiscatedmethamphetaminelabs;12
6. Sludgegeneratedfromhumanwasteshouldbespreadorcompostedina13
timelyfashionwithanutrientandpathogenmanagementplan.Farmers14
mustbeprovidedwithacompletenutrientandcontaminantanalysisofthe15
sludge;and16
7. SufficientconsiderationbeinggivenbeforeOSHAimplementschangestothe17
enforcementofProcessSafetyManagementofHighlyHazardousChemicals18
StandardsforRetailFacilities.19
M. INVASIVESPECIESCONTROL20
Muchofthecurrentinfestationproblemisattributedtoinsectorotherinvasive21
speciespopulationgrowthonpubliclands.AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService22
(APHIS)needsincreasedfundingsoitcanproperlyinspectallimportedandinterstate23
movementsofagriculturalproducts,monitorinsecthatchanddamage,andcoordinate24
measuresinstatesaffectedbyinfestations.Federalgrantsorcostsharingonboth25
publicandprivatelandsshouldbemadeavailablefordealingwithwidespread26
infestationofinsects.27
Increasedmonitoringandinspectionofdomesticandforeignimportedproductsto28
preventintroductionofinvasivespecies.Vigorouscontrolanderadicationmeasuresare29
neededtoensurethatinvasivespeciesbeeliminated.30
Whereneededandrequested,theAgriculturalResearchService(ARS)should31
provideadequatestandingfundingforpractical,appliedresearchandIntegratedPest32
103
Management(IPM)programstohelpfarmersimplementrapid,highlyorganizedand1
cooperativeIPMresponsestoinfestations.Itisespeciallyimportantthattheadditional2
costofsuchprogramsbewhollyorpartiallyunderwrittenforsmall-scalefarmsto3
enablethemtoparticipateeffectivelyinthem.4
Coordinatedeffortsandadequatefundingareurgentlyneededforimprovedcontrol5
ofnoxiousweedsonpubliclandsandallroadrightsofway.Weareconcernedthat6
farmersareexpectedtocontrolweedsontheirlandwhilenearbypubliclandgoes7
withoutweedcontrol.Wheneverthisresponsibilityisnotbeingmet,thereshouldbea8
moratoriumonanyfurtherlandacquisitionbytheappropriateagency.9
N. PRESCRIBEDBURNING10
Prescribedburningisaviablefarmingpractice.11
Wesupport:12
1. Therighttosafeburningwhennecessary;and13
2. Ongoingresearchtodiscovereconomicallyviablealternativestoburning.14
O. LANDOWNERRIGHTS15
Wesupport:16
1. Privatepropertyrights,includingownershipoflandandallitsattributes17
above,on,andbelowthesurface,unlessotherwisemarketed;18
2. Landlessees’rights;19
3. Justcompensationtofarmersandrancherswhosufferlossesasaresultof20
anystateorfederalagencyruling;21
4. Localcontrol;22
5. Theexpiration(nullandvoid)ofanypipelineorutilityright-of-waygrant23
fiveyearsafterabandonmentorperiodofnon-usefortheoriginalpurpose24
oruseofthegrant;and25
6. Trespassersbeingheldliableforanydamagesdonetoprivateproperty,26
includingalongpublicaccesses.27
Weoppose:28
1. The“bigopenconcept,”andtheresultingconfiscationofprivateproperty;29
2. Anyagencyorindividualenteringintoamineralleaseorgrantingapermit30
fortheextractionofmineralswithouttheconsentofthelandsurfaceowner,31
includingjustcompensationtotheagriculturaloperation;and32
104
3. Landownersbeingheldliableforinjuriesobtainedbyatrespasser.1
P. EMINENTDOMAIN(ALSOSEEARTICLEVIII.F–IRSTAXCODE1031EXCHANGES)2
Abusesofeminentdomainoccurringacrossthecountryraiseseriousconcerntothe3
rightsofprivatepropertyowners.Whilegovernmententitiesarepermittedtoseize4
privatepropertyforpublicuseviaeminentdomain,itiscontrarytoAmericanvaluesto5
seizepropertyfromoneprivateownerandgivetoanotherforpurposesofincreasing6
taxrevenue.7
Therightsofprivatepropertyownersneedtobeprotectedagainstpartieswith8
condemnationrightsanddueprocessshouldbeappliedtoallproceedingsinvolving9
eminentdomain.Everyeffortshouldbemadetopreservefarmerownership.10
Inallpublicandprivateprojectswhereeminentdomainproceedingsmay11
eventuallybeused,wesupport:12
1. Individualnotificationsandpublichearingsbeingheldpriortoproject13
implementation;14
2. Publichearingsheldinthecountyinwhichtheprojectisslated;15
3. Negotiationsbetweenthepropertyownerandutilitytoincludeyearly16
royaltyfeestobepaidtotheownerforeachoccurrenceofcurrentorfuture17
use;18
4. Severancedamagesincludingpaymentforthediminutionofremainingland19
values,increasedexpensesandinconveniencesufferedbyaffected20
landownersandoperators;21
5. Allinitialcourtexpenses,includingattorneyandappraiserfees,beingborne22
bytheconstructingagencyincondemnationproceedings;23
6. Valuesbeingdeterminedbyappraisersagreeduponbyallparties;24
7. Easementsforutilitiesbeingforthelifeoftheutilityonly.Ifthenew25
equipmentisinstalledonanexistingeasement,thelandownershouldbe26
compensatedatfairmarketvalueoftheland,andforsurfacedamage,atthe27
timeofinstallation.Thelandownershouldreceiveanongoingcashpayment28
fromtheproject.Iftheentityisforprofititshouldnotfallundertheeminent29
domainlaw;30
8. Ownersbeingcompensatedwithappropriateannualpaymentsoralump31
sumofnolessthanthreetimestheappraisedvalue;32
105
9. Federaland/orstatelegislationthatwouldstrengthenprivateproperty1
rightsagainsttheuseofeminentdomaintotransferpropertytoanyprivate2
person,non-governmentalentityorotherpublic-privatebusinessentity;3
10. Restrictingtheuseofeminentdomainbystateandlocalgovernmentsforthe4
purposeof“economicdevelopment”whenitinvolvestakingprivate5
propertyfromoneownerandgivingittoanotherprivateentity;6
11. Offeringseizedpropertybacktotheoriginalpropertyownerifpropertyis7
notusedinatimelymannerorifpropertyisnotusedforitsoriginalpublic8
useintent;and9
12. Therightofalandownertoreceiveataxshelter,and/or1031like-kind10
exchangeagainstcapitalgainsfromthesaleofpropertiestakenbyeminent11
domain.12
Weoppose:13
1. Theuseofeminentdomainwithoutthedeveloperputtingintoplace14
environmentalsafeguards,maintainingconservationanddrainagepractices,15
andassumingliabilityfordamages;16
2. Theacquisitionofproductivefarmlandthroughuseoftheeminentdomain17
processtoextendwildlifehabitat;and18
3. Grantingeminentdomainauthoritytoanyforeignentity.19
Q. ZONING20
Wesupport:21
1. Thepreservationoffarmunitsinanyrezoningefforts.Anystateandfederal22
legislationshouldrecognizethatagriculturallandmustbepreservedforthe23
future.Familyfarmersshouldberepresentedinallrelevantzoning24
deliberations;25
2. Farmlandnearareasalreadyconvertedtourbanorotheruses,whichmaybe26
appreciatinginspeculativevalue,beingtaxedasagriculturallandaslongas27
thelandcontinuestobefarmedbyafamilyfarmer;28
3. Requiringeconomicandenvironmentalstudiestodeterminetheeffectson29
futurewatersuppliesofchangingland-usedesignationsfromagricultureto30
someotheruse;31
106
4. Federalandstatefundsforfloodcontrolprojectstoprotectcommunitiesand1
agriculturalland.Wefavorzoninglawsprohibitingdevelopmentofareas2
thatfloodfrequently;3
5. Legislationtostrengthentherightsoflocalgovernmentunitstoprotectthe4
health,safetyandwelfareinterestsoftheirresidents,includingimproved5
governanceprovisionsforregulatingconcentratedfeedingoperationsand6
futurelanduserequirements;and7
6. Zoningregulationsdescribingborders,setbacksandbondingfor8
reclamation.9
R. CLIMATECHANGEANDCARBONSEQUESTRATION10
NFUisconcernedabouttheeffectsofclimatechangeandbelievesfurtherresearch11
andanalysisisnecessarytodetermineitsactualandpotentialimpacts.We12
acknowledgeandacceptthescientificevidencethatclearlyindicatesthathuman13
activitiesareacontributingfactortoclimatechange.Webelievethathumanactivity14
alsohasthepotentialtohelpmitigateclimatechange.15
Wesupport:16
1. FarmersandranchersbeingconsultedastheUnitedStatesmovesforwardto17
reduceitsemissionofgreenhousegases;18
2. Carbonsequestrationbeinganinnovativewaytoenhanceincomefor19
producersandprotectourenvironment.Therefore,thetradingofcarbon20
creditswiththeinclusionofcarbonsequestrationasanagricultural21
conservationpracticeforfairandequitablecarbonoffsetpaymentsshould22
beencouraged;23
3. Carbonsequestrationresearchnotbeingbiasedtowardasinglepractice,24
suchasno-till,andinsteadencompassingallagriculturalpractices,including25
grazinglands,energyfeedstockproduction,organiccropping,woodlots,the26
ConservationReserveProgramandotherprovenconservationmethods;27
4. Thecontinuationandexpansionofacarbontradingexchangeasawayto28
compensatefarmersandranchersforsequesteringcarbon;29
5. Anationalmandatorycarbonemissiontaxorfeeanddividendsystemto30
reducenon-farmgreenhousegasemissionsthat:31
107
i. GrantsUSDAcontrol,verificationandadministrationofthe1
agricultureoffsetprogram,ratherthanEPA;2
ii. Doesnotplaceanartificialcapondomesticoffsetallowance;3
iii. Basescarbonsequestrationratesuponscience;4
iv. Recognizesearlyactors;and5
v. Allowsproducerstostackcredits.6
6. Agriculturebeinguncappedinanyclimatechangelegislation;7
7. Theinclusionofprovisionsthatareadvantageoustoagriculturewhile8
minimizingpotentialnegativeeffectstoagricultureandruralcommunities9
suchasincreasedinputcosts,elevatedelectricitycostsanddecreasedglobal10
competitiveness;11
8. Allnationsparticipatingtoreducecarbonemissions,asclimatechangeisa12
globalresponsibility;13
9. Exemptingsmalldomesticrefiners(producing150,000barrelsperdayor14
less)fromanemissioncap;15
10. Researchanddevelopmentofcarboncaptureandstorage(CCS)facilities,16
withtheunderstandingthatlandownerswillnotshareintherisks17
associatedwithCCS;18
11. Researchandpromotionofresilientfarmingpractices,suchastheNRCSSoil19
HealthInitiative,thatmitigateandadapttothepotentialeffectsofclimate20
change;and21
12. Effortstopreserverainforestlandandconvertclearedrainforestlandback22
intodiversifiedagroforestry.23
Weoppose:24
1. AnyattempttoregulatecarbonbytheEPAthroughSection111(d)ofthe25
CleanAirActthroughstateimplementationplansthatdonotinclude26
economicsafety-valvestoprotectruraleconomies;27
2. Anyplanthatdoesnotcovercarbonemissionsfromallsectorsofthe28
economy;and29
3. ConsideringinternationalindirectlandusechangeswhendeterminingU.S.30
carbonandenergypolicy.31
S. CONSERVATION32
108
Strongconservationeffortspromotehealthysoils.Conservationprogramsshouldbe1
fullyfundedtobenefittheenvironment,rewardstewardshipoflandandwater2
resourcesandmarinehabitat,discouragespeculativedevelopmentoffragileland3
resources,strengthenfamilyfarming,andenhanceruralcommunities.Conservation4
assistanceshouldbeataleveldesignedtomeettheneedsasshowninthefederalland5
conservationinventory,theappraisalsundertheResourceConservationandRecovery6
Actof1976,andotherfederalstudies.7
Wesupport:8
1. Thedevelopmentofaone-stopconservationplanningsystemforagriculture9
throughtheNaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)with10
conservationprogramdecisionsbeingmadebylocallyelectedconservation11
entities,whereappropriate;12
2. Asingleconservationplanjointlydevelopedbythefarmoperatorand13
approvedbyNRCSbeingestablishedtofulfilltherequirementsas14
recommended.Thisconservationplanningsystemshouldreplacethe15
existingsodbuster,swampbuster,CorpsofEngineersfloodplainandother16
regulationswhichaffectagriculturallands.Theplanshouldbesupervised17
andapprovedbytheUSDAcommitteeprocess,withthetechnicalassistance18
oftheNRCS;19
3. Theobjectivesoftheconservationplanbeingusedtoreduceandcontrol20
windandwatererosion,preventnon-pointsourcepollution,andenhance21
thesoilandwatercapacitiesoftheland;22
4. Designationofwhichhighlyerodiblesoilsshouldnotbetilledandwhich23
maybetilledwithapprovedconservationpractices;24
5. Programsthatpromotesoilhealthandsustainablefarmingpractices;25
6. Accuratemappinganddocumentationofbothexistinganddrainedwetlands,26
aswellasanydrainsandchannels.Theplanshouldoutlinetheconservation27
ofwetlands,aswellasthemaintenanceofdrainsandchannels;28
7. Apaymentsystemthatmovestowardanoutcome-basedapproachwhere29
realchangesandenvironmentalbenefitsaretrackedandrewarded;30
8. Programsbeingbasedonvoluntarycontinuoussignupandprecludingthe31
useofabiddingsystem;32
109
9. Whenaconservationplanisimplemented,aproducershouldbedeemedto1
beincompliancewithallfederalagencies.Producersshouldbeallowedto2
remedyinadvertentorunavoidablefailurestocarryoutconservationplan3
practiceswithoutautomaticallybeingpenalized.Lossoffullfederalfarm4
programbenefitsshouldbeimposedonlyincasesofpurposefuldestruction5
ofconservationpractices;6
10. Federalfinancingtomeetcleanwaterandairstandardsofthe7
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)beingavailabletofarmersfrom8
fundsappropriatedbyCongressforthispurpose,andthatsuchfundsbe9
administeredthroughthefarmer-electedcommittees;10
11. Adequatefundingtoenablethesmallwatershedprogramstoprovideforthe11
maintenanceandrehabilitationofexistingstructuresbuiltunderP.L.53412
andP.L.566,aswellastobuildadditionalstructurestoprovideflood13
control,livestockwater,irrigationwater,andrecreationalbenefitstorural14
America;15
12. Stateeffortstocreatecost-shareprogramsforsoilandwaterconservation16
practices;17
13. ThecontinuationofNRCSsnowsurveysandSNOWTELEMETRY(SNOTEL)18
measuringstations;and19
14. ThecontinuationandexpansionoftheEnvironmentalQualityIncentives20
Program(EQIP),whichprovidesfederalcost-shareandtechnicalassistance21
toenablefarmerstocomplywithenvironmentalrequirements,andurgefull22
appropriationofexistingauthorizedfundingandanincreaseinfuture23
funding.24
Wesupport:25
i. Appropriatecapsonfundinglevelstoassurefundsarebeing26
directedtofamilyfarmersandranchers;27
ii. Preferenceandprioritygiventofamilyfarmersbelowa1,00028
animalwasteunitthreshold;29
iii. TheagriculturesecretaryprioritizingtheuseofEQIPfundsfor30
familyfarmersandranchers,takingintoaccountthegeographical31
differencesinfarmingandranchingoperations;32
110
iv. EQIPprogrameligibilityandcost-sharelevelsbeingconsistent1
withcommodityprogrameligibilityandpaymentlimits;and2
v. USDAfundingpublicandprivateresearchanddevelopmentof3
compostingandthatcompostingbeeligibleforcostsharing4
underEQIPasanenhancementofpollutioncontrol.5
Weopposeconservationprogramprovisionswhichexcludeorpenalizeproducers6
whoareearlyadoptersofstewardshippracticesandthosethatpenalizeproducersfor7
non-compliancewithprogramrequirementsresultingfrom“ActsofGod”suchas8
drought,fire,andfloods.9
1. LANDRETIREMENTANDEASEMENTPROGRAMS10
WeurgethefullfundingoftheConservationReserveProgram(CRP)andthe11
AgriculturalConservationEasementProgram(ACEP).12
Wesupportadjustingenrollmentrequirementstoallownativeprairie13
grasslandsasaneligibleclassforACEPorsimilarprograms.14
Greateremphasisshouldbeplacedonimprovedfarmmanagementtechniques.15
Webelievethatassistingfarmersinbecomingthebestpossiblestewardsofnatural16
resourcesisabetterlong-termapproachtosustainabilitythansimpleland17
retirement.18
Wesupportaflexibleshort-termlandidlingprogramthatcompensatesfarmers19
forreductioninacreageforcropproduction.20
2. CONSERVATIONRESERVEPROGRAM(CRP)21
Wesupport:22
i. CRPcontractsandcontractextensionswhichmaintainCRPlandsin23
privateownershipofresidentfamilyfarmandranchoperators;24
ii. Programpaymentsbeingcompetitivewithlocallandvaluesand/or25
rentalratessoasnottodiscourageparticipation;26
iii. A25-percent-per-countyacreagelimitforCRP,unlessitisdetermined27
thatliftingthecapwouldaddresslocalendangeredspeciesconcernsand28
nothaveanegativeeconomicimpactonruralcommunities;29
iv. AdequatefundingtoensureclosemonitoringbytheNaturalResources30
ConservationService(NRCS)andtheFarmServiceAgency(FSA)to31
111
enforcecontractrequirementsforadequateweed,erosion,insectand1
firecontrol;2
v. Enrolleesbeingallowedtomanagepermanent,vegetativecoverto3
enhancewildlifehabitatandecosystemhealth;4
vi. Landowners’rightstocollecthuntingorrecreationalusefeesonland5
enrolledintheConservationReserveProgram;6
vii. Theprogrambeingbetterfocusedtoservetheneedsoffamilyfarmers7
andranchersandtoprotecthighlyerodiblelandandother8
environmentallysensitivelands;9
viii. LandenrolledinCRPshallhaveanend-of-contractplaninplaceforuse10
ofthelandfollowingthecontractexpirationdatethattakesintoaccount11
erodibility,soiltypeandconservationpractices;12
ix. VoluntaryparticipationtotransferCRPlandsthatqualifyforACEPto13
thatprogram;14
x. EvaluationofallCRPlandscurrentlyorpreviouslyenrolledinthe15
programforcontractre-enrollment.Themostenvironmentallysensitive16
landshouldbegivenfirstopportunityforcontract.LandenrolledinCRP17
thatiscriticalhabitatforendangeredspeciesshouldbegivenan18
extensionofupto15years.CRPlandsdivertedintolong-termtimber19
andforestryconservationprojectsshouldbegivenahighpriorityfor20
contractre-enrollment;21
xi. Financialandtechnicalassistancebeingprovidedtoproducersin22
preparingCRPacreageforsustainableagriculturalsystemsthatwill23
meetestablishedconservationstandards;24
xii. LandmanagedwithappropriateorganicstandardswhileenrolledinCRP25
beingeligiblefororganiccertificationuponleavingtheprogram;26
xiii. LandthatwasfarmedpriortobeingenrolledinCRPbeingeligiblefor27
cropinsuranceuponcontractexpiration;28
xiv. Intimesofextendeddroughtconditionsorweatherdisasters,29
authorizationofhayingorgrazingonCRPacrestolivestockproducers30
basedonneed,withuptoone-thirdofCRPacresbeingusedtoreplenish31
feedsupplies.HayingandgrazingofCRPbyaproducerinadisaster32
112
declaredcountyshouldnotberestrictedtolandinthedisaster-declared1
countyorstate.TheFSAfarmer-electedcountycommitteesshouldbe2
giventheauthoritytosetthedateofharvestinordertomaximizethe3
feedvalueofhayandforage.Theseregulationsshouldbeinplacesothe4
proceduresareknowninadvance.Themaximumlandownerincome5
fromthehayingandgrazingshouldnotexceedtheannualCRPcontract6
amountfromthatfarm;7
xv. NofurtherreductionsintotalacresenrolledinCRP;8
xvi. TheCRPTransitionIncentivesProgram(TIP)thatallowsCRPpayments9
tocontinuetolandownersthattransferthelandtobeginning,veteran10
and/orsociallydisadvantagedfarmers;11
xvii. TIPshouldrequirethebaseacresbereattachedtothetracttheywere12
removedfrom;13
xviii. Plantingpropertytoshelterbeltsorotherconservationmeasuresbeing14
encouragedthroughreducedpropertytaxesonthoseacres.Producers15
whodestroyshelterbeltsorwoodedareasshouldestablishthesame16
numberofacresofnewtreesforaminimumof10years;17
xix. Anexpeditedprocesstoadoptrulesandregulationstore-enrollorto18
extendConservationReserveProgramcontracts;and19
xx. AllowingapprovedCRPconservationcovercropstobeusedforbiomass20
productioninareaswhereneededuntilthebiomassindustryevolvestoa21
moreeconomicallyviablelevel.CRPpaymentswouldbepaidonthese22
acresinyearswherebiomassisharvested.23
3. NATIONALBUFFERSTRIPINITIATIVE24
ThemissionoftheNationalBufferStripInitiativeistosupportdevelopmentand25
adoptionofagriculturalconservationsystemsinallU.S.watersheds.26
Wesupport:27
i. Developmentofnewmarketsforproductsofperennialsystems,suchas28
biofuelsandfeedstockcrops;and29
ii. Enterpriseresearchtoevaluateanddevelopnewplantmaterial30
selectionsalongwithassociatedproduction,harvestingandprocessing31
113
technologiestodiscoveranddevelopnewusesforproductsofperennial1
systems.2
4. CONSERVATIONSTEWARDSHIPPROGRAM(CSP)3
Wesupport:4
i. FullfundingandimplementationoftheConservationStewardship5
Program;6
ii. CSPacreagelevelsincludedinthe2008FarmBill;7
iii. ImplementationoftheCSPinamannerwhichrecognizesconservation8
practicesappropriatetodifferentclimaticregionsandprovidesforsuch9
agriculturalproductionpracticestobeadequatelyscoredbythe10
ConservationManagementTool(CMT);11
iv. Allowingnewconservationenhancementsmadetolandinanexisting12
CSPcontracttocountascreditonsubsequentCSPcontractsasawayof13
rewardingearly-adapters;and14
v. Consistentinterpretationoftherulesandguidancedocumentsamongall15
NRCSoffices.16
5. SODBUSTERANDSWAMPBUSTERPROVISIONS17
Wesupport:18
i. Provisionsthatgivethesecretaryofagriculturegreaterdiscretionin19
handlingsodbusterandswampbusterviolations.FSAshouldbethe20
singleregulatoryagency;21
ii. Thegoalofsoilconservationpracticesbeingtoreducesoillossesto22
tolerablelevels,or“T-levels;”23
iii. Alternativeconservationsystemsbeingusedonlyincasesoffinancial24
hardship,afterrecommendationoflocalconservationofficials;and25
iv. Afederalsodsaverprovision,whichdisallowsthepaymentoffarmand26
cropinsurancesubsidiesforcropsplantedonlandwithoutanyprevious27
croppinghistory.28
6. WETLANDS29
Wesupport:30
i. Producersbeingprovidedfullopportunitytoparticipateinthe31
developmentandreviewofasingle,coordinatedapproachtowetlands32
114
protection.Requiringrecertificationofwetlandsat5-yearintervals1
createsamovingtargetforproducersincomplianceefforts;2
ii. MakingtheNRCSandFSAtheleadagenciesinwetlandsdelineationon3
agriculturalland,butopposetheuseofspecialinterestgroupsmaking4
wetlanddeterminations;5
iii. AnyandallwetlandsdeterminationsthroughouttheUnitedStates6
relyingonthepresenceofallthreeofthefollowingmandatorywetland7
criteriasimultaneouslyappearingonthesamesiteyearround:8
a. Hydrology,9
b. Apredominanceofhydricsoil,and10
c. Aprevalenceofhydrophyticvegetation;11
iv. Thefederalgovernmentconsultingwiththestateandlocalgovernments12
todevelopaunified,mutuallyagreeablemanagementprogramtoprotect13
ournation’swetlands;14
v. Wetlandsmanagementprogramsbalancingwetlandvaluesandthe15
needsofthevariousstatesandtheirpoliticalsubdivisionsandindividual16
propertyrights;17
vi. Anyleaseholder,renterorownerbeingcompensatedequitablyforthe18
takingoflandsthroughtheclassificationofwetlands;19
vii. Thefinalinteragencymanualbeingrevisedwithgreaterconsideration20
forthefoodandfiberproducersoftheUnitedStates;21
viii. Wetlandsoflessthanoneacrenotfallingunderanyjurisdictionofstate22
orfederalagencies;23
ix. Whendealingwithfarmland,considerationbeinggiventotheeconomic24
andenvironmentalimpactonagriculture;25
x. Incaseswhereadjacentlandownersarenotaffected,landownersbeing26
abletomovewaterwithinthecontiguousboundariesoftheirown27
propertywithoutregulation,interference,oreasements;28
xi. Wateroutsidetheboundaryofawetlandbeingconsideredsheetwater29
andnotsubjecttojurisdictionbythestateorfederalagencies;and30
xii. NRCSandFSAcooperatingwithstateandlocalagenciesonwetland31
mitigation.32
115
T. SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE1
Wesupportprogramsthatpromotesoilhealthandsustainablefarmingpracticesas2
definedbytheUSDAdefinitionofsustainableagriculture.3
U. PREDATORANDRODENTCONTROL4
Wesupport:5
1. Restoringtheoriginalintentofthe1931AnimalDamageControlAct(ADC),6
whichmandatesthefederalgovernmentprotectthelivestockindustryfrom7
predatoryloss.TotheextentthatanadequateADCprogramisnotavailable8
tofarmers,werecommendthatafederallyfinancedindemnityprogrambe9
institutedtopayforcropandlivestocklosses;10
2. Judicioususeofcontrolpracticesbeingcontinuedonfederalandstatelands11
tocontrolcoyotes,feralhogsandotherdamagingspecies.Controlpractices12
onprivatelandsmustbedonewithlandowners’permission;13
3. Farmersandranchersbeingallowedtodefendagainstpredatoryanimals,14
includingthoseontheendangeredspecieslist,ontheirlandbyusingthe15
mosteffective,safe,economicalandhumanemeans;and16
4. U.S.FishandWildlifeServiceassumingfullresponsibilityforanylivestock17
lossesresultingfromthereintroductionofnon-domesticatedanimals.18
Weopposethereintroductionofpredatoryanimals.19
V. ENDANGEREDSPECIES20
Wesupport:21
1. Allimpactedindustriesandindividualsbeingcompensatedforactualannual22
lossesasaresultofcriticalhabitatdesignation;23
2. Federalpolicyestablishingmeaningfulincentivesforlandownersinthe24
businessoffarmingandranchingwhoprovidehabitatforendangered25
species;26
3. Requiringfederalagenciestocontinuecooperativepublic/privateefforts27
designedtoincreasethepopulationofcandidatespeciessincesuchefforts28
haveprovensuccessful;29
4. Candidateconservationagreementsasatooltolessenimpactstoagriculture30
producersfromcandidatespeciesthatarewarranted-but-precludedor31
listed;and32
116
5. Amendingthelawbyspecifyingthatnospeciesmaybelistedasendangered1
orthreatenedandnocriticalhabitatmaybesodesignatedunlessthe2
followingconditionsexist:3
i. Site-specificstudieshavebeendonethatfindthespeciesactually4
occupiesorhasoccupiedwithinthelast15years,habitatthatis5
declaredcritical;6
ii. Culturalandeconomicimpactstudieshavebeendonewhich7
determinewhatimpactthedeclaringhabitatorlistingofspecieswill8
haveonruraleconomiesandruralcultures;9
iii. Treatylawhasbeenobservedbythedevelopmentofmutual10
agreementsbetweenfederalagenciesandtribesandother11
indigenouspeoplesprotectedbytreaties;12
iv. Hearingsareheldwithina50-mileradiusoftheproposedcritical13
habitat,withallpubliclandpermitteesprovidedwrittennotice;and14
v. Managinganyspeciesthatarethreatenedorlistedunderthe15
EndangeredSpeciesAct(ESA)topreventdetrimentaleffectson16
workingagriculturalcrops,landsandlivestock.17
WeopposeeffortstolisttheGreaterSageGrouseandLesserPrairieChickenas18
endangeredorthreatened.19
W. ARMYCORPSOFENGINEERS20
WeurgethattheauthorityoftheArmyCorpsofEngineersbelimitedtoitshistoric21
roleofmaintainingnavigablewaterways,damsandfacilitiesonpubliclands.Weurge22
thecorpstodesignatefloodcontrolandrebuildingleveesdestroyedbyfloodsapriority.23
X. NUCLEAR,RADIOACTIVEANDTOXICWASTE24
Wesupport:25
1. Enactmentandvigorousenforcementoflegislation,bothfederalandstate,to26
prohibitdumpingofnuclear,radioactive,toxicandotherhazardouswastes27
withoutdetoxification;28
2. Developmentofhazardouswasteencapsulationanddisposalmethodswith29
stricterenforcementoflawsontransporting,handling,anddisposal;30
i. Thecurrentpracticesofdisposinghazardouswastesinexisting31
landfillsandsurfaceminesites,spreadinghazardouswastesonland32
117
surfaces,andinjectinghazardouswastesindeep-wellsitesshouldbe1
discontinued;2
ii. Alternativedisposalsitesshouldbeidentifiedwhicheliminatethe3
riskofsurfaceandgroundwatercontamination,protectthehealth4
andsafetyofcitizens,andprotectthesoilandwaterofagricultural5
lands,fromwhichthenation’sfoodisproduced;6
iii. Finaldecision-makingauthorityfordeterminingdisposalsitesand7
methodsmusttakeintoconsiderationthecitizenswhoaredirectly8
affectedbythesite;9
3. Disposalofchemicalweaponsthatinsuresthehealthofnearbycommunities,10
agriculturalmarketsandtheenvironment;and11
4. Researchintothoriumorotherfuelstoreplaceuraniuminnuclearplants.12
Y. SURFACEMINING13
Withproperenforcementofthelaw,energyandotherresourcescanbeprovided14
withoutpermanentlydamagingoneofthenation’smostimportantresources,namely15
agriculturalland.16
Wesupport:17
1. StrongenforcementoftheSurfaceMiningControlandReclamationAct18
includinghardrock;19
2. Ensuringthatlandstrippedtorecoverundergroundresourcesisreturnedto20
itsoriginalorbettercondition;21
3. Publicinvolvementinthemonitoringandenforcementofthesurfacemining22
law;23
4. Mandatorypublicdisclosureofchemicalsusedintheminingprocess;and24
5. Adequatebondingforpost-miningreclamation. 25
118
ARTICLEVIII–ENERGYANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
A. ENERGYOBJECTIVES2
Wesupportabalancedenergypolicythatseeksenergyindependenceby2025for3
theUnitedStatesand,atthesametime,protectsournation’senvironmentand4
recognizesthespecialenergyneedsofAmerica’sagriculturalsectoranditspotential5
contributions.6
WeurgeCongressandtheAdministrationtoaddressadditionalelementsofa7
nationalenergypolicyincluding:8
1. Makingthedevelopmentofrenewablesourcesofenergyournumberone9
priorityinreducingourdependenceonfossilfuels;10
2. Ambitiousmandatesforrenewableenergyproduction;11
3. Equitabledistributionandefficientdevelopmentofenergywhileassuring12
appropriateproductionoffoodandfiber;13
4. Incentivesforenvironmentallysafedomesticexploration,drillingand14
developmenttoassureareasonabledegreeofself-sufficiencyandtomitigate15
allnegativeeconomicconsequencesincurredbyfarmers,fishersandfishing16
businessesbysuchexplorationandsubsequentdrillingresultingfromsaid17
exploration;18
5. Abalanceofenergyneedswithasustainableenvironment;19
6. Concernforthesurvivalofindependentoilproducersthroughthe20
eliminationoftheoildepletionallowanceonallbutdomesticproduction;21
7. Oppositiontofederalderegulationoftheelectricutilitiesindustry;22
8. Supportingtheestablishmentofastand-aloneEnergyEfficiencyResource23
Standardthatwillachieve,bytheendof2020,electricitysavingsof1524
percentandnaturalgassavingsof10percent(using2010levelsasthe25
baseline),includingsavingsfromnewbuildingcodesandequipment26
efficiencystandards;27
9. Therightoffarmersandpropertyownerstofeedbackintothecommercial28
energysystempowerproducedinexcessoffarmneeds,atequitablerates.29
Farmersshouldbeencouragedtoutilizebothagriculturalcropsand30
agriculturalbyproductsintheproductionofenergy;31
119
10. Country-of-originlabelingforfuels,requiringthesecretaryofenergyto1
implementcountry-of-origindisclosurerequirementswithrespecttofuels;2
11. Theimpactsonourruraleconomyofeliminatingexistingpowerplants3
beforetheyachievetheirmaximumintendedlifecyclewhiletransitioningto4
acleanpowereconomy;5
12. Accelerationofdevelopmentoffusionenergytechnology;and6
13. Abilityofstatesusingmass-basedandrate-basedemissionsreduction7
standardstotradecarbonemissions.8
B. DISTRIBUTION9
1. PETROLEUMSUPPLY10
Inordertoensureanuninterruptedflowofpetroleumproductsforpriority11
uses,wecallfor:12
i. TheU.S.governmenttoensureanecessarylevelofrefiningtoprocess13
thecrudeoilthatwouldbeavailableinapetroleum-supplyemergency;14
ii. Crudeoilatcompetitivepricestobemadeavailableduringanemergency15
torefineriessotheresultingpetroleumproductswillbeprovidedtothe16
agriculturalsector;17
iii. StrategicPetroleumReservesuppliesbeingallocatedtocooperativeand18
otherindependentdomesticrefineriesatequitablepricesattheearly19
stagesofanysupplydisruption;20
iv. Thereservebeingusedonlyinshortfallofstock,notprice,toavoidprice21
manipulation;22
v. Thecreationofreservesinotherfuelsources,includingethanol;and23
vi. ThesupportoftheCorporateAverageFuelEfficiency(CAFE)standards24
asithaswide-rangingbenefitsresultingfromlessfuelconsumptionbut25
notattheexpenseofvehiclepowerandperformance.26
Weoppose:27
i. Effortstoforceconservationthroughexcisetaxes,andsupporta28
continuationofthefarm-useexemptionfromsuchtaxes;29
ii. Excisetaxesongasolinefordeficitreductionpurposes;and30
iii. EffortstocurtailoreliminatetheStrategicPetroleumReserve.31
2. ELECTRICITYANDDEREGULATION32
120
Wesupport:1
i. LocalregulationofpowertoensureallU.S.residentshaveaccessto2
affordable,high-qualityelectricservice;3
a. WeurgetheEPAtoplacemoreemphasisonpreliminaryplanning4
assessmentwiththestatesandtribesexpandingtheVisibility5
ProtectionProgramthroughtheadditionoftheregionalhaze6
conceptandtoproposearulethataddressesamorereasonable7
andrealisticapproachtotheissuesofregionalhaze.8
b. WeencouragetheEPAtouseactualairqualitymonitoringdata9
andimprovedcomputermodelingtodetermineifastateisin10
compliancewithEPAtoairqualityrequirementsforClass1areas11
suchasnationalparksandotherdesignatednaturaltreasures.12
ii. Federalpolicythatwouldprovidenonprofitpowergroupswiththe13
necessarycreditandfinancialsupporttosetupneededgeneratingand14
transmittingfacilities;15
iii. Electricutilitiesprovidingratestructuresthatofferanincentiveto16
consumerstouseoff-peakpower;17
iv. Thedevelopmentofwind,solar,andotheralternativesourcesofenergy18
incommunity-basedandindividuallyownedsystemswhereviable;19
v. Thedevelopmentofanationalelectricalgriddesignedwiththecapacity20
tocarryrenewableenergyfromtheproductionsourcetotheareas21
whereitisneeded;22
vi. Federalandstateelectricdistributionstudiesonruralelectric23
cooperative(REC)andmunicipalutilitylinesandsubstationstoidentify24
necessaryimprovementsandavailablecapacityforrenewableenergy25
production;26
vii. AnationalRenewablePortfolioStandard(RPS)of25percentby202527
thatincludesastronglocalownershipcomponent;28
viii. Whensitinglines“crosscountry,”citizeninputshouldbeafirstpriority29
inthesitingprocess;30
ix. Whennewtransmissionlinesandsubstationsareplaced,ayearlyrental31
paymenttothelandownershouldbeestablished;32
121
x. Theuseofthebestavailablecleanairtechnologywhenusingfossilfuels1
toevenouttheproductionofelectricityfromrenewablesources.Theuse2
offossilfuelsinconjunctionwithrenewableenergysourcesisnecessary3
giventoday’sleveloftechnologytoproducereliableandaffordable4
electricity;and5
xi. Considerationandmitigationofthenegativeimpactsonoureconomyof6
eliminatingcoal-firedpowerplantsbeforetheyachievetheirmaximum7
intendedlifecycle.8
Weoppose:9
i. InfringementupontheexistingserviceareasofRECsbyinvestor-owned10
companies;11
ii. Federallymandatedrestructuringoftheelectricutilitiesindustry;12
iii. Developmentoflocaltransmissionlines,whichdonotensurefinancing13
forlow-voltageupgrades,whichwillbeneededformanycommunity14
energyprojectstoreachtheselargergrids;15
iv. NEPAstudiesonpubliclandsforenergytransmissioncorridorswithout16
localnotificationoflandownersandlocalgovernmentsatthescoping17
process;and18
v. Grantingeminentdomainauthoritytooronbehalfofforeign19
corporations,stateorfederalgovernmentsformerchanttransmissionor20
non-publicutilityprojects,andanynewnuclearplantsintheUnited21
Statesuntilsafetyissuesarereviewedandconfirmed.22
3. ECONOMICASSISTANCE23
Wesupport:24
i. UtilizationandadequatefundingoftheUSDARuralUtilitiesService25
(RUS)toprovidedirectlow-interestloanstoruralelectriccooperatives26
andtheirmemberstocarryoutrenewableenergyprojectsandenergy27
conservationmeasures;28
ii. ExpandingRUS’sroletoprovidefundingforfinancingrenewableenergy29
transmissionandsubstationstocommunity-basedprojects;30
iii. Assistancetolandownerassociationsorgroupstoconductrenewable31
energyresourceassessmentsandenvironmentalimpactsstudies;and32
122
iv. Fulldisclosureofallclassificationsofsubsidiesreceivedbyprivate1
utilities.2
4. PUBLICOWNERSHIPOFPOWERMARKETINGADMINISTRATIONANDPOWER3
GENERATORS4
Publicownershiphasbeenanessentialelementinprovidingreasonablypriced5
hydroelectricpowertoruralareasintheUnitedStates.Accesstofederallyproduced6
andsubsidizedpowermustbeguaranteedtonewandexistingpublicorcooperative7
electricutilities.WeopposethesaleofPowerMarketingAdministrations(PMA),the8
TennesseeValleyAuthority(TVA),stateortriballyowneddamsorotherpublicly9
ownedpowergenerators.10
5. HYDROELECTRICPOWER11
NFUrecognizesthathydroelectricpowerisanimportantrenewableenergy12
source.13
Wesupport:14
i. Continueddevelopmentofhydroelectricpowersites,wheretheyare15
cost-effectiveandecologicallyandenvironmentallycompatible,and16
upgradingofcurrentsitesforbetterefficiency;17
ii. AmendingtheFederalPowerActtoprovidepreferencetoruralelectric18
cooperativesinthelicensingandre-licensingofwaterpowerprojects;19
iii. Inclusionofsmallhydroandexistinghydroinnationalrenewableenergy20
legislation;and21
iv. Fundsreceivedfromsaleofpublicwaterthatdisplaceshydrogeneration22
beingreturnedtothegeneratingauthority.23
6. PIPELINES24
Wesupport:25
i. Anunderstandableprocessthatclarifieswhenandhoweminentdomain26
canbeused,whohaswhatliabilitywheretherearedamagesfrom27
pipelinefailure,sitingstandardsandroutingcriteria,environmental28
considerations,anddecommissioningexpectationsandcosts.The29
processshouldprovidefortransparencyintheplanningandrouting30
processincludingpublicinput,faircompensationtolandownersanda31
processtodealwithlandownerandpubliccomplaintsandconflicts;32
123
ii. Pipelinedevelopersbeingbarredfromusingnon-disclosureagreements1
priorto,during,andaftercontractnegotiations;2
iii. Privatelyownedpipelinecompaniesbuildingandoperatingapipeline3
maintaininginsurance/bondstocoverliabilityforpipelinefailurecosts4
associatedwithenvironmentaldamage,healthandpublicsafetyissues,5
infrastructurecostsandmaintenance,emergencyresponsesituations6
andcostsifthepipelinedevelopersarenolongerinbusinessorlackthe7
financialresourcestocovertheseliabilities,includinginthecaseof8
bankruptcy;9
iv. Regulationsmandatingthatsoildisturbedduringpipelineconstruction10
bereturnedtoitspreviousconditionandfarmlandreturnedtoits11
previouslevelofproduction;and12
v. Adequatecompensationforlandownersforlossinvalueofafarm13
crossedbyapipeline,foranyfuturelosstolandvalueassociatedwith14
thepipelineoritsconstruction.15
Weoppose:16
i. Theclassificationofaprivate,foreign-ownedpipelineasapublicutility;17
ii. Theclassificationofaforeign-ownedpipelineasacommoncarrierunless18
itcanbedemonstratedthatthemajorityofthetransportedmaterialis19
fromdomesticsourcesandthatmajorityofthetransportedmaterialis20
fordomesticconsumption;21
iii. Pipelineconstructionacrossfarmlandwithoutpermissionofallaffected22
landowners;and23
iv. Forcingadditionalrightsofwayorleasesuponlandownerswherealease24
orrightofwaycurrentlyexists,asthiswouldfurtherdevaluethelandfor25
agriculturaluse.26
C. DEVELOPMENTOFRENEWABLEENERGYANDFUELSFROMTHEFARM27
1. PRIORITIES28
NFUshouldpromote,expand,andensurelocalizedfarmerownershiptothe29
fullestdegreepossibleinrenewable/alternativeenergydevelopmentincluding30
wind,solar,biofuelsandothertechnologies.Policiesthatcanachievethisgoalare31
feed-intariffs,incentivesandmandatesforlocallyownedfacilities.Wesupportthe32
124
effortsof“host”communitiesandmunicipalitiestoaccuratelycalculatetheincome-1
generatingcapacityofpotentialrenewableenergyprojects,regardlessofownership2
type,andtoestablishfeeds,propertytaxprovisions,orimpactassessmentsto3
ensurethatareasonableamountoftheeconomicbenefitsaresharedbyallofthe4
localcommunitiesandresidentswithoutdeterringsmaller-scale,distributed,5
community-basedandindividuallyownedprojects.6
NFUshouldleadeffortstoeducatefamilyfarmers,ranchersandrural7
communitiesabouthowtoadapttotheeffectsofclimatechangeontheirown8
respectiveoperations,aswellastheenormouseconomicbenefitsthatrenewable9
energybringstoourruralareas.10
Wesupport:11
i. Expandedresearchanddevelopmentdollarsandfullfundingfor12
renewableenergyprogramsandtechnology;13
ii. Thedevelopmentandpromotionofrenewableenergysources14
appropriatetotheirlocationanddirectedtowarddevelopingself-15
sufficientunitssuitableforfarm,home,smallindustryandbusinessuse;16
iii. Farmer-ownedcooperativespursuingthedevelopmentandmarketingof17
renewableenergy;18
iv. AdequatefundinglevelsforfeasibilitystudiesundertheRuralEnergyfor19
AmericaProgramshouldbereinstatedandcoverallpre-development20
activitiesinvolved,includingthoroughwildlifestudiesbypublic21
agencies;22
v. Incentivesforlocaldevelopmentandownershipofrenewableenergy23
production;24
vi. Developmentofnewmarketsforcellulosicproductsfromperennial25
systems;26
vii. Enterpriseresearchtoevaluateanddevelopnewplantmaterial27
selectionsalongwithassociatedproduction,harvestingandprocessing28
technologiestodiscoveranddevelopnewusesforproductsofperennial29
systems;30
viii. Researchanddevelopmentonutilizingbiomassforenergyofallforms;31
ix. TheBiomassCropAssistanceProgramandothersuchprograms;32
125
x. Economicassistanceforfamilyfarmerstomakeagriculturemoreself-1
sufficientthroughincreasedapplicationofalternativeformsofenergy2
andenergyefficiency;3
xi. Reversingthetrendtowardconcentrationoftheownershiporcontrolof4
sources,productionanddistributionofenergy;5
xii. Targetingfundstoencouragediversified,community-basedand6
individuallyownedenergysystemsthatcreatejobsandnewwealthin7
ruralareasofourcountry;8
xiii. Eliminatingtheimportationofforeignsourcesofbiofuels;9
xiv. Animportfeeonnon-renewableforeign-producedenergy,tofundthe10
developmentofdomesticrenewableenergy;11
xv. CreationofaStrategicBiofuelsFeedstockReserve;12
xvi. Aprogramtotacklethelackofinfrastructureintheexpansionof13
renewableenergy.Wesupportmanyincreasesinresearchand14
development,particularlyintheareasof:15
a. Pipelinesdesignatedoralteredforthetransportofbiofuels;16
b. Solidifyingtherailroadsinthiscountrytomoverenewablefuels17
toeachcoast;18
c. Expandeduseofflex/blenderpumps;19
d. EstablishingE85fillingstations/pumps;and20
e. Expandingandcreatinganetworkoftransmissionlines21
throughoutthecountrytoaidinthemovementofrenewable22
energyfromsourcessuchaswindandsolar;23
xvii. Extensionandexpansionofrenewableenergytaxcredits,incentivesand24
loanguaranteeprogramsincludingapermanentrenewableenergy25
productiontaxcredit(PTC)thatincludesnonprofitorganizationsas26
qualifyingentities;27
xviii. Theuseofproductiontaxcreditstoprovidefinancialincentivesforwind28
andsolarenergydevelopment.Suchproductiontaxcreditsshould:29
a. Belong-term,20yearsatminimum;30
b. Includeactive,notjustpassiveincometaxcredits;31
126
c. Encouragelocalownershipofwindturbinemanufacturing,1
developmentandoperations;and2
d. Settheproductionandothertaxcreditlevelsforlocalcommunity3
andfarmer-ownedwindsystemsathigherlevelsandallowthem4
toberefundable;5
xix. Biodieselandethanolblenders’taxcreditsandthecellulosicproduction6
loanguarantees;7
xx. Policiestocreategreaterdomesticproductionofbiofuelfacilitiesand8
otherrenewableenergycomponents,suchaswindturbinesandsolar9
panels;10
xxi. FullyfundingtheBiopreferredProgram,aswellasensuringthefederal11
governmentisaleaderinprocuringtheseproducts;12
xxii. Expandedenergyconservationresearchanddevelopmentaswellas13
implementationofprogramsthatencouragetheconservationofenergy14
inputsbytheagriculturalandfoodsectors;15
xxiii. Workingwithlandownersandothergroupstodevelopalandowner’sbill16
ofrightsforrenewableenergy;17
xxiv. Researchanddevelopmentontheproductionoffuelsandfertilizersfrom18
renewableelectricity;19
xxv. Expandingtheutilizationofanaerobicdigestersinacomplimentary20
efforttoproduceenergy,participateincarbonoffsetmarkets,and21
managewasteonlivestockoperations;22
xxvi. Fundingforresearchandtechnicaladvancementofenergystorage23
systemsallowingforreliableandconsistentavailabilityofrenewable24
energy;25
xxvii. Thegovernmentpurchasingandusingflex-fuelvehiclesandfuelingthem26
withrenewablefuels;27
xxviii. Anationalnetmeteringstandardforsystemsupto100kWinorderto28
helpexpandtheuseofsmallerwindandsolarenergysystems;and29
xxix. TheCommunityBasedEnergyDevelopment(CBED)ownershipmodel30
createdinMinnesotaandNebraska.31
Weoppose:32
127
i. Effortsbypowerutilitiestodiscouragedistributedsolarandother1
renewablepowergeneration,includingbutnotlimitedto,raisingbase2
monthlyrates,eitherspecificallytoindividualrenewableenergy-3
producingcustomersortoallcustomersingeneral;and4
ii. Fuelsthatareimportedorderivedfromimportedcommoditiesbeing5
eligibleforanytaxincentivesorexemptions.6
2. ETHANOL7
Wesupport:8
i. Anethanolprogramtoinclude:9
a. Renewableresourcesthatshouldbeestablishedthroughlow-10
interestfederalloanstofarmer-ownedcooperatives;11
b. Furtherfederallegislationtoprovideforconversionoffarm12
productsandbyproductsintoethanolemphasizingon-farmand13
localcooperativesitedevelopment;14
c. Federallegislationtoextendpermanentlythefederalgasoline15
excisetaxexemptiononethanol-enhancedfuels;16
d. Statelegislationgrantingtaxcreditsoneachgallonofethanol-17
enhancedfuelsoldwithineachstate;18
e. Promotionofresearchonusageandmarketingofdrydistillers19
grainforfeedandothervalue-addeduses;20
f. Anaggressiveandambitiouscellulosicprogram,gearedtorapidly21
developingnecessarytechnology,tocomplimenttraditional22
ethanolsuppliesofmotorfuel;23
g. ExpansionofavailablegasolineblendstoE15orhigher,as24
supportedbyscientificdata;25
h. Flexibilityfornewfuelsystemstoaccommodateadvancesin26
ethanolblendutilizationtechnology;and27
i. Researchandproductionofenginesdesignedtorunsolelyon28
ethanol.29
ii. Theextensionoftheethanolfueltaxincentivetoincludetheethanol30
portionofethyltertiarybutylether(ETBE);31
128
iii. AllowingETBErefinerstheabilitytoclaimtheethanolexcisetax1
exemptionattheblendpoint;2
iv. Theuseofethanolasafueladditiveforgasolineformulationstoenhance3
octanelevels,withanexpandedroleofreplacingaromatics,in4
accordancewiththeCleanAirAct;5
v. Urgingallvehiclemanufacturerstoactivelyproduceandmarketflex-fuel6
optionsinallmarketclasses;and7
Weoppose:8
i. Anyfutureeffortstoeliminateethanoltaxincentives;9
ii. LiabilityprotectionforMTBEproducers;and10
iii. Anyfurtheruseofmethyltertiarybutylether(MTBE)ingasoline.11
3. RENEWABLEFUELSTANDARD12
Wesupport:13
i. ExpandingtheRenewableFuelStandard(RFS)tosetanambitious14
mandateforproductionofbiofuelstomakeupone-thirdofthenation’s15
fuelsupplyassoonaspossible,consistentwithgrainavailabilityfor16
livestockproduction;17
ii. Separatemandatesofproductionforeachformofbiofuel,including18
cellulosicethanolandbiodiesel;19
iii. FullimplementationofRFSlegislationthatwill:20
a. Supplyclean-burningethanoltoreduceairpollution,;21
b. Providestrictanti-backslidingrequirementsintheRFS;22
c. Ensurethatairqualitygainsfromthereformulatedgasoline23
programsarepreserved;24
d. Provideincentivestoexpanduseofotherbiofuels,andencourage25
theuseofeligiblefeedstockstomeettherequirementsforother26
advancedbiofuelsundertheRFS;and27
e. EstablishingaseparaterequirementforanationalRFSfor28
biodieseluseintransportationfuels;29
iv. LegislationtoensurethatAmericanfarmers,notethanolimporters,30
wouldbenefitfromtheRFS;and31
129
v. LegislationthatwouldamendtheCaribbeanBasinInitiativebylimiting1
ethanolimportsthatareonlypartiallyproducedintheCaribbeanBasin2
andqualifyforduty-freestatus.3
Weoppose:4
i. Ethanolimportschemesthatwouldthwartethanolimporttariffs;5
ii. Theimportationofrenewablefuels;and6
iii. ChangestotheRFSmandatethatarenotbasedonthebestavailable7
scienceandsubjecttopublicreview.8
4. BIODIESEL9
Wesupport:10
i. Farmer-ownedcooperativesandothersprovidinghigherblendsof11
biodieselfuelstotheircustomersandurgemarinastooffer12
biodegradablebiodieselfuelstotheircustomers;13
ii. Increasedresearchfundingtodemonstratetheeffectivenessofbiodiesel14
asatransportationfuel,forgeneratingelectricity,andasareplacement15
forhomeheatingoil;16
iii. Researchanddevelopmentofoilseedcropsandanimalbyproductsfor17
useasbiodieselalternativefuels;18
iv. DOEdevelopingarapidcommercializationprogramforbiodiesel;19
v. Legislationtoprovidefortherecyclingofusedcookingoilsandwaste20
greasesgeneratedatgovernmentfacilitiestobeprocessedintobiodiesel21
foruseingovernmentvehiclefleets,whereverfeasible;and22
vi. ASTMD6751asthebiodieselindustry’squalitystandardstomeetthe23
requirementsoftherailroads,militaryandotherheavyindustry.24
5. COMPRESSEDNATURALGAS25
Wesupportthedevelopmentofinfrastructuretopermituseofcompressed26
naturalgasasatransportationfuel.27
6. WINDENERGY28
Wesupport:29
i. Developmentanddistributionofelectricgenerationfromwind,including30
areasonabletimelineforapprovalforinterconnectiontotheelectric31
grid;32
130
ii. Effortstoeducateourfarmersandranchersabouttheirwindrightsand1
otherrelatedissues;2
iii. Federallegislationtorequireallutilitiestoallowcommunity-basedwind3
projectsaccesstotheelectricgridbyactivelypursuingpowerpurchase4
agreements;5
iv. Accountbalancingofsmallwindgeneratorsonanannualbasis;and6
v. CreatingagrantprogramforlocalRECswhowillupgradetheirsystemto7
monitortheflowofenergybothwayswithintheirsystemtoacceptnet-8
meteredenergyproducedbyalocalRECcustomer.9
7. SOLARENERGY10
Wesupport:11
i. Thedevelopmentofsolarenergy,includingsolarthermal;12
ii. Communitysolargardenmodelstoallowforgreaterparticipationin13
solarprojects;14
iii. Educatingourlandownersaboutsolarrightsandotherrelatedissues;15
iv. Researchintoconcentratedsolarandotherdevelopingsolar16
technologies;17
v. Replacingfossilfuel-poweredheatinganddryingapplicationswithsolar18
poweredsystems;and19
vi. Thedevelopmentofcommunityandcommercialsolarfarmsinareas20
withnocurrentvalue-addeduse.21
8. RENEWABLEENERGYSTORAGE22
Wesupportdevelopmentofstoragetechnologyforelectricityproducedby23
intermittentrenewablesources,includingbutnotlimitedtohydroelectricpump-24
back,batterytechnologies,fuelcelltechnologyandothers.25
9. COOPERATIVEDEMONSTRATIONS26
Wesupport:27
i. Consumer-ownedutilitiesunitingtodevelopanddemonstratethe28
economicfeasibilityofrenewableandotheralternateenergysystems.29
Theeconomicviabilityofthosecooperativeutilitiesmustbetakeninto30
consideration;31
131
ii. Cooperativesprovidingconsumerspriceincentivesforusingethanol-or1
biodieselenhancedfuels;2
iii. ContinuedfederalfundingfortheGreatPlainsSynfuelsPlant;and3
iv. Placingalternativemarketingdevicesforalternativefuelssuchas4
E85/biodieselandflex/blenderpumpsateverycooperativeretailerin5
thenation.6
D. ENVIRONMENTALPRECAUTIONINENERGYPRODUCTIONANDUSE7
Wesupport:8
1. TheCleanAirAct;9
2. Regulationsthatemphasizeachievingthegreatestamountofpollution10
controlthroughthemostcost-effectivemeasuresavailable;and11
3. Dieselemissionsbeingreducedinthemostcost-effectivemannerpossible,12
consistentwithgoodfueleconomy.13
1. FUELSTORAGETANKS14
Wesupport:15
i. Rulesforundergroundfuelstoragetanksthatprovidecostsharingto16
mitigatethefinancialimpactofcomplianceonfarmer-owned,locally17
ownedandcooperativelyownedoutlets;18
ii. AnexemptionforfarmandranchuseintheEPArulepertainingto19
existingabove-groundfuelstoragetanks;and20
iii. Above-groundfuelstoragetanksbeingmonitoredandreplacedonanas-21
neededbasisastheconditionofthetankschangeandleakingbecomes22
detectable.23
2. WASTEPRODUCTS24
Wesupport:25
i. Recyclingasasociallyresponsibleactivity;26
ii. Federalassistancetohelpestablishaneffectiverecyclingsystem27
throughoutthecountryforagricultural,post-consumerandindustrial28
waste;29
iii. Onlytheenvironmentallysafeuseofsolidwastesintheproductionof30
energy;and31
132
iv. Compostingoffoodandorganicfiberwaste,andtheopeningofmarkets1
forthesaleanddistributionofthecompostedproducts,especiallyfor2
schoolsandotherpublicinstitutions.3
3. HYDRAULICFRACTURINGANDWASTEWATERINJECTION4
Wesupport:5
i. Holdingenergycompaniesthatusethehydraulicfracturingprocessand6
wastewaterinjectionwellownersliableforanyandallexpenses7
resultingfromenvironmentaldamage,earthquakesandhealthimpacts8
incurredasaresultoftheactivityandhandlingofwastewaterandother9
byproductsassociatedwiththeextractionprocess;10
ii. AcompleteEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS),withassessmentsof11
healthandeconomicimpacts,baselinewaterqualityandquantityand12
theeffectofadiversionofwaterthatmaycurrentlybeassignedto13
agricultural,privateandmunicipaluseorundercontractedobligations;14
iii. Localoversightandregulationofthefrackingprocessandwastewater15
disposal;16
iv. Mandatorydisclosureofthechemicals,includingpercentages,usedin17
frackingdrillingfluidsandwastewaterinjection.Suchchemicalsmustbe18
identifiedasenvironmentallysafebeforeuseorinjection;19
v. Mandatorymonitoringofpossiblegroundwatercontaminationand20
oversightofwastewaterinjectionwells;and21
vi. CompliancewiththeFederalRighttoKnowAct(EmergencyPlanning22
andCommunityRighttoKnowAct).Oilandgaswelloperatorsmust23
reportallhazardouschemicalsinuseorstoredatdrillingsitestothe24
StateEmergencyResponseCommission(SERC).TheSERCshallmaintain25
acurrentdatabasewiththisinformationthatiseasilyaccessibletofirst26
respondersandthepublic.27
E. LANDOWNERRIGHTSINNATURALRESOURCESPROJECTDEVELOPMENT(WIND,SOLAR,28
FRACKING,OIL,ETC.)29
Wesupportacomprehensivepolicythatprotectslandownersfromspeculationand30
unfaircontractsinthedevelopmentofnaturalresources.Wesupportthefollowing31
landowners’rights:32
133
1. Prohibitionofnon-disclosureorsecrecyclausesinleases.Landowners1
shouldbeallowedtoreviewleaseswithattorneys,lendersandotherholders2
ofleasestoascertaintherelativevalueofaleaseoffer;3
2. Establishmentofaregistryofcurrentstandardnaturalresourcesleasesthat4
isaccessibletothepublic;5
3. Prohibitingmandatoryarbitrationclausestoensuretherightofcivil6
litigationforlandownersinleasedisputesandhelpbalancethelegal7
interestsoflandownersanddevelopers;8
4. Limitinglengthofleaseoptionstoencouragetheuseofleaseoptionsfor9
actualdevelopmentinsteadofspeculation;windandsolarpowerleasesto10
terminateafterfiveyearsiftheprojectisnotdeveloped;11
5. Privatepropertyrights,includingownershipoflandandallitsattributes12
above,on,andbelowthesurface,unlessotherwisemarketed;13
a. Wesupportaregulatoryprocessthatensurestheendingspotand14
directionofdirectionaldrilling,and15
b. Weurgelegislationtoapportionthepresentrealestatetaxbetween16
thesurfaceownerandthemineralowner;17
6. Authorizingcollectivebargainingofleasestoencouragefairnessinthe18
applicationofleasetermsamongmultiplelandowners;19
7. Bondingandreclamationprotectionstoencourageresponsibleenergy20
developmentandtransmissionatoutsetoftheleasebyprovidingfundsup21
frontforreclamationoflandafterequipment,towerorprojectlifehas22
expired;23
8. Prohibitingpriorinvestmentasaconditionofleaseoroptionoffulfillment;24
9. Prohibitingfarmlandownershipbyenergydevelopmentorgeneration25
companiestoensurethatagriculturallandremainsinthehandsof26
producersandretainstheagriculturalvalueofthelandusedinenergy27
development;28
10. Prohibitingrightoffirstrefusalbydevelopers,whichallowsadeveloperto29
tieupland,and/orreducemarketabilityoflandowner’slandwithout30
purchasinganoption;31
11. Disclosureofactualleasepaymentsincontracts;32
134
12. Threedaycooling-offperiodafteraleaseagreementissignedtoallowa1
landownertohaveawindowtoreconsiderif,forexample,hisorher2
attorneyhasanobjectiontothecontractlanguage;3
13. Ownershipofwind,solar,andmineralrightsshouldnotbeseveredfrom4
surfacerightsandownershipofland;5
14. Ownershipofwindrightsshouldextenduptoaminimumof100feetabove6
theheightofthewindturbine;7
15. Enactingamoratoriumonindustrialwindsitinginfederalwatersuntilan8
openpublicprocessisdevelopedforsitingindustrialwindpower9
generation;10
16. Landownerssharinginpercentageofenergyrevenuestransmittedthrough11
transmissionlinessitedontheirproperty;12
17. Landownermodelsfordevelopingtransmissionassociationsthatwillcreate13
transmissioncorridorsandreceivecompensationonanannualbasis14
throughroyaltiesratherthanone-timepayments;and15
18. Anannualtaxcreditforlandownerswithrenewableenergytransmission16
basedonvalueoflandimpactedbydevelopment.17
135
ARTICLEIX–ECONOMICREGULATIONANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
A. FEDERALBUDGETREFORM2
Thefederalbudgetprocessisnotworkingeffectively.WeurgeCongresstorevise3
theentirebudgetprocesstopreventunderstatingthetruedeficitproblemandto4
providerealisticreductiongoals.5
Tocurethestructuralfailings,wesupport:6
1. CongressimposingthesameGenerallyAcceptedAccountingPrinciples7
(GAAP)onthefederalgovernmentasithasimposedonprivatefinancial8
institutions;9
2. StaticscoringbytheCongressionalBudgetOffice(CBO)andJointCommittee10
onTaxation;11
3. Alllong-termcreditprograms,permanentandlong-termimprovements,12
multipurposeconservation,damandwatershedprojects,publicbuildings,13
highwaysandinlandwaterways,beplacedina“capitalbudget,”distinct14
fromtheannualoperationbudget;15
4. Farmers’assessmentsortrustfundrevenuesnotbeingusedfordeficit16
reductions;17
5. Congressdemonstratingfiscalresponsibilitybythemandatoryreviewofall18
currentlyimplementedlegislation,andnewlegislationcontaining19
mandatorysunsetclausestoensuretimelyreview;20
6. Programsthatfailtomeettheirintendedobjectivestobereviewedand21
restructuredorterminated;and22
7. Notpunishingthefarmbillbaselinebudgetforsavingsgeneratedthrough23
thesafetynet.24
Weoppose:25
1. Usingbudgetsequestrationinanattempttoreducethefederaldeficit;26
2. Anyproposedagriculturalcutstorelievethefederaldeficit;27
3. Attemptstoreducefundingforfarmbillprogramsthroughbudget28
reconciliation;and29
4. Dynamicscoring.30
B. MONEYANDCREDITPOLICY(ALSOSEEARTICLEIV–CREDITANDTHEFAMILYFARM)31
Wesupport:32
136
1. Consumer,farmerandsmallbusinessrepresentationontheFederalReserve1
Board(Fed);2
2. RequiringtheFedtocomplywithprovisionsoftheHumphrey-HawkinsFull3
EmploymentandBalancedGrowthActof1978;4
3. Congressimmediatelyauthorizinganonpoliticaloutsideentitytoconducta5
thoroughauditandinvestigationoftheFedanditspolicies;and6
4. Allowingcannabisandcannabis-relatedbusinessesthatarestateregulated7
tohaveaccesstothenormalbankingsystem.8
C. BANKREGULATION9
Fromthebeginningsofthiscountry,publicpolicyhasfavoredadecentralized10
bankingsystem,avoidingtheabusesthatwouldcomefromahighlyconcentrated11
financialstructure.12
Weareconcernedaboutrecenttrendsinbankregulationthathaveacceleratedthe13
lossofindependentcommunitybanksandhavedecreasedthebanks’desiretoservice14
agriculturalcreditneeds.Ithasalsoreducedcommunityreinvestment.15
Wesupport:16
1. Re-regulationofthefinancialservicesindustryandreinstatingprovisionsof17
theGlass-SteagallActof1933,whichwouldprohibitcommercialbanksfrom18
engaginginspeculativeinvestmentsusingbankdepositorfunds;19
2. Theconsumerprotectionprovisionsandeasingtheregulatoryrequirements20
onsmallbankswithinDodd-Frank;21
3. MaintainingindividualFederalDepositInsuranceCorporation(FDIC)22
coverageofatleast$250,000,asgrosssalestransactionsinagriculturehave23
increasedoverthepastnumberofyears;24
4. Makingallfinancialinstitutionsawarethat“toobigtofail”willnotbe25
toleratedinthefuture;26
5. Vigorousinvestigationandprosecutionofcriminalactivityinourfinancial27
institutions;and28
6. Reestablishmentofsmalltransactionfeestoreducetheabusesofhigh29
frequencytrading.30
D. CREDITUNIONS31
Wesupport:32
137
1. MaintainingtheNationalCreditUnionShareInsuranceFundasaseparate1
andindependentagencyfromotherfederaldepositinsurancesystems;2
2. Thecreditunionmovementinitseffortstocombattheanti-competitive3
regulatorytacticsundertakenbyothersegmentsofthefinancialservices4
industry;and5
3. TherightofallAmericanstochoosehowandwheretheydeposittheir6
earningsandtransacttheirpersonalfinancialbusiness.7
Weopposeanyproposalthatseekstocurtailservicesbycreditunionstotheir8
membersunderthefalseguiseofregulatoryreformorfinancialsoundness.Such9
proposalsareespeciallydiscriminatoryagainstruralcreditunionsthatprovide10
agriculturalcreditservices.11
E. ESTATEANDGIFTTAXPOLICY12
Wesupport:13
1. Estatetaxreliefforfamily-ownedfarms,ranchesandsmallbusinessesin14
ordertofacilitatethetransferofthoseenterprisestothenextgeneration;15
2. Creatingpolicythattaxesagricultureestatesbasedonproductionvalueand16
notonpotentialdevelopmentvaluesolongastheestateanditsproperty17
remaininagricultureproduction;18
3. Permanentlymaintainingthefederalestatetaxexemptionperindividualat19
$10million,$20millionpercouple,indexedforinflation,withanadditional20
$5millionexemptioniftheestatecontinuestobeoperatedbyafamily21
memberortransferstoabeginningfarmer;22
4. Simplifyingtheexemptionqualificationrulesandrequirements;and23
5. Implementinggraduatedrateswithabaserateof35percent.24
Weopposeshiftingtaxliabilityfromtheestatetaxtothecapitalgainstaxthrough25
theeliminationofthe“step-up”inbasisprovision.26
F. IRSTAXCODE1031EXCHANGES27
Wesupport:28
1. AstudyontheimpactofIRSTaxCode1031Exchanges(StarkerExchange)29
onfarmlandvalues;30
2. Thereturntoastricterinterpretationoflikekindpropertyexchanges,i.e.31
agriculturallandforagriculturalland;and32
138
3. Allowingpropertyownersaminimumof18monthstoidentifyandcomplete1
a1031exchangeifthepropertywaslostthrougheminentdomain(alsosee2
ArticleVI.Q–EminentDomain)3
G. INCOMETAXREFORMS4
Wesupport:5
1. Amoreprogressivetaxstructureandopposeaflattax;6
2. Asimplifiedtaxcode;7
3. Thefulldeductibilityfortheindividualpaymentofpremiumsforhealth,8
disabilityandlong-termcare.Premiumsonlifeinsurancebenefitsupto9
$500,000,orasrequiredtobecarriedbycreditors,shouldalsobe10
deductible;11
4. Alimitedrefundablefederalincometaxcreditequaltoallorapercentageof12
thestateandlocalrealestatetaxespaidbyfarmersandrancherson13
farmlandutilizedforcommercialagricultureproduction;14
5. Incomefromafarmsalebeingputintoatax-deferredindividualretirement15
account(IRA);16
6. Annualgifttaxlimitsof$25,000perindividual;17
7. Theconceptoffamilysavingsaccounts,thesaver’screditforlow-income18
familieswithnetincomesof$40,000orless,andotherstateandfederal19
programsknownasanIndividualDepositAccount(IDA)thataretargetedat20
low-incomesavers;21
8. Permanenttaxlegislationfordeductionsofexpensesaccruedonthefarm22
andranchundersection179ofthetaxcodeofnolessthan$500,000;and23
9. Taxexpensingtoolsthatallowfamilyfarmerstoelecttodeductpartorallof24
thecostofqualifyingfarmassetsintheyeartheyareplacedinservice.Such25
toolsincludeadequatelyhighlimitsoftheaccelerateddepreciation26
deductionandbonusdepreciationdeductions.27
H. TAXATION28
Wesupport:29
1. Legislationthatwouldholdmultinationalandoff-shorecorporations30
responsiblefortheirfulltaxburden,includinguserfeestocoverthecostof31
importinspections;32
139
2. Closingtaxloopholesforcorporationsandindividualstobalancethetax1
burdenforfundingthefederalgovernment;2
3. Therightofstategovernmentstotaxproductionofnonrenewableresources3
suchascoal,oil,naturalgasandminerals;4
4. ReformingU.S.capitalgainstaxlawstoallowtax-freeconversionoffarm5
assetsinexchangeforinvestmentsinallcategoriesavailabletothegeneral6
publicandotherbusinessentities;7
5. A$500,000capitalgainsexemptiontaxonfarmrealestatesalescomparable8
tothecurrentresidentialsalesexemption;and9
6. Studyingtheinclusionofafederalmechanismtoequalizetheeffectsof10
foreignconsumptiontaxesontrade.11
Weoppose:12
1. Multinationalcorporationsmovingtotaxhavenstoavoidtaxliabilities;13
2. Legislationandcourtactionthatwouldprohibitstatesfromtaxing14
multinationalcorporationsbasedonthevolumeofbusinessdoneinthe15
state;16
3. Anytaxationfortheuseoftheinternet;17
4. Enactmentofanationalsalestax;18
5. Unfundedfederalmandatesbeingimposedonstateandlocaljurisdictions;19
6. Effortstoprohibitthecashmethodofincomeandexpenseaccounting;and20
7. ABorderAdjustmentTax(BAT).21
I. TAXCREDIT22
Aproperlydesignedtaxcreditcanencouragenewenterprisesinruralcommunities,23
beastimulusforencouragingnewfamilyfarmsandfamilyfishingbusinessesandbean24
opportunityforretiringfarmerstoselltheiroperationstobeginningfamilyfarmers.25
Wesupport:26
1. Ataxcredit,targetedtotheselleroffarmland,whosellstoabeginningor27
youngfarmer;28
2. Creditbeingextendedtoasaleoflandorasmallbusinessfromone29
generationtothenext;30
3. Continuationoftheinvestmenttaxcredit;31
140
4. Afederaltaxcreditforapprovedconservationpracticesfornon-deductible1
expenses;and2
5. Aninvestmentintaxcreditallowancetofarmer-ownedcooperativesthat3
buildfacilitiesinruralAmerica.Theinvestmenttaxcreditshouldbe4
requiredtobeallocatedbacktothepatron-membersoftheco-op.5
Weopposetheforcedsaleofassetsunderreceivershipofbankruptcyresultingin6
taxliabilitiesthatexceedthecapacityofassetliquidationfundstomeetthosetax7
obligations.8
J. COMMODITYFUTURES9
Toensurethattheobjectivesofthecommodityfuturesregulatorystatutesare10
carriedout,wesupport:11
1. OversightandauthorizationjurisdictionfortheCommodityFuturesTrading12
Commission(CFTC)beingmaintainedbytheSenateandHouseAgriculture13
Committees;effortstomergetheCFTCwiththeSecuritiesandExchange14
Commission(SEC)shouldbedefeated;15
2. Increasedfarmowner-operatorrepresentationonexchangeboards,16
specificallyonthosecommitteesresponsibleforrulemakingrelatingtonew17
agriculturalcommoditycontracts;18
3. Establishingappropriatecontractandaggregatepositionlimitsforall19
commoditiesinallpricediscoverymarketswithinputfromagricultural20
producersandcommercialmarketusers;21
4. Thecollectionandpublishingofdataonthetotalvalueofindexfundsand22
otherpassivelyheldlong-onlypositionsinallmarkets;23
5. Requiringover-the-counter(OTC)tradesbeclearedbyaCFTC-regulated24
clearingorganizationandreportedpublicly;25
6. Increasedtransparencybetweendomesticandforeignboardsoftrade;26
7. Clearlydefininghedgersandthehedgerexemptiontoonlyincludethose27
withalegitimatecommercialinterestinthephysicalcommodity;and28
8. Studyinganddevelopingnewresearchrevenuestreamssuchasan29
assessmentonagriculturalcommodityfuturescontracts.30
141
Weopposetheadoptionofpoliciesthatshiftagriculturalrisktoindividual1
producersandforceproducerstodependonthecommodityexchangesforrisk2
managementprotection.3
Accordingly,CFTCshould:4
1. Guardagainstinsidertradingbyindividualsorfirms;5
2. Examineandinvestigatetheroleofincreasingmarketpoweroffunds,the6
connectionsbetweenfundsandlargecommercialinterests,theabilityof7
theseorganizationstoexchangeinformationandtheeffectsonthe8
commoditiesmarket;9
3. Ensurethereareanadequatenumberofdeliverypointsforhedging10
participants;11
4. Workincooperationwithotherfederalandstatesecuritiesenforcement12
agenciestoinvestigateandprosecuteviolatorsoftheCommoditiesExchange13
Act;14
5. Monitorwithspecialvigilanceanymarketmovementsthatindicatea15
deliberateaccumulationofexcessivespeculativepositionsthatexceedsthe16
limitednumberofpositionsanindividualspeculatormayholdandto17
exercise,whennecessary,theemergencypowersgrantedbytheAct;18
6. Monitorandguardagainstproposalsbythecommodityfuturesexchanges19
impactingtradingrulesandtradinglimitsthatwouldincreasemarket20
volatilitytothedetrimentofagriculturalproducers;21
7. Continuetomonitoroff-exchange-tradedagriculturaloptionsandensure22
theyareoperatedinamannerthatbenefitsfamilyfarmers;23
8. Monitoractivityonso-called“darkmarkets;”and24
9. Haveaminimumofthreeofthefivecommissionerswithagricultural25
backgrounds.26
142
ARTICLEX–RURALDEVELOPMENTANDTHEFAMILYFARM1
A. RURALCOMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT2
Wesupportacomprehensiveruraldevelopmentpolicythatincludes:3
1. Coordinationandcooperationofthevariousgovernmentagenciesinvolved4
tobetterutilizeexistingprogramsandfunds;5
2. Considerationofsocialneeds,suchasalivingwage,healthcare,childcare,6
educationandhumanresourcedevelopment,aswellasventurecapital,7
transportationandtelecommunications;8
3. Researchanddevelopmentofadditionalandalternativeusesforexisting9
agriculturalandseafoodcommoditiesandnewalternativecropsandfish10
stocks,withacommitmenttomarketingandprocessingtheseproducts;11
4. Developmentoflocalexpertise,tomakethebestuseofavailableprograms12
andlocaltalent;13
5. Low-interestloanandgrantprogramsthatfosterthedevelopmentofvalue-14
addedproducts;15
6. Low-interestloanandgrantprogramsthatfosterenergyefficiencyand16
renewableenergyproduction;17
7. Creationofagriculturalopportunitiesforanewgenerationofbeginning18
farmersasacentralcomponentofruraldevelopment;19
8. Theorganizationofcooperativeenterprisesthatretainequity,controland20
ownershipwithinruralcommunitiesasaprovenself-help,home-grown21
ruraldevelopmentmechanismwhichbuildsneededeconomicinfrastructure22
forruralpeople;23
9. Accesstocredit,technicalexpertiseandmarketsasessentialingredientsin24
securingopportunitiesforruralandagriculturalenterprises;25
10. Competitivegrantsandproduceropportunitypaymentstostimulate26
research,education,marketdevelopmentandfarminnovationthatincrease27
thefarmandranchshareoffoodsystemprofit;28
11. Revitalizationofagriculturalcommunitiesthroughentrepreneurship,29
enhancedfoodsecuritybyofferingconsumersgreaterchoiceandaccesstoa30
diversityofagriculturalproducts;31
143
12. Theapproval,fundingandconstructionofwaterprojectsandwastesystems1
forruralcommunitiesandIndianreservations;2
13. Thedevelopmentoffarmer-ownedcooperativefacilities;3
14. Increasedfundingofloansandgrantstoruralcommunitiesforadvanced4
telecommunicationstoimproveschools,medicalfacilities,judicialsystems5
andotheressentialservices;6
15. Increasedfundingforloansandgrantsforruralessentialservices7
infrastructure;8
16. RuralUtilitiesService(RUS),RuralBusiness-CooperativeService(RBS),and9
RuralHousingService(RHS)usinglocalinvestmentrevolvingfunds,grants10
andtechnicalassistance;11
17. TheResourceConservationandDevelopment(RC&D)programtoencourage12
andimprovethecapabilityofvolunteers,locallyelectedofficialsandcivic13
leaders;and14
18. Incentivesforruralbusinessopportunitiesforveterans.15
Weopposeruraldevelopmentgrantsthatencouragetheestablishmentor16
expansionoflargernon-familyfarmsoropenoceanaquaculture.17
B. TRANSPORTATION18
Anintegratedintermodaltransportationsystemofwaterways,railwaysandroadsis19
ofcrucialimportancetoAmerica’sfarmers.Maintenanceofaviable,competitive20
transportationnetworkwithintheUnitedStatesensuresthefreeflowoffarmproducts21
tothemarket.22
Wesupportfederaltransportationpolicythat:23
1. Fostersabalancedcompetitionbetweenallmodesoftransportationand24
maintainsprotectionsfortransportationusersinthoseareaswheresuch25
competitiondoesnotexist;26
2. Addressesderegulationofthenation’stransportationsystemthathas27
reducedthequalityof,oreliminatedaltogether,publictransportation28
servicesforsmallcitiesandruralcommunities.Thistrendhasbeenevident29
inairlineservicesforseveralyearsandisnowbeingfeltinreducedor30
eliminatedbusservice;31
144
3. Extendsthehazardousmaterialsexemptionfortransportationof1
agriculturalproductionmaterialstofamilyfarmersand/orend-users,asit2
relatestotheDepartmentofTransportation’sHM-200rule;3
4. ExemptsfarmmachineryoperatorsfromCommercialDriver’sLicense4
(CDL)requirements;5
5. ExemptsfarmoperationsthataredeliveringtheirownproductfromCDL6
requirements;and7
6. Encouragesdevelopmentofalternativetransportationsystemsincluding8
electric,CNG,andotheralternativefuels.9
Weoppose:10
1. Federalbudgetcutsthatcouldfurtherdamagethetransportationservices11
remaininginourruralcommunities;12
2. ProposalstoterminatefundingorprivatizeAmtrakrailservice;and13
3. Theuseofgastaxfundsfordeficitreduction.Federal,stateandlocalsupport14
mustbesuppliedtoprovideanintegratedtransportationsystemtoserve15
America’sfarmersandotherruralresidents.16
1. U.S.HIGHWAYTRUSTFUND17
Moneyraisedbyhighwayexcisetaxesandinterestearnedonsuchrevenues18
accumulatesintheHighwayTrustFundandcanonlybeusedforhighwaypurposes,19
withtheexceptionthatCongresshasallowedpartofsuchfundstobedivertedto20
masstransitconstructionandsubsidies.Wesupportusingaportionofthetrust21
fundtorepaircountyandruralbridgesthatarestructurallydeficient.22
2. TRUCKTRANSPORTATION23
NFUbelievesthatregulationofthetruckingindustryshouldfocusonhigh24
quality,energy-efficientandreliableserviceforruralareas.Honestcompetition25
shouldbeencouragedandratesshouldberegulatedtopreventunfairpracticesby26
truckingcompanies.27
Wesupport:28
i. Truckingindustryregulationsthatpermitcooperative-ownedtrucksto29
haulupto30percentofnon-member,generalmerchandise;30
ii. Reviewofbackhaulrestrictionsontrucking,whilemaintainingan31
emphasisonfoodsafety,tosaveenergyandlowershippingcosts;32
145
iii. Legislationtoprovideforuniformmaximumgrosstruckweightsand1
measures,alongwithharmonizedsafety,licenseandoperational2
regulationsacrossallstates;grandfatherprovisionsforthelonger3
lengthsandhighergrossweightspresentlyauthorizedincertainstates4
shouldbemaintained;5
iv. Exclusionoffarmvehicles,usedexclusivelytotransportproductsofthe6
farmerowner-operator,fromfederalhighway-usetaxescollectedbythe7
IRS,andexemptionfromanyunnecessaryfederalregulationregarding8
thetransportationofhazardoussubstancesbeingusedbyfarmersinthe9
courseoftheirownfarmingoperations.Farmmachineryandfarm10
vehiclesusedforoff-roadpurposesshouldbeexemptfromusingtaxable11
highwayfuel;and12
v. Increasedlawenforcementtoensurecommerceshippingissubjectto13
trafficlawsothatcommunityresidentsenjoyadequateprotectionof14
theirsafety.15
Theabove-listedregulations,aswellasU.S.safetystandards,mustapplytoall16
membersofNAFTA.17
Webelievefamily-farmoperationshaulingtheirowncommoditiesshouldbe18
exemptfrommileagelimitations,commercialdriver’slicenses,andcommercial19
trucklicensingrequirements,includingInternationalFuelTaxAssociation(IFTA)20
taxrequirementsandissuesrelativetotheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyAct.21
3. RAILTRANSPORTATION22
i. RailService23
Federalrailtransportationpolicyshouldrecognizethatderegulationof24
railroadscannotbetreatedinthesamemannerasderegulationofother25
industries.Continuingrailmergersresultineliminationofrailservicetomany26
communitiesandtheestablishmentofasinglerailroadservicetoentireportions27
ofthecountry.Federalpolicymustprovideforgovernmentregulationin28
instanceswherethereisnorailcompetition.29
Wesupport:30
a. TheSurfaceTransportationBoard(STB)addressingtheproblemsof31
captiveshippers,including:32
146
1. Ensuringthatcommoncarrierobligationsareadheredto;1
2. Providingoversightofbranch-lineabandonment,inaddition2
totransferringjurisdictionofbranch-lineabandonmentto3
stateregulatoryagenciesfromthefederalgovernment;4
3. Ensuringthatreasonablenoticeofratechangesiscontinued;5
4. Establishingtrackagerightsinordertoencouragerail-to-rail6
competition;7
5. Establishingreciprocalswitchingwithin,andforan8
appropriatedistanceoutsideofterminalsinorderto9
encouragerail-to-railcompetition;10
6. Authorizingamaximumrateforamovementtoacaptive11
shipper;12
7. Authorizing,whenpetitioned,theremovalofagreement13
provisionsthatpreventshort-linerailroadsfromdelivering14
traffictoanyrailroad;15
8. Enactingapolicythatwouldholdrailroadsresponsiblefor16
lossesduetodelayeddeliveryofrailcars;and17
9. Reasonableratesforlessthanunittrainpricing;18
b. Takingactiontoavoidarailcarshortagefortransportinggrainand19
otherperishablecommodities;20
c. Expansionofregionalrailroadswherelocalresidentsdeem21
appropriate,usingaroutethatsparesproductivefarmland;22
d. RailroadRegulatoryReformActof1980(StaggersAct);Legislation23
thatwouldprovideadequatebulkcommodityandintermodal24
shippingfacilities;25
e. Fundstofinanceasurveytodeterminethemostdesirablelocationof26
subterminalsaswellasadequatefinancingofsubterminalsand27
equipment,includingrollingstock;28
f. Provisionstoassurecontinuedlocalcontroloverthemovementand29
storageoffarmcommodities;30
g. Federallegislationthatwouldcreateruraltransportation31
cooperativesandfinanceprograms,patternedaftertheruralelectric32
147
cooperativeprogram,forrailroadcooperativesseekingtopreserve1
railserviceinruralareas;2
h. Carefulconsiderationofproposalstocreateutilitycorridorsor3
federalizetherailroadbeds,therebyimprovingrailroadefficiency4
andpromotingmorecompetitionamongconventionaland5
alternativerailroads;6
i. “Unittrain”loadingthatprovidesforpoolingofgrainshipmentsand7
isnotlimitedtoone-stopterminalloading,inadditiontostricter8
regulationsandbetterenforcementoflawstorequirecompaniesto9
provideproportionatelyequalservicetoelevatorsintheallocationof10
railcars;11
j. Rateregulationsthatincorporateprovisionstoprotectsmaller12
shippersfromratediscrimination;13
k. Continuedregulationoffreightratesandcommoditiesshippedby14
rail;15
l. Statutoryprovisionstogovernmergersorreorganizationsofrailroad16
linesfacingfinancialdifficultytoassurethatsuchmergersdonot17
destroycompetitionornecessaryservice;18
m. Allowingadjacentlandownersorexistingbusinessesleasingthe19
propertytobegivenfirstoptiontopurchaseabandonedrailway20
rights-of-way,includingmineralacres,atfairappraisalvalue;21
n. Legislationtopreventcompaniesorrailroadpropertyownersfrom22
chargingunreasonablepricesforrailroadpropertyandleasesites;23
o. Amoratoriumonallrail-lineabandonments;24
p. Prohibitionofrailroadcompaniesfromformingholdingcompanies25
orsubsidiariesforthepurposeofhidingassetsoriginallyreceived26
fromlandgrants;and27
q. Theexpansionofhigh-speedrail,includinginruralareas.28
Weopposeanymergerbetweenmajorrailroadcarriers.29
ii. CertificatesofTransportation(COT)30
TheCertificateofTransportation(COT)systemisdiscriminatory,anti-31
competitive,andviolatestheintentofCongressinitsadoptionoftheStaggers32
148
Act.NFUurgestheSTBtoreviewtheuseofCOTsandtheimpactonproducers1
andtheirlocalelevators.2
iii. Safety3
Wesupport:4
a. Continuedimprovementstothesafetymechanismsonrailcarsand5
railwaystobetterprotectourruralcitizens,toinclude:6
1. Requiringreflectivestripestobeplacedandmaintainedonall7
railroadcars;8
2. Enforcinglowerspeedlimitsgoingthroughcommunities;and9
3. Requiringrailroadstoerectwarninglightandarmsignalson10
allcrossingsnearschools;11
b. TheSurfaceTransportationBoardenactingapolicythatwillforce12
railroadstoupgradetherailwayinfrastructureasafirststepin13
protectingthepublicandensuringthesafetransportofcommodities;14
and15
c. Therailauthoritybeingheldliableforexpensesincurredbylocalfire16
andemergencyresponsedepartmentsforupdatingequipmentand17
trainingtodealwithpotentialrailaccidents.18
C. PORTDEVELOPMENT,SHIPPINGPOLICY19
Wesupport:20
1. Adequatefundingtoimproveourinlandwaterwaytransportationsystem,21
includingfundingtorepairoursystemoflocks.Weareparticularly22
concernedwithneededlockrenovationontheMississippiRiver;23
2. Thelowestpossibleuserfeefortheuseoflocksoninlandrivers;24
3. KeepingtheGreatLakesshippingchannels,includingtheSt.Lawrence25
SeawayandthetwinportsofDuluthandSuperior,openwhilesuchlanesare26
navigable,tomaximizethisnation’sexportcapabilities;27
4. Restrictingthemanagementofournation’sportsystemtoU.S.-ownedand–28
basedcompanies;29
5. CongressrepealingtheJonesAct;and30
6. EffortstodeepenandmaintainportsintheU.S.,especiallythosethatload31
agriculturalcommodities.32
149
Weoppose:1
1. Legislationthatrequiresagriculturalintereststopayadisproportionatefee2
foroperation,maintenanceandconstructionofdeep-draftchannelsand3
oceanandGreatLakesports;and4
2. AnyexcessiveincreasesintheinlandWaterwaysFuelTax.5
D. AIRTRANSPORTATION6
Wesupport:7
1. Maintainingfeederandcommuterairlineservicestofarm/rural8
communitiestoensuremailandpassengerservice;9
2. Thecontinuationoffederalregulationofallairlineservicestoprotectpublic10
safety;11
3. Regulationsthatwouldassurethatruralareasarenotpenalizedinairline12
ratestructures;and13
4. FullfundingoftheEssentialAirService(EAS).14
Weopposeairlinefeesimposedatairports,afterticketpurchase,suchasa15
surchargeforcheckedluggage.16
E. RURALUTILITIES17
Wesupport:18
1. TheRUSloans,loanguarantees,andeconomicdevelopmentprogramsfor19
ruralelectricandruraltelephonecooperatives;and20
2. Policiesthatallowfordistributedgenerationthatwouldenablefamily21
farmerstoprovideelectricityforthemselvesandtheircommunities.22
WeopposeterminationorprivatizationofRUS.23
1. TELEPHONESERVICES24
Wesupport:25
i. TheUniversalServiceFund;26
ii. Continuedaccess,maintenanceandimprovementtolandline(including27
metalwire)telephoneservice;28
iii. Reducedregulatoryburdensforruraltelephoneproviders;and29
iv. Enhanced911telephoneservicesinruralareas.30
2. ELECTRICSERVICES31
150
Wesupportthecontinuationofalow-interest-loanpoolprogramforrural1
electriccooperatives.2
Weopposeencroachmentonruralelectriccooperativeserviceareasbyprivate3
andmunicipalpowercompanies.4
3. TELECOMMUNICATIONS5
Accesstoinformation,educationandentertainmentprogramminginan6
informationageisincreasinglyimportanttothequalityoflifeinruralcommunities.7
Wesupport:8
i. Abanoncross-ownershipofmediathatresultsinhighertelephoneand9
subscriptiontelevisionrates;10
ii. Thecontinuationofthee-rateprogram;11
iii. Thedevelopmentofcooperativecabletelevisionsystemstoserveboth12
ruralandurbansectors;13
iv. AdoptionofFCCpoliciesthatencouragesoundtechnicalstandardsfor14
ruralradioandtelevisionservice;15
v. Legislationtoallowcitizenstoparticipateinboardsandcommitteesvia16
theuseoftelecommunications;17
vi. Greatertransparencyinbillingfortelecommunicationsservices;and18
vii. CongressreinstatingtheFairnessDoctrine.19
Weoppose:20
i. Federal,stateorlocalgovernmentsimposingtaxesandfeesonservices21
suchassubscriptiontelevisionorinternet;and22
ii. Proposalsthatwouldweakenoreliminateradioandtelevisionfarm23
news,publicservicebroadcasttimeandotherservices.24
4. RURALACCESSTOTECHNOLOGYANDINFORMATION25
Wesupport:26
i. Effortstoensurecompetitivelypriced,high-speedbroadbandand27
wirelessaccesstotheinternetforruralAmerica;28
ii. Collaborativeeffortsthatleverageinternet-basedtechnologyandusethe29
internettoimprovecommunications,;30
iii. Netneutrality;and31
151
iv. Thefurtheradvancementofthecelltowerandfiberopticnetworksto1
coverallruralcommunitiestosupport:2
a. Newtechnologyinagriculture,3
b. Faster,moreimprovedemergencyservices,and4
c. Accesstoemergingtechnologies.5
F. SMALLBUSINESSDEVELOPMENT6
1. INDUSTRIALDEVELOPMENTBONDS7
Wesupport:8
i. Eachstatebeingallowedaminimumbaseallocationinadditiontothe9
per-capitaallocationallowedindustrialdevelopmentbonds,inorderto10
provideequityamongstates;11
ii. Judicioususeofthesebondstoensurepriorityisgiventolong-term,12
locallybasedeconomicdevelopmentprojectswithinthecommunity;and13
iii. Statesusingindustrialdevelopmentbondstofinancebeginningor14
sociallydisadvantagedfarmerprograms.15
2. SMALLBUSINESSPOLICY16
Wesupport:17
i. Federalpolicythatprotectssmallbusinessesfrompredatory18
encroachmentbymonopolisticbigbusiness;19
ii. Smallbusinessesbeinggivenafairopportunitytobidongovernment20
contracts;21
iii. ContinuationoftheSmallBusinessAdministration(SBA);22
iv. Small-businessloanfundsbeingavailablethroughtheSBAtomeet23
credit-worthyapplications;and24
v. Regulationsandpaperworktobeadministeredinwaysthatdonotplace25
anundueburdenonsmallbusinesses.26
3. ENTERPRISEFACILITATION27
Weencouragefamilyfarmers,ranchersandsmallboatfishersandtheirlocal28
communitiestoutilizevariousUSDARuralDevelopmenttechnicalassistanceand29
fundingprogramsthroughtheNationalSustainableAgricultureInformationService,30
RuralCooperativeDevelopmentGrants(RCDG),Value-AddedProducerGrants31
152
(VAPG),theAgriculturalMarketingResourceCenter(AgMRC),Agricultural1
InnovationCenters(AIC),andregionalfoodhubs,aswellasothers.2
153
ARTICLEXI–QUALITYOFLIFEINRURALAMERICA1
NFUurgestheadoptionofnationalpoliciesthataddressthedifficultiesandgreater2
costsofprovidingnecessaryhealth,education,consumerprotection,publicand3
emergencyservicesforourchildren,sick,needy,handicappedandelderly.4
A. HEALTHCARE5
NFUstronglyaffirmstherightofallAmericanstohaveaccesstoaffordable,quality6
healthcare,withemphasisondiseasepreventionandaccesstonutritionalfood.7
1. HEALTHCARECOVERAGE,ACCESSANDCARE8
Wesupport:9
i. Acontinuedefforttowardanimprovednationalcomprehensivehealth10
plan,whichincludesapublicoptionthatallowscitizenstochoosetheir11
owndoctors,thatprovidesuniversal,affordableandaccessiblecoverage12
andeldercareforallAmericans;13
ii. Adoptionofasingle-payernationalhealthinsuranceprogramwithno14
deductibleandminimalco-paysthatprovidescomprehensivehealthcare15
services.Governmentfundstooperatesuchasystem,similarto16
Medicare,shouldberaisedinamannerbasedonabilitytopay;17
iii. Maintainingthemandatedcoverageforpreventivecareandretentionof18
choiceofdoctors;19
iv. Includinghealthpromotionandeducationinlong-termpolicyand20
planning;21
v. Consumereducationwithspecialemphasisonchildhoodeducationon:22
a. Thebenefitsofnutritionallysoundfoods;23
b. Healthdangersofharmfulproducts;and24
c. Educationaboutthebenefitsandrisksofimmunization;25
vi. Increasedfundingformentalhealthandaddictiontreatmentservices;26
vii. Researchandeducation,includingincreasedpublicly-fundedresearch,to27
preventthespreadof,andtofindacurefor,life-threateningdiseases;28
viii. Thedevelopment,researchanduseoflicensedalternativemedicinesand29
practices.Suchremediesshouldbeeligibleforreimbursement;30
ix. Expeditedaccesstopromisingtreatmentsforterminalillnesses,31
includingthoseintrialphase;32
154
x. Increasedaccessto,anduseof,palliativecareforpatientsinend-of-life1
situations;2
xi. Third-partyreimbursementforadvancedhealthcareprofessionalsto3
allownurses,residentcaregivers,nursepractitioners,andphysician’s4
assistantstosetupclinicsandtoallowimprovedaccesstohomehealth5
care,healthpromotion,andhealthmaintenanceinruralAmerica;6
xii. Long-termcare,end-of-lifecare,andexpandedin-homecarecoverage7
beingincludedinanyuniversalcoveragereform.Inaddition,asset8
spend-downlimitsshouldbeincreased;9
xiii. ContinuationoftheNationalHealthServiceCorps.Fundsshouldalsobe10
allocatedtocommunitiestoprovidetrainingandequipmentfor11
emergencyhealthcare;12
xiv. Self-employedfarmershavingthesameaccesstodependentcare13
servicesasthoseinotherindustries;14
xv. Assistancetofamiliesstrugglingtoprovidecaretotheirdependents,15
includingchildren,handicappedpersonsandtheelderly;16
xvi. Adoptionofacomprehensiveprogramoffederalaidfordependedcare,17
includingtheuseoftaxcredits;18
xvii. Congressopposingtortreformthatprecludesconsumers’abilityto19
receiveadequatecompensationforwrongfulactions;20
xviii. ImplementationandfullfundingoftheFarmandRanchStress21
Assistance;22
xix. Theeliminationofanypaymentorbenefitcapsincludingbutnot23
exclusivetopreexistingconditions;24
xx. Decisionsregardingpatientcareresidingwiththephysicianandpatient,25
notwiththeinsurancecompanyorgovernment;26
xxi. ImplementationofHealthInformationTechnology(HIT)systemsinrural27
areasandfundingforRuralHealthClinics(RHCs)andCommunity-28
FundedSafetyNetClinic(CSNCs);29
xxii. Auniformhealthinsuranceexchangesystem;30
xxiii. StatesexpandingMedicaidcoveragetoadditionallow-incomecitizens;31
155
xxiv. ThereauthorizationandexpansionoftheStateChildren’sHealth1
InsuranceProgram(SCHIP);and2
xxv. Theestablishmentofcooperative-basedhealthinsurancecompanies.3
2. PRESCRIPTIONDRUGS4
Wesupport:5
i. Immediatelyaddressingdiscriminatorypricingpolicies,theabilityof6
providerstonegotiatethepriceofdrugs,accesstogenericdrugsandan7
adequateprescriptiondrugbenefitforallAmericans;8
ii. Providingruralaccesstoprescriptiondrugsandpharmacyservices.9
Retailpharmaciesmusthaveequalaccesstopharmaceutical10
manufacturers’discounts,andstateandfederallegislativeeffortsare11
encouragedtoensureequalaccess;12
iii. Theclearlabelingofallprescriptiondrugs’purposes;13
iv. Thegeneralre-importationofprescriptiondrugsfromothercountries14
andrepealingthefederallawthatprohibitsit;and15
v. Consumeraccesstosafeandprovengenericprescriptiondrugsandan16
endtoextendeddelaysbydrugcompaniesortheFDA.17
3. MEDICAREANDMEDICAID18
Wesupport:19
i. Theabilitytonegotiatethepriceofdrugsforaprescriptiondrug20
program;21
ii. ExpeditingMedicarereimbursementtohealthcareproviders.Allhealth22
careprovidersshouldbereimbursedataratenolowerthanthe23
provider’sactualcostasdeterminedbyindependentaudit;24
iii. ExtensionoftheMedicareprogramtoincludethetreatmentoflong-term25
illnessasacoveredbenefit;26
iv. ReducingtheMedicareentryageto55;27
v. Eliminationofthe“donuthole”(coveragegap)inMedicare;28
vi. ThereformofMedicareandMedicaidtoenableandencouragedoctors29
anddentiststoserveallMedicareandMedicaidpatients,especiallyin30
ruralareas;and31
156
vii. Paymentreformeffortsandcontinuedcost-basedreimbursementfor1
ruralhospitalsandCriticalAccessHospitals(CAH)forMedicareservices.2
Weoppose:3
i. AnycutstoMedicareandMedicaid;4
ii. PrivatizingMedicare;5
iii. Proposalstoblock-grantMedicaidandstripitsstatusasanentitlement;6
and7
iv. Increasedusebyhospitalsofkeepingpeopleovernightforobservation8
carestatusinsteadofadmittingpatientstohospitals.9
4. VETERANS’RIGHTS10
Wesupport:11
i. IncreasesintheVA’smedicalcareoperatingbudget;12
ii. Redoublingeffortstoensureallveteransreceivetimelyandadequate13
care;14
iii. Adequatefundingtoensurethepreservationofveterans’rightsand15
benefits;16
iv. RejectinganyproposalthatwouldcloseVAhospitalstobalancethe17
federalbudget;18
v. Continuationoffederalandstatefundingforexistingruralhospitalsand19
nursinghomestoprovideforthehealthneedsofveterans;20
vi. Increasingemphasisofprogramstoprovideassistancetoindividuals21
sufferingfrompost-traumaticstressdisorder(PTSD)andallmental22
healthissues;and23
vii. Agriculturalrehabilitationandvocationaltrainingprogramsformilitary24
veterans,suchastheFarmer-VeteranCoalition.25
B. EDUCATION26
Wesupport:27
1. MaintainingtheU.S.DepartmentofEducationandestablishinganassistant28
secretaryforruraleducation;29
2. ContinuationandfullfundingofthePerkinsActandthatcareertechnical30
educationremainsundertheumbrellaoftheDepartmentofEducationand31
continuestobetreatedasaneducationalentity;32
157
3. Astrongnationaleducationalsetofstandardsdesignedtomaintain1
consistencywhenstudentstransferschools;2
4. CongresstofullyfundthefederalmandatedIndividualswithDisabilities3
EducationActtoassistalldistricts(especiallyruraldistricts)inmeetingthe4
needsofallstudents;5
5. Ensuringthatallyouthandyoungadultsareawareoftherelevanceof6
agriculture,cooperativesandfamilyfarmingintheirsocietythrough7
adequatefundingforcourseworkand/orotheractivitiesrequiredby8
educationinstitutions;9
6. VoluntaryBible-readingandprayerinourpublicschools;10
7. Statesfindingmoreequitablewaysotherthanpropertytaxtofundpublic11
education;12
8. Continuedinvolvementwith,andactivesupportof,OrganizationsConcerned13
withRuralEducation(OCRE);14
9. Expansionofgrantsandlower“low-interest”studentloanstoassiststudents15
ofallageswiththecostofhighereducation;16
10. Theinterestratelevelonstudentloansshouldbeequalto,orlessthanthe17
10-yearTreasuryratethatisenjoyedbythelargebankinginstitutions;18
11. Revisingfinancialaidformstoensureamoreequitablesystemforboth19
urbanandruralfarmstudents;20
12. Establishmentofafederalstudentloanforgivenessprogramforstudents21
whoattendcollegeandsubsequentlyreturntoruralcommunities,basedon22
yearsofservicetothosecommunities;23
13. Theinclusionofagriculturalproducersinafederaland/orstatestudentloan24
forgivenessprogrambasedonyearsofservicetoruralcommunities;25
14. Ruralschoolsbeingassuredtheirfairshareofbothfederalandstate26
resourcesandsupport;27
15. Ensuringalladultshavetheopportunitytoparticipatethroughoutlifein28
meaningfuleducationalandvocationaltrainingprograms;29
16. ThefederalQualifiedZoneAcademyBonds(QZAB)program;30
158
17. FarmersUnionmembersmonitoringtheimplementationoftheVocational1
EducationActintheirlocalschoolsandstatevocationaltechnicalprograms2
tobesurethattheinterestsofagriculturearemet;3
18. Involvementinlocal,stateandnational4-H,FFA,andothervocational4
educationorganizations;5
19. Unemployedworkershavingtheopportunityforretrainingandupgrading6
theirskillsaspartoftheirunemploymentbenefits;7
20. Thecontinuationoffederalorstate-fundedretrainingprogramsfor8
displacedfarmersandranchersandtheirspouses;9
21. Teachinganimalwelfare,asopposedtoanimalrights,throughefforts10
including,butnotlimitedto,the“AgricultureintheClassroom”program;11
22. Adequatefundingtoenablepublicschoolsinruralareastoprovideour12
childrenwithawell-roundededucationthatwillenablethemtobe13
productivecitizens;14
23. Schoolsthathavedevelopedcoursesinentrepreneurshipasameansof15
encouragingyoungpeopletostayintheirruralcommunities;16
24. Encouragingruralschoolstoexplorealleducationalpossibilitiestoenhance17
thecurriculum,suchasdistance-learningcourses,whichserveasan18
alternativetoschoolconsolidationorclosure;19
25. Thedevelopmentandretentionofremotelearningcenterstoprovidea20
broaderrangeofeducationalopportunities;21
26. Consumerandregulatoreducationonthebenefitsofhealthysoilsinrelation22
toourphysicalhealth,particularlyasrelatedtotheFoodSafety23
ModernizationAct(FSMA);24
27. FundingoftheEveryStudentSucceedsAct(ESSA)whileprovidingmore25
flexibilitytostateandlocaleducationagenciesinimplementation;26
28. FundingfortheCareerandTechnicalEducationAct(PerkinsAct)atthe27
secondaryandpost-secondarylevelanddrivers’educationprograms;and28
29. Thedevelopmentandexpansionofschoolgardenprograms.29
Weoppose:30
1. Mandatoryconsolidationofruralschools;31
159
2. Excessivetestingrequirementsincumbenttosuchprogramsas“Common1
Core”;2
3. Unfundedmandatesfromstateorfederalgovernmentsonschools;3
4. Theuseofvouchers;4
5. Requirementofusingcreditratingsindeterminingloaneligibility;5
6. Theprivatizationofstateandfederalstudentloanprograms;and6
7. Cutsinstudentaid.7
1. PUBLICRESEARCH(ALSOSEEARTICLEVIII.J–COMMODITYFUTURES)8
NFUsupportsincreasedfundingforpublicagriculturalresearch.Weare9
concernedofthereductionsinstateandfederalfundsforcropandlivestock10
research.Theresultingincreaseinprivateresearchhasreducedthesharingof11
informationandincreasedcostsofproductioninputs.Land-grantcollegesand12
universitieshelpedcreatethetechnologicalrevolutioninagriculture.Wesupport:13
i. Theseinstitutionsfocusingonresearchtoincreasefamilyfarmnet14
income,specialtycropsandcommodityprices;15
ii. FarmersUnionstateorganizationsscrutinizingrelationshipsbetween16
USDAgrantsandtheland-grantcollegesanduniversitiesandlarge17
agribusinesscorporationstoensurethatresearchbythosecollegesand18
universitiesisinthebestinterestsoffamilyfarmers;19
iii. Fullfinancialdisclosureoffundingsourcesforagriculturalresearch20
projectsbeingmadepublic;21
iv. Thecontinuationandadditionalfundingforallfederalformula22
allocations,suchasHatchActandSmith-LeverActfunds;23
v. Increasedfundingsupportingland-grantcollegesforresearchinto24
alternativeagriculturaltechnologieswhichwouldbenefitsmalland25
specializedfamilyfarmersbyreducinginputcostsandbydevelopinga26
systemofsustainableagriculture;27
vi. Targetedresearchspecificallydesignedtoexploreinnovativeproduction,28
processingandmarketingtopicsthatenhancesmallorfamily-sizedfarm29
operations;30
160
vii. AmendingtheInternalRevenueCodetocreateanewtypeof401(c)(3)1
organization,asanagricultureresearchorganization(ARO),toconduct2
agriculturalresearchandincreasefundingtoadvanceagriculture;3
viii. Publiclyfundedresearch,findingsandby-productsoftheresearch4
remaininginthepublicdomainandbenefitingfamily-sizedfarms;and5
ix. Considerationtoauthorizethedistributionoffederalagriculture6
researchfundstobothland-grantuniversitiesandotherpost-secondary7
agriculturaleducationalinstitutions.8
2. NATIONALINSTITUTEOFFOODANDAGRICULTURE9
TheNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)wasestablishedwiththe10
mandatetohelpthepubliclearnaboutandapplytoeverydayactivities,thelatest11
technologyandmanagementknowledge.Thisvaluableruralinformationdelivery12
system’srolemustbereassessedandstrengthenedtomeetthedemandsofa13
rapidlychanging,highlysophisticatedtechnologydeliverysystemnowavailablein14
thiscountry.15
Wesupport:16
i. Land-grantuniversitiesre-envisioningagriculturalextensiontrainingso17
thatitrespectsandutilizestheexperienceoffarmersandranchersand18
thesignificantrolethisexperienceplaysinthescienceofagriculture;19
ii. Farmersandranchersbeingpartoftheresearchteam;20
iii. Extensiontrainingrespectingandutilizingtheagriculturalpracticesof21
traditionalnativepeoplesandacknowledgethesignificantrolethese22
practicesplayinsustainableagriculture;23
iv. Agriculturalextensioneducatorsmentoringlow-andmoderate-income24
familiestoimproveagriculturaleconomiesbyaddingvalueto25
agriculturalproducts;and26
v. NofundsutilizedbyNIFAbeingusedtocarryoutpoliticalorlobbying27
activities.28
C. SOCIALSECURITY29
Wesupport:30
1. Activeparticipationindevelopingaplantohelpensurethesolvencyfor31
SocialSecurityforfutureyears;32
161
2. PreservingamajorportionofanybudgetsurplusforSocialSecurity;1
3. SocialSecuritytaxbeingapplicabletoallearningsbyremovaloftheincome2
cap;3
4. SocialSecuritybeingamandatory,universalsystemtoassurebenefitsinthe4
future;5
5. ContinuedstrengtheningandprotectingoftheSocialSecurityprogram;6
6. ContinuationofeffortsmadetocorrectaninequityinSocialSecuritybenefits7
forrecipientsbornduring“notch”years,whichresultsinreduced8
entitlementsforbasicallythesamelevelofcontributions;9
7. Congresschanginglawssothatahusbandandwifewhoareequalbusiness10
partnersinafarmingoperationareabletocollectequallyontheSocial11
Securitytaxthatwaspaidasaresultofthatbusiness;and12
8. Congresschangingtheeligibilityrequirementsforindividualswhohaven’t13
workedoffthefarmlongenoughtoqualifyforbenefits.14
Weoppose:15
1. UsingSocialSecurityfundsforanythingotherthantheirintendeduse;16
2. AfreezeontheSocialSecuritycost-of-livingallowanceforallrecipients;17
3. AnypartofSocialSecuritybeinginvestedinnon-government-insured18
investments;and19
4. Proposalsthatwouldprivatizethesystem.20
D. PEOPLEWITHDISABILITIES21
Wesupport:22
1. Publicandprivateprogramsaimedatprovidingdevelopment,therapyand23
rehabilitationofAmericanswithdevelopmental,physicalandmental24
challenges;and25
2. Equalandgainfulemploymentforindividualswithdisabilitiesandthe26
developmentofspecialsupportsforfarmerswhoaredisabledandwhowant27
tocontinuetofarm.28
E. EMPLOYMENT:ANATIONALPRIORITY29
Werecognizetheneedtoprepareaskilledworkforcethatwillberequiredfora30
healthy,competitive,full-employmenteconomy.31
Wesupport:32
162
1. Expandingpresentpolicytofurthertrainingandemploymentopportunities1
forallagesofmenandwomenwhowanttowork;2
2. Assistancebeingtargetedtoretrainingdislocatedworkersanddisplaced3
farmers;4
3. Apreferencefortrainingwithagricultureoragriculturalrelatedindustries;5
4. Directingspecialemphasistostimulatingeconomicgrowthandincreasing6
researchanddevelopmentoftechnologythatwillgenerateproductivejobs7
withfairwagesandbenefits;and8
5. TheeliminationoftheMultiemployerPensionReformActof2014(MPRA).9
F. IMMIGRATIONPOLICY10
Webelievethegrowingconsequencesofabrokenimmigrationsystemmustbe11
addressedinabipartisaneffortthatconsidersthefollowingprinciples:12
1. Ourimmigrationsystemmustbeflexibleenoughtoaddresstheneedsof13
businesseswhileprotectingtheinterestsofworkers;14
2. Immigrationisafederalissuethatshouldbeaddressedatthefederallevel.15
WethereforeopposeprogramssuchasE-Verifyatthestatelevelonly;16
3. WesupportadoptionofamandatoryE-Verifyprogramonlyinconjunction17
withacoherentandviablyeffectiveagriculturalworkerprogram.TheE-18
Verifysystemmustallowcommunicationamongfederalagenciesfor19
determiningstatusinordertoprotecttheintegrityoftheworkerandofthe20
employer;21
4. WesupportimprovementstotheH-2Aprogramtohelptheagricultural22
communitybyallowingamoreflexibleandreliablevisaprogram;An23
effectivevisasystemresponsivetogeographicproximityandeconomicand24
culturalfactors,whichacknowledgethebeneficialcontributionsimmigrants25
makeasworkers,taxpayersandconsumers;26
5. Asstrongfamiliesarecriticaltodevelopingsuccessfulindividualsand27
cohesivecommunities,ourimmigrationpoliciesshouldprioritizekeeping28
familiestogethertomostenablesupportivehomeenvironmentsforall29
children;30
6. Ourimmigrationenforcementstrategyshouldfocusonpublicsafetyand31
considerconsequencestobusinesses,workersandconsumers.Furthermore,32
163
ourbroaderimmigrationreformeffortshouldincludeapathtoreliablyand1
affordablydeterminewhoispermittedtowork,ensuringanadequatelabor2
forceforagrowingeconomy;3
7. Immigrantsarepartofbothourruralandurbancommunities.Wemust4
adapttothisrealityandrecognizethecriticalroleimmigrationhasplayedin5
ournation’shistoryandeconomy;6
8. Immigrationpoliciesmustprovideasensiblepathforthosewhoarehere7
withoutlegalstatus,areofgoodcharacter,paytaxesandarecommittedto8
becomingfullyparticipatingmembersofoursociety.Thelegalizationof9
undocumentedworkersmayoccurafterpayingappropriatefinesand10
incurringpenaltiesforillegalentry;and11
9. EncouraginganypeopleseekingpermanentresidenceintheUnitedStatesto12
applyforcitizenshipwithalltherightsandresponsibilitiesthataccompany13
it.14
Wealsosupport:15
1. TheDREAMAct;16
2. AfasttracktowardU.S.citizenshipforthoseimmigrantsofupstanding17
characterwhoseekcitizenshipandservewithhonorinabranchoftheU.S.18
militaryservice;and19
3. Apathwaytocitizenshiporlegalresidencyforundocumentedagricultural20
workersthatdoesnotrestricttheiremploymenttoanyspecificfarmor21
groupoffarms.22
Weopposetheindenturedservitudeofacaptiveworkforce.23
WeopposethemassdeportationofanypeoplesfromtheUnitedStates.24
G. EXPANDINGOPPORTUNITIESFORSENIORCITIZENS25
InkeepingwiththetraditionalAmericanconceptofindividualdignityinour26
democraticsociety,allolderAmericansareentitledtoenjoyanactiveinvolvementin27
oursociety.ThenumberofolderAmericanscontinuestoincrease,andeffortsmustbe28
expandedtocontinuetomakeuseoftheirexperience,skillsandenergytofilltheneeds29
ofoursocietythroughcitizeninvolvement,employmentandvolunteeractivities.30
Wesupport:31
164
1. TheenergiesandtalentsofretiredFarmersUnionmembersandemployees1
beingusedtostrengthenandexpandourorganization;2
2. TheOlderAmericansAct(OAA);3
3. ExperienceWorks,formerlyGreenThumb,anInternalRevenueCodesection4
501(c)(3)nonprofitorganizationconceivedbyNFUbecauseolderAmericans5
whohadtheabilityanddesiretoworkwerenotgiventheopportunitytodo6
so;7
4. TheSeniorCommunityServiceEmploymentProgram(SCSEP),providingfull8
fundingatauthorizedlevelsandopposingblock-granting;and9
5. Thedevelopmentofpoliciestoallowourseniorstoageinplace.10
H. FOODANDNUTRITIONPROGRAMS11
Itisimperativethatournationalnutritionpolicyaddressesboththequantityand12
qualityoffoodavailabletoneedyAmericans.Nutritionprogramsshouldplacean13
emphasisonfreshandlocalfoodstoensurethatAmericansofallincomelevelshave14
accesstohealthy,nutritiousfoods.15
1. ADMINISTRATIONOFFOODANDNUTRITIONPROGRAMS16
Wesupport:17
i. Reauthorizationandfullfundingoffederalnutritionprogramsunder18
USDA;19
ii. Expansionofnutritionprogramstoincludefarm-to-school,WICand20
SeniorFarmersMarketNutritionPrograms,programsthatallowSNAP21
andotherfederalnutritionprogrambeneficiariestodoubletheirbenefits22
atfarmersmarkets,andothers;23
iii. Congresscontinuingfederalresponsibilityfornutritionprograms;24
iv. MaintainingfederalstandardsaswellastheUSDA’sauthorityfor25
commoditydonationstonutritionprograms;26
v. Requiringcomprehensiveandunbiasedresearchprecedeanyofficial27
dietaryadviceregardingtherelationshipbetweendietandhealth;28
vi. TheUnitedStatesDietaryGuidelinestoutilizetheabundantand29
thoroughevidencesuggestingthatAmericansshouldconsumea30
balanceddietrichinnutrientswhichincludesleanmeatsanddairy31
products;32
165
vii. AllfederallyfundednutritionprogramsfollowingtheUSDietary1
Guidelines;2
viii. Periodicreviewsoffederallyfundednutritionprogramstoassesstheir3
effectiveness;and4
ix. Expansionofnutritionfeedingprogramsfortheelderly,includingthe5
distributionofexcesscommoditieswhenavailable.6
Weoppose:7
i. Theprivatizationoftheadministrationoffederally-fundednutrition8
programs;9
ii. Theshiftingofnutritionprogramstostateblockgrants;and10
iii. SeparatingnutritiontitleprogramsfromtheFarmBill.11
2. FOODASSISTANCEPROGRAMS12
Wesupport:13
i. TheFoodStampActof1964;14
ii. TheSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP);15
iii. Outreacheffortstoextendservicestotheincreasingnumberofhungry16
peoplewhoshouldbeserved,particularlyinruralareaswhereaccessis17
aproblem;18
iv. ExclusionoffarmloansasincomeindeterminingeligibilityforSNAP;19
v. ContinueddevelopmentoftheElectronicBenefitsTransfer(EBT)20
Program;21
vi. ProhibitingeffortstosubstitutecashpaymentforSNAP;22
vii. ProgramswhichallowSNAPuserstopurchasefooddirectlyfrom23
farmersmarkets,communitysupportedagriculture(CSAs)andlocal24
producers;25
viii. CommoditydistributionprogramssuchasTheEmergencyFood26
AssistanceProgram(TEFAP),theCommoditySupplementalFood27
Program(CSFP)andchildfeedingprograms;28
ix. USDAmakinghealthysurplusfoodsreadilyavailabletofoodbanksand29
emergencykitchens,bearingthecostoftransportationandstorage;and30
x. Federallawthatrequirescommoditiesdistributedfornutrition31
programsbedomesticallyproduced.32
166
3. CHILDNUTRITIONPROGRAMS1
Wesupport:2
i. Fullfundingandexpansionofthechildnutritionprogramssuchasthe3
SchoolLunchProgram,SchoolBreakfastProgram,ChildandAdultCare4
FoodProgram(CACFP),SummerFoodServiceProgram,thefarm-to-5
schoolprogram,WIC,andotherUSDAnutritionassistanceprograms;6
ii. CongresstoredirectUSDAtosupportaschoolmealprogramatthe7
federallevelthatprovidesflexibilityandreducesthefederalregulations8
whileencouragingahealthydiet,theuseoflocalfoodsandlocalfood9
preparation;10
iii. FreelunchesundertheSchoolLunchProgramforallelementary11
students;12
iv. TheSpecialMilkProgramforchildren;13
v. Congresstostrengthenandexpandfarm-to-schoolprogramsby14
supportinganincreaseofannualmandatoryfundingfortheUSDAFarm15
toSchoolGrantProgram.WesupportexpansionoftheUSDAFarmto16
SchoolGrantProgramtoincludepreschools,summerfoodservice17
programsites,andbeforeandafterschoolprograms.Weencouragefarm18
toschoolpartnershiptoincreaseconsumptionofnutritiousand/or19
traditionalfoodswhilealsosupportingfarmersandranchers;20
vi. Increasedemphasisontheuseoflocallyproducedfoodsinall21
governmentnutritionprograms;and22
vii. Theremovalofsodasalesinpublicschoolsduringlunchhours.23
I. NUTRITIONMONITORING(ALSOSEEARTICLEI.D–LABELINGOFCOMMODITIESAND24
COMMODITYPRODUCTS)25
TheNationalNutritionMonitoringandRelatedResearchActcreatesanational26
systemformonitoringthenutritionalstatusoftheU.S.populationand,forthisreason,27
isofgreatimportancetothoseconcernedwithhunger,malnutritionandthebroad28
planningforadequatefoodandfarmpolicy.Weurgecontinuedefforttoestablishsuch29
mandatedinformationcollectionasabasisforsoundnationalpolicy.30
167
J. FOODSAFETY(ALSOSEEARTICLEIII.D–HEALTHANDINSPECTIONSTANDARDSFORFOOD1
ANDFIBERIMPORTSANDARTICLEI.D–LABELINGOFCOMMODITIESANDCOMMODITY2
PRODUCTS)3
1. REGULATORYAUTHORITY4
CurrentU.S.lawsarenotsufficienttoaddressthecomplexitiesofourmodern5
foodsupply.Assuch,Congressshoulddevelopanewbodytoregulatefoodsafety6
thatwilloverseetheU.S.foodsystemandisadequatelyfundedtocarryoutits7
mandate.Therefore,wesupport:8
i. ThecreationofasinglefoodsafetyagencywithinUSDAtoregulatethe9
U.S.foodsupplyasawhole,includingimportedanddomesticfood;10
ii. CongressprovidingsufficientfundingforsafetyregulationoftheU.S.11
foodsupply;and12
iii. Theauthorityoftheregulatoryagencytorequirearecallintheeventof13
anoutbreakofunsafefood.14
2. FOODSAFETYSTANDARDS15
Itisimperativethatwemaintainthehighqualityofourfoodsupply.Thismeans16
ensuringhighstandardsforproduction,processingandtransportation.17
Wesupport:18
i. VigorousactionbyU.S.regulatoryagenciestopreventtheintroductionof19
bovinespongiformencephalopathy,tuberculosis,footandmouth,and20
othercommunicablediseasesintothefoodsystem;21
ii. Amoratoriumonmechanicalde-boninguntiltheprocesscanbe22
improvedtoensurethatnoundesiredportionsofthecarcassarepresent23
inthefinalproduct;24
iii. Oppositiontothetransportationoffoodincontainersthathavecarried25
incompatiblesubstances;26
iv. Protectingournation’sfoodsupplyandtherigorousinspectionofall27
importedfood,fiber,milkproteinconcentrate(MPC),animalproducts28
andby-productstoensuretheymeetournation’ssanitaryandphyto-29
sanitarystandardsincludingsafepesticidelevels.USDAinspection30
stamps/sealsshouldbeplacedonlyontheindividualitemsinspected;31
168
v. ThedevelopmentoffairlyadministeredGoodAgriculturalPractices1
(GAPs)forfield-grownvegetablecropswhichsupportthebiodiversityof2
farmingoperationsandwhichdonotdiscriminateagainstsmaller3
operations.TheseGAPsshouldbeadministeredbytheUSDA,in4
cooperationwithstatedepartmentsofagriculture.Further,itshouldbe5
recognizedthatthemosteffectivemethodofpreventingfoodborne6
illnessesisforrigorousmeasuresinstitutedatthetimethatfield-grown7
cropsenterprocessing,packagingandsubsequenttransportationand8
storage;9
vi. Permittingstatestoimplementfoodsafetyregulationsmorestringent10
thancomparablefederalregulationswherestatesdeemconsumerhealth11
andsafetytobeatriskorwhenindividualagriculturalproducersstrive12
tosetahigherbarforthesafetyoffoodproductsdestinedforspecialty13
orexportmarkets;14
vii. Nationalfoodsafetypoliciesthatcanandshouldprotectconsumers15
withoutlimitingfarmers,ranchersorsmallfoodprocessorswhosellinto16
localandregionalmarkets.Regulationsshouldbesize-andrisk-17
appropriate;18
viii. FDAensuringFoodSafetyModernizationActrulesarescience-based,19
havesize-appropriateregulatoryflexibility,anddonotconflictwiththe20
NationalOrganicProgram;21
ix. AcontinuedevaluationoftheregulationsfortheFoodSafety22
ModernizationAct(FSMA)torationallyaddressthepracticeoforganic,23
naturalanddiversifiedfarmoperationsvitaltothelocalfoodmovement,24
toscalerequirementsandfeeswithanunderstandingofthedifferences25
betweencorporateandfamilyagriculture,andremovefromthe26
regulationstheneedlesselementsthatservethepurposesofcorporate27
agricultureattheexpenseoffamilyfarms,sovereignnations,growersof28
localfoods,andconsumers;andrequestthatCongressprovide29
appropriatefundingtosupporttheimplementationofFSMA;30
169
x. Allowinginterstateshipmentofstate-inspectedmeatthatcomplieswith1
federalstandardsandprovidingassistancetoprocessorswhowishto2
participateinsuchaprogram;3
xi. Permittingcross-utilizationofmeatinspectorsandmeatgradersinall4
federallyandstate-inspectedmeatprocessingplantswhichmeetfederal5
inspectionstandards;and6
xii. Whentrackingfoodborneillnesses,theutilizationoftheepidemiological7
modelaspioneeredbytheUniversityofMinnesota.8
3. INSPECTIONOFPERISHABLECOMMODITIES9
NFUrecognizestheneedforintegrityandaccountabilityinthefederal10
inspectionservices.Federalagenciesmustmaintainfoodinspectioncredibility11
withoutaddingtogrowerorpackercostsbyimplementingthefollowing:12
i. Checksandbalancestodiscoverandaddressinfractionsthatinterfere13
withtransactionfairness;14
ii. Stiffpenaltiesonviolators;15
iii. Improvedsupervisionandauditing;and16
iv. Identificationandprosecutionofviolators.17
4. AGRI-TERRORISM18
Withincreasedattentionandfocusonpotentialagri-terrorismattacksonour19
nation’sfoodchain,ruralAmericamustbeeducated,preparedandvigilantofall20
potentialcircumstances.21
Wesupport:22
i. TheDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)andUSDAimmediately23
developingmechanismstocombatagri-terrorismwithfullfunding24
providedbyDHS.Suchmechanismsshouldensurethesafetyofthe25
consumerandagriculturalindustry;26
ii. IncreasedcooperationbetweenUSDA,DHS,DepartmentofHealthand27
HumanServices(HHS)andtheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency28
(FEMA)toestablish,expandandcontinuetodeterminevulnerabilities29
withintheagriculturalandfoodindustries;30
iii. EstablishingaUSDApublicawarenessandeducationcampaignfor31
producers;32
170
iv. Providingfederalguidanceandfundingtostatesandlocalitiestodevelop1
andimplementplantsforagriculturaldiseaseprevention,recoveryand2
response,baseduponalreadyestablishedstateanimalresponse3
activities;and4
v. Arequirementofrepresentativesoffederal,stateandcountyagenciesto5
notifylandownerspriortonon-emergencyaccessoftheirprivate6
property.Representativesandvehiclesusedforaccessshouldalso7
displayappropriateagencysignageandidentification.8
K. FOODWASTE9
Wesupport:10
1. TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’s(EPA)foodrecoveryhierarchyto11
prioritizeactionstopreventanddivertfoodwaste;12
2. USDA’seffortstocontinuetomeasureanddocumentfoodwaste;13
3. USDA’seffortstostudytechniquesforreducingand/orrecoveringfood14
waste;15
4. Policiesthataredesignedtoeconomicallyreduce,recoverandrecyclefood16
waste;and17
5. Theestablishmentofmunicipalorregionalagriculturalcompostingfacilities18
inordertoprovideafinalopportunitytoutilizefoodwasteaccordingtothe19
EPA’sfoodrecoveryhierarchyeligibleforsupportunderUSDA’s20
conservationprograms.21
L. WORLDFOODDAY22
NFUurgesparticipationinWorldFoodDayasproclaimedbytheUnitedNations’23
FoodandAgricultureOrganization.24
M. HOUSING25
Wesupport:26
1. Increasedsupportforaffordablehousing,withallocationofunitstorural27
areasinproportiontoneed;28
2. Developmentofhousingoptionsforseniorcitizensanddisabledveteransto29
allowthemtocontinuelivinginorneartheircommunitiesandfamilies;30
3. Accelerationofrural,cooperative,farm-laborhousingprograms,self-help,31
andbuilding-siteprograms;and32
171
4. Expansion,continuationandfullfederalcommitmentstoTitleVhousing1
programsadministeredthroughtheRuralHousingService(RHS)ofUSDA.2
N. LIABILITYINSURANCE3
Weurgeastudyintotherapidescalationofofficers’anddirectors’liability4
insurancecosts,especiallyastheyaffectourfarmcooperativesandnonprofit5
businesses.6
Becauseofthehighcoststotaxpayersandthereducedavailabilityofliability7
insurance,weurgethatliabilityagainstalllocalunitsofgovernmentbelimitedtocases8
ofgrossnegligence.9
O. CONSUMERPROTECTION10
Asoneofthelargestconsumersofgoodsandservices,farmproducersarecritically11
affectedbylegislationtoprotectconsumers.12
Wesupport:13
1. Vigorousenforcementofconsumerprotectionlaws,includingTruth-in-14
Labeling,Truth-in-Lending,andTruth-in-Advertising,andopposeexempting15
agriculturallendingfromTruth-in-Lending;16
2. Loaninstitutionscarryinginsurancetoprotecttheborroweragainstfailures17
ofthelendinginstitutions;and18
3. Continuedcooperationwithotherconsumersandorganizationsof19
consumerstoprotectourcommoninterests.20
P. CAMPAIGNFINANCEANDELECTIONS21
1. CAMPAIGNFINANCE22
Wesupportcomprehensivecampaignfinancereform,including:23
i. Publicfinancing;24
ii. Capsontotalspending;25
iii. Capsontotalcontributions;26
iv. Prohibitionofunreportedsoftmoney;27
v. Fullreportingofalltypesofcontributions;28
vi. Eventualeliminationofallpoliticalactioncommittees;29
vii. Eliminationof“527”organizations;30
172
viii. LegislationoverturningtheSupremeCourt’sdecisionintheCitizens1
Unitedv.FederalElectionCommissioncasethatallowscorporationsto2
makeunlimitedcampaigncontributions;and3
ix. Fulldisclosureofcontributorstopoliticalissuesandcandidate4
campaigns5
Untilthetimethisisachieved,wesupportparticipationintheNFUPolitical6
ActionCommittee(NATFARMPAC)asameansforourvoicetobeheard.7
2. ELECTIONSANDELECTEDOFFICIALS8
Wesupport:9
i. Thefederalgovernment’sassistancetolocalgovernmentunitstooffset10
thecostofelectionvotingmachinesthataremandatedbythefederal11
government;12
ii. Statesadoptingstandardstoavoiduncertaintyinvotingandcounting13
ballotsandalsotoprovideapapertrailthatmakesreviewsandrecounts14
possible;15
iii. BarringTVandradionewsreportsofnationalelectionsandexitpolls16
untilallvotingstationsareclosedinthe48contiguousstates;17
iv. Programsthatencourageyouthinvolvementinthevotingprocess;18
v. LegislationthatstatesCongressshallpassnolawthatappliestoacitizen19
oftheUnitedStatesthatitdoesnotapplytoitselfasaninstitutionorto20
individualsenatorsorrepresentatives,orviceversa,exceptasitrelates21
tonationalsecurityissuesand/ortheirpersonalsecurity;22
vi. Voting,votecounting,andpost-electionauditingconductedwith23
electronictabulationequipmentmustensurereportedresultsreflect24
votescast,andnotbereliantonproprietarysoftwareinaccessibleto25
bipartisanelectionoversight;26
vii. Legislationrequiringpoliticalcampaignsandissue-basedinterestgroups27
toadheretothe“donotcall”list.Furthermore,thisprovisionshouldroll28
overintoa“donottext”list;and29
viii. Broadenforcementoftheequal-timerule.30
Weoppose:31
i. Termlimitations;and32
173
ii. Practicesthatlowervoterparticipation.Weurgecandidateswhochoose1
tousenegativecampaigningberequiredtoappearinthecommercials2
theyauthorize.3
Q. U.S.FREEDOMSANDLIBERTIES4
Althoughmuchhasbeenaccomplishedtoensurefreedomandequalopportunityfor5
allcitizens,regardlessofrace,gender,ethnicity,age,sexualorientationorreligion,6
muchremainstobedone.7
Wesupport:8
1. Effortstoprovideequalityofrightsforallineveryaspectoflife.Theserights9
shallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStatesoranystatewithin;10
2. Effortstoremedyhistoricalinequitiesinaccesstofarmprogramsandother11
systemicbarrierstosucceedinginagriculturefacedbysocially12
disadvantagedgroups,especiallyfarmersofcolor;13
3. Vigorouslydefendingtherightofprivacy;14
4. Eliminationoftheabuseoffederalagencypowersandsurveillanceoflaw-15
abidingcitizens;16
5. Therightofreporterstokeeptheirnewssourcesconfidentialasinherentin17
the“citizens’righttoknow”;18
6. ProperdisplayandrespectoftheU.S.flag;19
7. Theusageof“God”ongovernmentbuildings,legaldocumentsandlegal20
tenderandweopposetheremovalofexistingreferences;and21
8. ThemenandwomenoftheU.S.armedservicesfortheircontributions22
aroundtheworld.23
R. POSTALSERVICE24
ItisthespecificintentofCongressthateffectivepostalservicebeassuredto25
residentsofbothurbanandruralcommunities.RuralAmericahastherighttoexpect26
theU.S.PostalServicetoadheretothepolicyofthePostalReorganizationActof1971.27
Wesupport:28
1. RaisingFirstClasspostageratesconsistentlyandconcurrentlywithbulk29
mailingorSecondClassrates;30
2. CongresscorrectingthedifficultsituationithasimposedontheU.S.Postal31
Servicebyrequiringexcessiveadvancefundingofpensionfunds;32
174
3. Re-establishmentofthePostalSavingsBank;and1
4. Appointingablue-ribbonpaneltoinvestigatetheexpansionandcreationof2
newservicesofferedbytheUSPStofacilitateeconomicgrowthand3
developmentinruralandinnercitycommunities.4
Weoppose:5
1. Closingsmallpostofficessolelybecausetheyareoperatingatadeficit;6
2. Changesinpostalpolicythatwillresultinreduced,lessfrequentor7
insufficientmailservicesforruralareasincludingtheeliminationor8
reductioninparcelpostdeliveryforruralareasorincreasedruralpostal9
rates;and10
3. PrivatizationoftheU.S.postalsystem,includingtheestablishmentof11
contractedruralroutes.12
S. RURALEMERGENCYSERVICESANDMANAGEMENTPLANNING13
Agriculturalcommunitiesfacepotentialthreatsandemergencies(i.e.medical,14
biological,naturalandenvironmentaldisasters);therefore,wesupport:15
1. Theimplementationoffederal,stateandlocalemergencymanagement16
plans;17
2. Opportunitiesforcitizenstobecomeinformedaboutandimplement18
preventativesteps;19
3. Thededicatedvolunteerswhoserveasemergencymedicaltechnicians,20
firefighters,andlawenforcementreserves;21
4. Trainingschedulesthatrecognizethetimecommitmentsofthevolunteers;22
5. Currentlawsthatallowpre-hospitalproviderstoperformservicesundera23
doctor’swrittenorverbalprotocol;24
6. Development,preservationandexpansionoftherural911emergency25
responsesystems;and26
7. Prohibitingcutsandtheeliminationofanyusefulprogramsthatbenefitfirst27
respondersinruralareas.28
T. VOTINGDISTRICTS29
1. REDISTRICTING30
Wesupport:31
i. Anonpartisanredistrictingprocesswhenvotingdistrictsareredrawn;32
175
ii. Theestablishmentofanonpartisanredistrictingprocessbystatesthat1
utilizescomputersoftwaretogeneratearedistrictingmapthatdoesnot2
takeintoaccountanypoliticalinformation;3
iii. Theremovalofpoliticsfromanyredistrictingprocess;and4
iv. Votingdistrictsbeingdrawnaccordingtothefollowingcriteria:5
a. Populationequality,6
b. Contiguity,7
c. Unityofcountiesandmunicipalities,and8
d. Compactness9
Weoppose:10
i. Currentlegislatorsdrawingdistrictlines;and11
ii. Gerrymanderingofvotingdistrictstodiluteruralrepresentationorgive12
advantagetoanyparticularparty.13
2. STATELEGISLATIVEDISTRICTS14
Wesupporteffortstoallowfortheapportionmentofoneofthetwolegislative15
bodiesofbicameralstatelegislaturesbaseduponscientificgeographicalareasand16
theotherbodyapportionedbaseduponpopulation.17
TheU.S.Congressfollowsthisapproachtodeterminingthecompositionofthe18
SenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesandthesamemethodshouldbeallowed19
forstatelegislatures.ThismethodwouldduplicatethesystemdefinedintheU.S.20
ConstitutionfortheCongress.21
SincetheSupremeCourtrulinginReynoldsv.Simsin1964,statelegislatures22
havebeenforcedtoapportionbothbodiesinabicamerallegislaturebasedsolely23
uponpopulationunderthe“oneperson,onevote”theory.Thishasledtoadeclinein24
theabilityofcitizensinruralareastobeeffectivelyrepresentedinthestate25
legislatures.Decliningruralpopulationshavesignificantlychangedthecomposition26
ofmoststatelegislaturestothedetrimentofruralcitizens,withtheinterestsof27
citizensinruralareasbeingunderrepresentedinthelegislativeprocess.28
176
ARTICLEXII–FAMILYFARMERSANDTHEIRORGANIZATION1
Realizationofdemocraticaimsandidealsrequirescitizenparticipationinthe2
processesofgovernmentasindividualsandasmembersofpeople-orientedmovements3
andorganizations.4
NFUservesitsmembersbyprovidinganorganizationalstructureinwhichtheycan5
participatemoreeffectivelyintheprocessesofoursociety.Theobjectivesofthe6
FarmersUnionchallengeustomaketheorganizationstrongandeffective.To7
accomplishthesegoals,wemust:8
1. Requirededicatedeffortsofofficers,leadersandgrassrootsmembers;9
2. Encourageparticipationoffamilymembersinthiseffort;10
3. Encouragegenderbalanceonallcommittees,boardsandinalloffices,from11
thelocaltothenationallevel,withinourorganization;12
4. Encouragequalifiedindividuals,regardlessofrace,gender,age,ethnicity,13
sexualorientationorreligiontoserveonallcommittees,boards,andinall14
offices;15
5. Urgememberstobecomemoreactiveintheirownorganizationandlocal16
cooperatives,andinstate,regionalandnationalpubliclife.Active17
participationcanbestbeinspiredwhenattentionispaidto:18
i. Thestudyofissues;19
ii. Decision-makingwithintheorganization;20
iii. Carryingoutgroupeffortstoimplementpolicy;21
iv. Attractingmoremembersintotheorganization;and22
v. PromotingtheuseofthebusinessservicesassociatedwithFarmers23
Union.24
NFUmusttaketheleadoneducatingpolicymakersandthepublicontherealcostof25
corporatewelfare.26
NFUshouldinitiateandworkwithotherorganizationstoeducatethepubliconthe27
importantissuesofourNationalFarmersUnionpolicy.NFUshouldallowforeachstate28
tocontinueteachingthehistoryofNationalFarmersUnion,theirstateFarmersUnion29
andagricultureintheirrespectivestate.30
A. EDUCATIONALACTIVITIES31
1. SEMINARSANDWORKSHOPS32
177
SpecialsessionsshouldbeheldatallFarmersUnionlevelsonissuesthatareof1
specialconcernataparticulartime.Seminarsshouldalsobedirectedtospecial2
groupsinterestedinfarmcooperativesorparticularfarmcommodities.3
Stateorganizationsareencouragedtoincludeamongtheireducational4
activities:campsforyouthandadults,legislativeworkshops,leadershiptraining5
institutes,andotherevents,especiallyontimelyissues.6
2. FARMERSUNIONYOUTHPROGRAMS7
ItsstrongnationalandstateyouthprogramsmaketheFarmersUnionunique8
amongfarmorganizations.Thehighestpriorityandsupportshouldbegivenby9
nationalandstateFarmersUnionleadershiptotheFarmersUnionyouthprograms.10
FarmersUnionyouthmustbepreparedtoassumeeventualleadershipofour11
organizationthroughthefollowingmethods:12
i. GreaterencouragementforFarmersUnionyouthtoattainpositionsof13
responsibilitywithintheorganization;14
ii. Specialemphasisgiventoongoingstudyprograms,camps,All-States15
Campsandseminars;16
iii. Increasedinvolvementofyouthintheorganization’sdecision-making17
process,groupactionandconventions;18
iv. FrequentlyupdatedFarmersUnioneducationalmaterialsandtextsfor19
youthleaders;20
v. Recognitionofstateandnationalyouthleaderswhohavegivenof21
themselvesinbuildingtheorganization’syouthprogramsaswellasthe22
youththatareinvolvedintheorganization’syouthprograms;23
vi. Actionfromstateorganizationstoencourageyoungpeopletoremain24
activeinFarmersUnionastheybecomeadults;and25
vii. FormationofacollegiateFarmersUnionchapterineachmemberstate,26
andholdinganationalcollegiateconferencenolessthanonceannually.27
Wesupportmoreactivitiesforyoungadultstoinformthemon28
involvementsinFarmersUnion.29
3. FARMERSUNIONYOUNGFARMERPROGRAM30
Throughitseducationprogram,thenationalorganization,inconjunctionwith31
stateFarmersUnions,shouldcontinuetodevelopitsbeginningfarmerleadership32
178
programsupontheprinciplesofcooperation,educationandlegislationtoassist1
thoseinterestedinfamilyagricultureandtodevelopcommunity.2
4. FARMERSUNIONEDUCATIONCENTER3
Itisimperativethatwemaintainourownershipofrealestateandwaterrights4
oftheFarmersUnionEducationCenteratBailey,Colorado.Weencourageupgrading5
thefacility.All-StatesCampsatBaileyhavenotonlybeenhighlightsofouryouth6
program,butalsorepresentthetimethatyoungadultshavebecometrue7
participantsinNFU.Weurgethateveryeffortbemadetocontinuethisopportunity8
atthefacilities.9
B. COMMUNICATIONS10
Communicationswithintheorganization,andwiththemediaandpublic,arevitalto11
promoteandsupportFarmersUnionactivitiesandtocallattentiontotheorganization’s12
goals.WeencouragemembersandotherstoutilizeallNFUcommunicationstools.13
C. FARMERSUNIONLEGISLATIVEBUDGETFUND14
TheNFULegislativeBudgetFundisanimportantsourceofsupportfortheoverall15
legislativestaffeffort.IndividualFarmersUnionmembers,localandcountyunits,16
affiliatedcooperativesandotherinterestedgroupsshouldgiveincreasingsupportto17
thiscause.18
D. POLITICALEFFECTIVENESS19
Politicaleducationshouldbecontinuous.20
Discussionsofrelevantpoliticalissuesshouldbecarriedonthroughoutthe21
organizationwithmaximumopportunitiesformemberstoparticipateineffortsto22
influencepoliticaldecisions.23
Thefinancialaspectsofpoliticalactionshouldnotbeignored.Membersshould24
considerbeingmoresupportiveofNATFARMPAC.Additionally,asacollectiveeffort,we25
encouragestateorganizationstohelpcollectadollarpermemberperyear.Candidates26
shouldbegivensupportif,inthejudgmentofmembers,theyregardFarmersUnion27
recommendationsfavorable.28
Membershavearighttoknowthevotingrecordsofmembersofstatelegislatures29
andCongressonissueswhichFarmersUnionhasclearlyindicatedaposition,and,30
therefore,thenationalorganizationandstateFarmersUnionsshouldcontinueto31
supplysuchinformationtotheirmembers.32
179
Inviewofthesteadydeclineinruralpopulationsandofthosedirectlyinvolvedin1
agriculture,ithasbecomeevenmoreimportantforournationalandstateorganizations2
tobuildallianceswithconsumergroups,otheragriculturalorganizations,urban3
legislators,non-farmerruralresidentsandleaderssoastoleverageourpolitical4
effectiveness.5
E. MEMBERSHIPEXPANSION6
Growingourorganizationshouldbeournumberonepriority.Thebesthopefor7
familyagricultureisforproducerstojointogethertobuildtheFarmersUnion.8
Weencouragetheexpansionofourorganizationandaffiliatemembershipsforlike-9
mindedorganizationsandventures.(Additionalinformationcanbefoundat10
www.nfu.org)11
Weencourageindividualstateorganizationstomakemembershipgrowtha12
priority.Eachstateshouldestablishaspecificmembershipplanofaction.Farmers13
Unionmembersshouldbeencouragedtosignupnewmembers.Aspecialemphasis14
shouldbemadetoensurethatallcooperativepatronsandboardmembersare15
membersofFarmersUnion.16
WeareencouragedbytheeffortsofnationalandstateFarmersUnionorganizations17
indevelopmentofnewprogramsandservices.Specialemphasisshouldbemadeto18
ensurethatparticipantsintheseprogramsandservicesaremembersintheirrespective19
stateFarmersUnionorganization.20
F. MEMBERSHIPBUDGETINFORMATION21
ForinformationontheFarmersUnionbudget,membersareencouragedtocontact22
theirstatepresident.Acompletecomparativewrittenfinancialreportshallbegivento23
delegatesatthestartoftheNFUConvention.24
G. FARMERSUNIONRELATEDSERVICES25
FarmersUnionbusinessservices,whetherinmarketingorprovidinginputsand26
services,areimportanttothemembersandtheorganization.Cooperativeswhichwork27
withtheFarmersUnioninitsprogramforagriculturedeservetheloyaltyofthe28
membersintheareasserved.29
ExpansionandimprovementoftheNFUinsurancesandbusinessserviceswillbe30
importanttoagricultureinthetimeahead.Therefore,closeworkingrelationshipsare31
essential.32
180
TheaffiliationofFarmersUnioncooperativesandinsurancestotheFarmers1
EducationalandCooperativeUnionofAmericaisparamounttoanyotheraffiliations2
becausesuchactivitieshavebeenbuiltbyFarmersUnionmembersascomponentsofan3
organizationof,byandforruralfamilies.4
H. COOPERATIONWITHRELIGIOUSORGANIZATIONS5
NFUhasalonghistoryofcooperationwithreligiousorganizationsonmanyissues6
ofcommonconcern.7
Webelieveournationisstrongbecauseitsmanydiversereligiousbodiesbringtheir8
moralviewpointstobearonpublicpolicy.Wepledgeourcontinuingcooperationthis9
commonpurpose.10
I. COOPERATIONWITHOTHERORGANIZATIONS11
NFUshouldcontinuetoseekandexploreopportunitiestoworkwithother12
organizationsatthelocal,stateandnationallevelstoadvancetheeconomicsituationof13
family-scaleoperators.14
Wehaveworkedaggressivelytofurtherbuildalliancesandcoalitionswithdiverse15
interestsincludingcommodity,ruralinterest,consumer,labor,minority,16
environmental,conservation,sustainableagriculture,healthandnutrition,energyand17
othergroupsnottypicallyinvolvedinthenation’sfarmpolicydebate.18
Theinformationsharedinthosecoalitionsandallianceshasshownthatweoften19
havemuchmoreincommonwiththoseprimarilyconcernedwithconsumer,20
environmentalandsocialmattersthanwehavedifferences.21
ItisinthebestinterestoffamilyfarmersthatNFUcontinuesthispracticeofseeking22
alliesamongthosewhomaynotbedirectlyassociatedwithagriculture.23
Wesupportthedevelopmentofbothstateandnationalcontractgrower24
associationstoimprovethewelfareofcontractgrowers.Benefitswillberealizedasa25
resultofthismutuallysupportiverelationship,includingtheestablishmentofafar-26
reachingprecedentlikelytoimpactfuturecontractproductionofpoultry,hogs,cattle27
andothercommodities.28
181
FAMILYFARMINGANDCRISISRELIEF
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
2017isexpectedtobeanotheryearofdecliningfarmincomesandworseningeconomic
conditions.TheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)hasprojectednetfarmincometo
declineby8.7percentthisyear,markinga50percentdeclinefrom2013.
Additionalindicatorspointtoongoingstresswithinourruralcommunities.These
include:decliningfarmassetvalues,anincreaseinoverallfarmdebt,andanerosionof
farmsectorequity.Lendingfromfinancialinstitutionstoproducershasdeclined40
percentandthedebt-to-assetmeasureisnowaboveitsaverageoverthepreviousten
years.Asdebtincreasesandworkingcapitaldeclines,NationalFarmersUnion(NFU)is
extremelyconcernedaboutthefinancialhealthofournation’sfarmersandranchers.
NFUurgescongressandtheadministrationtotakeactioninsupportoffarmersand
ranchers.Suchsupportshouldincluderobustdiscretionaryandmandatoryfundingfor
theCertifiedAgriculturalMediationProgram.Thisprogramassistsagricultural
producers,theircreditors,andotherpersonstoresolvedisputestherebyreducingthe
participant'scostassociatedwithadministrativeappeals,litigation,andbankruptcy.
CongressmustalsomovetoreauthorizeandfullyfundtheFarmerandRancherStress
AssistanceNetworktoaidinthementalhealthofindividualscopingwithfinancial
stress.Thisprogramsupportscooperativeagreementsbetweenstatecooperative
extensionservicesandnonprofitorganizationstoprovidestressassistanceprogramsto
farmers,ranchers,andotheragriculture-relatedoccupations.
Finally,NFUurgescongresstoconsidertheadditionallayerofburdensthataffect
beginningfarmersduringdifficultfinancialclimates.Theseproducersrepresentthe
futureofagriculture,yetarethemostvulnerabletothecurrenteconomicclimate.NFU
callsoncongressandtheadministrationtoprovideadditionalsupporttoensuretheir
continuedparticipationinagriculture.
182
FAMILYFARMINGANDDAIRY
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
U.S.dairyfarmsareanimportantsegmentofournation’seconomy.Asoneofthe
world’slargestdairyproducingnations,theindustryprovidesroughly$140billionin
economicoutput,$29billioninhouseholdearnings,andmorethan900,000jobs.
Theeconomicsofthedairysectoroverthelastthreeyearshaveforcedproducersto
shutterdairyfarmsacrossthecountry.Afterreaching$24ahundredweightin2014,
dairypricesquicklyeroded,fallingto$16ahundredweightin2016.Inadditionto
priceswellbelowthecostofproduction,volatilityhascontinuedtocreatechallenges
forproducers.Cashreceiptsoverthelastthreeyearsdemonstratethisvolatility.In
2009,cashreceiptswere$24.3billion,shootingupto$49.3billionin2014,andquickly
fallingto$34.2billionin2016.
Exportsincreaseanddecreasebybillionsofdollarsfromyeartoyearbasedonfactors
wellbeyondthecontrolofproducers,butwhichnonethelessgreatlyimpactthe
financialhealthoftheirfarms.Despitetheunfavorableeconomicconditionsfacedby
dairyproducers,U.S.milkproductionincreasedfortheseventhconsecutiveyearand
thedairyherdcontinuestoexpand.
Thecurrentdairysafetynet,theDairyMarginProtectionProgram(DMPP),has
providedverylittlerelieftostrugglingdairyproducers.In2016,abouttwothirdsof
milkproduction,or140billionpoundsofproductionhistory,enrolledinDMPP,didnot
signupforanybuy-upcoverage.Itiswidelyrecognizedthattheprogramhasfailed
dairyproducers.Lookingforwardtheremustbeanacknowledgement,especially
duringthebudgetprocess,thatproducerspaidmillionsofdollarsintotheprogramand
didnotreceiveassistanceintroublingeconomicconditions.
Anadequatesafetynetmustremainthegoalforfederaldairypolicy.Congressandthe
administrationmustacttoprotectmoredairyfarmersfromgoingoutofbusiness.Relief
forproducersshouldinclude:
• Abudgetresolutiontoincreasespendingforanadequatedairysafetynet;
• Programsthataccountforactualcostsofproduction;
183
• Anincentives-basedinventorymanagementprogramthatrecognizesthe
inelasticityofthedairysector;
• Adhocdisasterassistance;and
• Tradepoliciesthatdon’tdisadvantageAmericandairyproducers.
184
FAMILYFARMINGANDFARMBILLS
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
Theprimaryobjectivesofnationalagriculturalpolicyaretoenablefarmerstoprotect
netfarmincomeintroublingtimes,improvethequalityofrurallife,andincreasethe
numberoffamilyfarmers,sothatfamilyfarmersmaycontinuetoprovideareliable
supplyoffood,fuelandfiberandserveasstewardsofournation’sresources.National
FarmersUnion(NFU)believesthedealthatwasstruckwhenpassingthe2014Farm
Billshouldbehonoredandwillvehementlyopposeanycutsuntilthenextfarmbillis
passed.Overthelastseveralyears,producershavebeensubjectedtodramatic
reductionsincommodityandlivestockprices,raisingtheneedfortimelypassageofa
newfarmbill.Futurefarmbillsshouldcontainprovisionsthatreflectthebestinterest
ofU.Sfarmersandranchers’abilitytomaintainaproductiveandprofitableindustry.
U.S.agriculturetouchesallAmericansandothersaroundtheworld.Itisimportantthat
astrongfarmbillbringstogetheracoalitionthatreflectsthediversityofthepeopleand
interestsimpactedbythefarmbill.
NationalFarmersUnionbelievesanynewfarmbillshouldcontain:
• Provisionsthatenablefamilyfarmerstomarkettheirproductslocallyand
regionally;
• Incentivesforfarmingpracticesthatenhancesoilhealthandproductivity;
• Increasesinreferencepricesforallcommodities;
• Anadequateincomesafetynetthatisbasedonthecostofproductionandnot
solelyaninsuranceprogram;
• Areviseddairyprogramtomeettheneedsoffamilydairies;
• Cottonasacoveredcommodity;
• Loanratesforallcropsshallbenolowerthanthecostofproduction;
• Conservationprogramstoprotecttheenvironment;
• Foodandnutritionprogramstoprotectthelessfortunate;
• Energyprogramstoprovideenergyindependence;
• AstrongcompetitiontitletoallowU.S.producerstobecompetitiveintheglobal
market;
185
• Paymentsmadetofarmerstoreducecropacreagewhenpricesfallbelowthe
costofproduction;
• Apermanentdisasterprogramonapercountybasis;Investmentsinrural
developmentandagriculturalresearch;andCCC-heldreservesshallbe
implementedtocontrolcommodityprices,andthereleasepriceshallbe1.75
timestheloanrate.
186
FAMILYFARMINGANDEXPANDEDHIGHERETHANOLBLENDUTILIZATION
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
Foroverfourdecades,NationalFarmersUnionandmanystateFarmersUnion
organizationshaveprovidedtheeducation,embracedthecooperation,andchampioned
thenationalandstatelegislationneededtocreatethemodern‘home-grownfuelsfrom
thefarm’industry.
Themodernbiofuelsindustryhasbroughtbillionsofdollarsofcapitalinvestment,
millionsofdollarsofnewtaxbase,andmanythousandsofnewgoodpayingjobswith
benefitstostrugglingruralcommunities.Incontrasttodecadesofflatexports,the
biofuelsindustryhasprovided‘homegrown’domesticutilizationfordomestically
growncornthathelpsstabilizeandsupportcornpriceswhiledramaticallyreducing
carbonemissionandimprovingairquality.
Ateachsteponthelongroadtobiofuelsdevelopment,familyfarmershavefacedand
overcomethepowerfuloppositionoftheoilindustry.Theiroppositiontotheexpanded
utilizationofhigherblendbiofuelsproductsintheretailmarketplacecontinues.
AtatimewhenruralAmericaisfacingamajorfinancialcrisisinthefarmsectorwith
threeyearsofbelow-the-costs-of-productioncommoditypricesthatfindsmanyfamily
farmersstrugglingtogettheirfarmoperatingloansrenewed,theneedtoreducethe
sizeofpricedepressingsurplusofcornsuppliesthroughmoreaggressiveretailuseof
higherblendethanolisparamount.
Themorehigher-blendethanolfuelproductsAmericanspurchase,themorefarmers,
ruralcommunities,ourenvironment,andourstateandnationaleconomiesbenefit.
Nowisthetimeforournationtofindandpursueboldandinnovativestrategiesto
dramaticallyexpandtheuseof‘home-grownfuelsfromthefarm’.
Ethanoldoesnotcontainorproducegasoline’sbenzeneorbenzene-relatedknown
humancarcinogenscalledpolycyclicaromatichydrocarbonswhichareidenticalto
thosefoundincigarettesmoke.Thereisnosafelevelofexposuretobenzeneor
benzene-relatedpolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons.
Researchconfirmsnon-flexandflex-fuelautomobileshavethesameenginesandparts,
exceptnon-flexautoenginecomputerprogrammingismoreefficientforunleadedE10,
187
E30blendsthanflex-fuelenginecomputerprogrammingthatmustalsoadjusttoblends
nearE85.
NationalFarmersUnionwillcontinueeffortstoexpandretailfuelsinfrastructureand
supporttheRFS.NFUhasfiledlegalcommentsthroughbothlawfirms-BoydenGray
AssociatesandLarsonandKingLLP-withEPAexposingEPA'sinvalid,arbitraryand
capriciousoverreachwithinterpretingCleanAirActsections211(f),201(c)and1974
CleanAirActMemorandum1a.
EPAandallgovernmentregulatorsshouldimmediatelyreversestatementsandpolicies
thatsayorevenindicateitisillegalforso-callednon-flexfuelautoownerstofuelwith
blender(flex)pumps'E30.
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FAMILYFARMINGANDLEADINGTHEWAYONCLIMATECHANGE
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
ClimatechangejeopardizesfoodsecurityandthelivelihoodsofAmericanfamily
farmers,ranchersandruralresidents.ProducersandruralAmericanshavemuchto
contributetoreducingthegreenhousegasemissions,whichareexacerbatingthe
negativeconsequencesofclimatechange,throughthedevelopmentofrenewable
energy,implementationofcarbonsequestration,climate-smartproductionand
conservationpractices.NFUwillcontinuetoleadineducatingfamilyfarmers,ranchers
andruralcommunitiesonclimatechangeadaptationandmitigation.
NFUsupportspoliciesthatexpandrenewableenergy,especiallyassistanceforrural
powercooperatives.
NFUsupportsresearchfundingforsoilhealthandclimate-smartproduction.
NFUsupportsthepromotionofvoluntaryconservationpracticesthatfocusonwater
qualityandquantityconcerns.
NFUsupportsdevelopmentofcropsystemsdesignedforbiofuelandbiomass
production.
NFUshouldleadandsupporteffortsfortheadvancementofcarbonstorageinthesoils
offamilyfarmers,ranchers,andagro-foresters,withnewagriculture-basedmarkets
thatrewardthosethatpracticeandimplementconservationtechniquesscientifically
proventoreducegreenhousegasemissions.
189
FAMILYFARMINGANDTRADEPOLICY
2017SPECIALORDEROFBUSINESS
Accesstoglobalmarketsiscriticalforfamilyfarmagriculture.U.S.farmersandranchers
relyheavilyonstrongexportmarketstomaintaincommoditypricesandfarmrevenues.
However,theobjectivesandenforcementoffreetradeagreementsfrequentlyfailsto
adequatelyprotectfamilyfarmersandranchersfromunfairtradepractices.Thecurrent
attitudetowardtradeagreementsdoesnotprioritizetheinterestoffamilyfarmers.
Eachyearforthepastfortyyears,theUnitedStateshasamassedahugetradedeficit.
Every$1billionincreaseinimportscauseslossofover4,500jobs.In2016,thetotal
tradedeficittotaled$502.3billion.Eliminatingthetradedeficitcouldcreateasmanyas
2.3millionnewjobsacrosstheUnitedStates.
Agriculturetypicallyaccountsfor7-10%oftotalU.S.exports,andthesurplusin
agriculturaltradehelpsreducethetradedeficit.Negotiatorsoftenuseagricultureas
baittoachievefavorabletradeagreementsforothersectorsoftheeconomy.However,
ourdeeplyflawedtradeagendahasopeneddomesticmarketstocheap,oftenlow-
qualityfood,fuelandfiberproducts.Theagriculturaltradebalancedroppedover$26
billionfrom2011to2016.
InternationaltradeisanimportantpartofsuccessfulfamilyfarmingintheUnited
States,buttradeisnotanenduntoitself.Decreasingournationaltradedeficitwillbring
greatereconomicprosperitytoU.S.agricultureandthebroadereconomy.Currenttrade
agreementsdonotappropriatelyprioritizeeliminatingthetradedeficitandfailto
addressunfairpractices,suchascurrencymanipulation.
NFUencouragesthefederalgovernmenttoconductaformalandthoroughanalysisof
currentagriculturaltradeagreementstodeterminetheirsuccessatmeetingtheir
promisedgoals.NFUurgesprioritizationofeliminatingthetradedeficitinfuturetrade
agreements.Tothatend,futuretradenegotiationsshouldfocusonincreasing
agriculturalexportsandensuredomesticsovereigntyforfarmprogramswhilelimiting
importsofcheap,low-qualityagriculturalproducts,aswellasremovalofrulesand
regulationsfromtradeagreementsthatlimitdomesticlawsaffectingagricultural
commodityprices,quantities,orlabeling.
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Glossary
1031exchange–alsoknownasaStarkerexchangeoratax-deferredexchange;
permitsinvestmentpropertyownerstosellapropertyanddefertaxpaymentsby
reinvestingtheproceedsintoa“like-kind”investmentpropertyorproperties.A1031
exchangeisenabledbySection1031intheInternalRevenueCode
527organization–tax-exemptorganizationsprimarilyutilizedtoinfluencepolitical
elections.Thestructureofa527allowsunlimitedfinancialcontributionsandare
typicallynotregulatedbytheFederalElectionCommissionorstateelections
commissions
AFO–animalfeedingoperation;agriculturalenterprisewhereanimalsarekeptand
raisedinaconfinedsituation.AnAFOcongregatesanimals,feed,manureandurine,
deadanimals,andproductionoperationsonasmalllandarea
AggieBonds–stateagricultureloanprogrambasedontheuseoftax-exemptbondsto
assistbeginningfarmersandfirst-timefarmers
AgJOBS–legislationaimedatreforminglaborandimmigrationlawsspecificallyfor
agriculture
AGR/AGR-Lite–whole-farmcropinsurancethatprovidesproducerswithprotection
againstlowrevenuefromnaturalcausesandmarketfluctuations;coversincomefrom
agriculturalcommodities,aswellasincomefromanimals,animalproductsand
aquaculturespeciesrearedinacontrolledenvironment
AgriculturalConservationEasementProgram(ACEP)–AdministeredbyNRCS,it
providesfinancialandtechnicalassistancetohelpconserveagriculturallandsand
wetlandsandtheirrelatedbenefits
AmericanSocietyforTestingandMaterials(ASTM)-Aninternationalstandards
organizationthatdevelopsandpublishesvoluntaryconsensustechnicalstandardsfora
widerangeofmaterials,products,systems,andservices
AMS–AgriculturalMarketingServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture;administers
programsthatfacilitatetheefficient,fairmarketingofU.S.agriculturalproducts,
includingfood,fiberandspecialtycrops
APHIS–AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionServiceoftheU.S.Departmentof
Agriculture;amulti-facetedAgencywithabroadmissionareathatincludesprotecting
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andpromotingU.S.agriculturalhealth,regulatinggeneticallyengineeredorganisms,
administeringtheAnimalWelfareActandcarryingoutwildlifedamagemanagement
activities
AverageCropRevenueElectionProgram(ACRE)–implementedasaresultofthe
2008FarmBill,ACREprovidesanoptionforfarmerstoforgoreceivingdirectand
countercyclicalpaymentsinexchangeforastate-levelrevenueguarantee.ACRE’s
fundingexpiresin2012
Base–laborthatprovidessignificantsupport,includingmaterialday-to-day
operationalsupport,forafamilyfarm,business,etc.
Basis–incommodities,thedifferencebetweenalocalcashpriceandtherelevant
futurescontractpriceforaspecifictimeperiod
BFP–basicformulaprice
BiobasedMarketsProgram–Authorizedinthe2002FarmBillandexpandedinthe
2008FarmBill,itestablishesaprocessfordeterminingeligibilitycriteriaforfederal
purchaseofbiobasedproducts
Biodiesel(ASTMD6751)–theAmericanSocietyforTestingandMaterials(ASTM)-
approvedstandardforbiodiesel,whichcoversblendsbetween5and20percent
biodieselbyvolumeblendedwithpetroleumdieselfuel;alsoknownasB100
Brucellosis–livestockdisease,whichcausescowstoabortcalf
BSE–bovinespongiformencephalopathy;aprogressiveneurologicaldisorderofcattle
thatresultsfrominfectionbyanunusualtransmissibleagentcalledaprion
ByrdAmendment–legislationthatprovidesfortheannualdistributionof
antidumping(AD)andcountervailingduties(CVD).Thedistributionisavailableto
“affecteddomesticproducersforqualifyingexpenditures.”An“affecteddomestic
producer”isdefinedasamanufacturer,producer,farmer,rancher,orworker
representative(includingassociationsofsuchpersons)that1)wasapetitioneror
interestedpartyinsupportofapetitionwithrespecttowhichanADorCVDorderwas
ineffectand2)remainsinoperation.Itwasrepealedin2005
CAFO–concentrated(confined)animalfeedingoperation;anAFOthatmeetsoneofthe
EPA’sregulatorydefinitionsoflargeCAFOs,mediumCAFOs,andsmallCAFOs
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Capandtrade–aregulatoryprogramthatsetsacaplevelofpermissibleemissionsand
allowsfirmstobuycreditsiftheyexceedthelimitandsellcreditsiftheyareunderthe
limit
Capper-VolsteadAct–the1922law,whichallowsproducerstoorganizeinto
cooperativeswithoutviolatingantitrustlaws
Carbonsequestration–thestorageofcarbonfromtheatmosphereinsoilorganic
matterthroughagriculturalpractices.Theproducer/landownerispaidanamountof
moneyforimplementingthispractice
Casein/caseinates–milkproteinthatismanufacturedfromskimmilkandusedin
processedfoodsandinindustrialproducts
CBO–CongressionalBudgetOffice;producesindependentanalysesofbudgetaryand
economicissuestosupporttheCongressionalbudgetprocess
CBOT–ChicagoBoardofTrade
CCC–CommodityCreditCorporationoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture;
government-ownedandoperatedentitythatwascreatedtostabilize,support,and
protectfarmincomeandprices;alsohelpsmaintainbalancedandadequatesuppliesof
agriculturalcommoditiesandaidsintheirorderlydistribution
CertificateofTransportation(COT)–afuturescontractissuedbyrailroadstograin
customersasaguaranteetopresentemptycoveredhoppersforloadingataspecific
locationwithanoptiontolockinprice
CFTC–CommodityFuturesTradingCommission,whichhasregulatoryoversightofU.S.
futurestrading
CHS–theforerunnerofCHSInc.,CenexHarvestStateswasformedin1998byamerger
betweentworegionalcooperatives,CentxInc.andHarvestStatesCooperative.Cenex
HarvestStatesCooperativeschangeditslegalnametoCHSInc.effectiveAugust5,2003
CircleofPoison–thecirclecreatedbychemicalsproducedintheUnitedStates,
bannedforusehere,exportedtoothercountries,andthenreturnedasresidueon
importedfood
CodexAlimentarius–acommissioncreatedin1963byFAOandWHOtodevelopfood
standards,guidelinesandrelatedtextssuchascodesofpracticeundertheJoint
FAO/WHOFoodStandardsProgramme
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Community-supportedagriculture(CSA)–afarminwhichmembersor
“shareholders”ofthefarmorgardenpledgeinadvancetocovertheanticipatedcostsof
thefarmoperationandfarmer’ssalaryandreceivesharesintheformoffoodinreturn
ComprehensiveLandPolicy–alandpolicythatincludesandconsidersallelementsor
aspectsoflanduseandconservationmethods,andwhichconsidersvalidmethods
whichcanbeobserved,measuredandevaluatedinanobjectivemanner
Contractgrower–apersonwhowillgroworraiseacommodityownedbyaprocessor
ormeatpacker.Thegrowerprovidesthelaborandfacility;otherproductioninputs
includingfeed,medicineandtheanimalsareprovidedbythe
integrator/processor/meatpacker
Cooperativedevelopmentcenters–regionalcenterssetuptofurtherthecooperative
movement
Countervailingduties(CVD)–specificdutiesimposedonimportstooffsetthe
benefitsofsubsidiestoproducersorexportersintheexportingcountry.Theexecutive
branchoftheU.S.governmenthasbeenlegallyempoweredsincethe1890stoimpose
countervailingdutiesinamountsequaltoany“bounties”or“grants”reflectedin
productsimportedintotheUnitedStates
CRP–USDA’sConservationReserveProgram,administeredbytheFSA;thelong-term
goaloftheprogramistore-establishvaluablelandcovertohelpimprovewaterquality,
preventsoilerosion,andreducelossofwildlifehabitat
CSP–USDA’sConservationStewardshipProgram;helpsagriculturalproducers
maintainandimprovetheirexistingconservationsystemsandadoptadditional
conservationactivitiestoaddresspriorityresourcesconcerns
CSREES–CooperativeStateResearch,Education,andExtensionService
Darkmarket–secretive,unregulated(thoughoftentechnicallylegal)tradingin
commodityfutures
Decoupling–theremovalofthelinkbetweenthereceiptofadirectpaymentandthe
productionofaspecificproduct
DFO–directfarmownershiploansadministeredbyFSA.Loanscanbeusedtopurchase
farmland,constructorrepairbuildingsandotherfixtures,andpromotesoilandwater
conservation
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E15–gasolineblendconsistingof15percentethanol,approvedforusein2001model
yearandnewervehicles
E85fillingstation–astationcapableofhandlinguptoan85percentethanolblend
EPA–U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
EQIP–USDA’sEnvironmentalQualityIncentiveProgram;voluntaryprogramthat
providesfinancialandtechnicalassistancetoagriculturalproducersthroughcontracts
uptoamaximumtermoftenyearsinlength,thathelpplanandimplement
conservationpractices
ESA–EndangeredSpeciesAct;administeredbytheU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceand
theCommerceDepartment’sNationalMarineFisheriesService,withthepurposeof
protectingandrecoveringimperiledspeciesandtheecosystemsuponwhichthey
depend
ETBE–ethyltertiarybutylether,renewablegasolineoxygenatewhichusesethanolasa
feedstock
FairnessDoctrine–atenetoflicensedbroadcastingthatensuresareasonable
opportunityfortheairingofconflictingviewpointsoncontroversialissues
FarmerMac–FederalAgriculturalMortgageCorporation;government-sponsored
enterprisewiththemissionofprovidingasecondarymarketforagriculturalrealestate
mortgageloans,ruralhousingmortgageloans,andruralutilitycooperativeloans
Farmersmarket–apublic,recurringassemblyoffarmersortheirrepresentatives
sellinglocalagriculturalproductsthattheyhavegrown,raisedorproduced,directlyto
theconsumer.Suchmarketsmayincludeotherproducts,whichreasonablyservethe
publicorenhancethemarket’sdiversity
FAS–ForeignAgriculturalServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture;linksU.S.
agriculturetotheworldtoenhanceexportopportunitiesandglobalfoodsecurity
FCIC–FederalCropInsuranceCorporation–thishasbeenreorganizedtobecomethe
RiskManagementAgency(RMA)oftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
FDIC–FederalDepositInsuranceCorporation;independentagencycreatedbythe
Congresstomaintainstabilityandpublicconfidenceinthenation’sfinancialsystem
Fed–FederalReserveBoard
FIFRA–FederalInsecticide,FungicideandRodenticideAct,whichprovidesforfederal
regulationofpesticidedistribution,sale,anduse
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Finfish–atruefish,distinguishedfromshellfish
Fishers–apersonwhocatchesfishforalivingorforsport
Flexpump–afillingstationfuelpumpthatallowsconsumerstoselectthedesired
blendofgasolineandethanol(alsoknownasablenderpump)
Flex-fuelvehicles–vehicleswhichcontainenginesthatarecapableofrunningon
eithergasolineorfuelblendscontainingmostlyethanolliketheE85blend
Fluoroquinolones–aclassofantimicrobialsthatkillbacteriaorpreventtheirgrowth
Foodhub–acentrallylocatedfacilitywithabusinessmanagementstructure
facilitatingtheaggregation,storage,processing,distribution,and/ormarketingof
locally/regionallyproducedfoodproducts
Foodwaste(alsoknownasfoodloss)–theedibleamountoffood,post-harvestthat
isavailableforhumanconsumptionbutisnotconsumed
FSA–FarmServiceAgencyoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
GAO–GeneralAccountingOffice
Gender–thesociallyconstructedroles,behaviors,activities,andattributesthatagiven
societyconsidersappropriateformenandwomen
GeneralizedSystemofPreferences(GSP)–aprogramdesignedtopromoteeconomic
growthinthedevelopingworldbyprovidingpreferentialduty-freeentryforabout
4,800productsfrom131designatedbeneficiarycountriesandterritories
Geneticallymodifiedorganism(GMO)–anorganismwhosegeneticmaterialhas
beenalteredusinggeneticengineeringtechniques
GIPSA–GrainInspection,PackersandStockyardsAdministrationoftheU.S.
DepartmentofAgriculture
Glass-SteagallAct–alawpassedbyCongressin1933,whichprohibitedcommercial
banksfromengagingintheinvestmentbusiness.ThelawwasrepealedbytheGramm-
Leach-BlileyActof1999
Globalclimatechange,akaglobalwarming–changestotheearth’sclimatethatare
causedbyhumanactivity
GreenThumb–atrainingandemploymentprogramestablishedin1965byNFUfor
thepurposeofprovidingjobsforlow-incomepeoplewhowereage55orolderand
wantedtowork;theprogramisauthorizedintheOlderAmericansActandfunded
throughtheDepartmentofLabor
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GRP–USDA’sGrasslandsReserveProgram;voluntaryconservationprogramthat
emphasizedsupportforworkinggrazingoperations,enhancementofplantandanimal
biodiversity,andprotectionofgrasslandunderthreatofconversiontootheruses
GSM-102–short-termexportcreditguarantees.Thiscommercialloanprogram,
administeredthroughtheUSDA’sCommodityCreditCorporation,leveragesfinancing
fromtheprivatesectortosupportandencourageU.S.agriculturalexportstoforeign
markets.Onaverage,CCC’screditguaranteecovers95percentofthecombined
principleandinterestinGSM-102transactions
GSM-103–intermediate-term(3-10year)exportcreditguarantees
HatchAct–limitscertainpoliticalactivitiesofmostexecutivebranchemployees
HazardAnalysisCriticalControlPoint(HACCP)-Amanagementsysteminwhich
foodsafetyisaddressedthroughtheanalysisandcontrolofbiological,chemical,and
physicalhazardsfromrawmaterialproduction,procurementandhandling,to
manufacturing,distributionandconsumptionofthefinishedproduct.
Humphrey-HawkinsFullEmploymentAct–anactoflegislationthatexplicitly
instructsthenationtostrivetowardfourultimategoals:fullemployment,growthin
production,pricestability,andbalanceoftradeandbudget,bysettingrequirements
andgoalsforthefederalgovernmenttoattain
Hydraulicfracturing–theprocessbywhichaspeciallyblendedliquidispumped
downawellintoaformationunderpressurehighenoughtocausetheformationto
crackopen,formingpassagesthroughwhichoilcanflowintothewellbore
Integrator–aprocessorormeatpackerthatprovidesanimals,feed,medicineandother
productioninputstoanindividualasoutlinedinaproductioncontract
Ionophore–feedadditivethatenhancesfeedefficiencyincattlebyalteringruminal
fermentation
IRA–IndividualRetirementAccount
ITC–InvestmentTaxCredit(nottobeconfusedwiththeUSITC,theU.S.International
TradeCommission)
Johne’sDisease–chronicdiseaseaffectingdomesticanimals,especiallycattleand
sheep,causedbybacterium
197
JonesAct–legislationthatregulatesmaritimecommercebetweenU.S.cities;requires
thatgoodsandpassengerstransportedbywaterbetweenU.S.portsbedoneinU.S.-
madeships,ownedbyU.S.citizensandcrewedbyU.S.citizens
KeoghDoctrine–alsoknownastheFiledRateDoctrine;precludesanawardof
damagesundertheantitrustlawswhenaplaintiffseeksarecoverymeasuredby
paymentsmadeaccordingtoratesapprovedbyaregulatoryagency
Landoperator–personwhorunsthefarm,makingday-to-daymanagementdecisions.
Theoperatorcouldbeanowner,hiredmanager,cashtenant,sharetenantand/ora
partner
Large-scalefamilyfarm–definedbytheUSDAasannualgrosscashfarmincomeof$1
million
Leachmining–therecovery,bychemicalleaching,ofthevaluablecomponentsofan
orebodywithoutphysicalextractionoftheorefromtheground
Livestock–inthispolicydocument,thetermincludescattle,swine,sheep,poultry,
goats,horses,buffaloandfarmedcervidae(deerfamily)thatareproducedforfood,
fiberorfeed
LivestockCompensationProgram–AsuiteofUSDAprogramsthatinclude:the
LivestockIndemnityProgram(LIP),theLivestockForageDisasterProgram(LFP),the
EmergencyAssistanceforLivestock,Honeybees,andFarm-RaisedFishProgram(ELAP)
andtheTreeAssistanceProgram(TAP)
Makeallowance–afactorusedinaformulafordeterminingthepriceofmilk.Inthe
formula,anallowanceisgivenforwhatitcoststoturnrawmilkintocheeseandnonfat
drymilk
MarginProtectionProgram–aninsuranceprogramrunbytheU.S.Departmentof
Agriculturetoprotectdairyproducersduringtimesoflowmargins
McGovern-DoleInternationalFoodforEducationandChildNutritionProgram–a
globalschoolfeedingprogramthatpromoteseducation,childdevelopment,andfood
securityforsomeoftheworld’spoorestchildren,throughdonationsofagricultural
commoditiesandfinancialandtechnicalassistanceforschoolfeedingandmaternaland
childnutritionprojectsinlow-incomecountries
MPC–milkproteinconcentrate
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NAFTA–NorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement,aninternationaltradeagreement
linkingMexico,theUnitedStates,andCanada;enactedinNovemberof1993
NASS–NationalAgriculturalStatisticsServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
NATFARMPAC–theNationalFarmersUnionPoliticalActionCommittee
NationalGrazingLandsCoalition(NatGLC)-FormerlytheGrazingLands
ConservationInitiativeorGLCI,theNationalGrazingLandsCoalitionwasfoundedto
providetechnicalassistanceonprivatelyownedgrazinglandsonavoluntarybasisand
toincreasetheawarenessoftheimportanceofgrazinglandresources.
NationalRuralUtilitiesCooperativeFinanceCorporation–amember-owned,
nonprofitcooperativeandthepremierlenderforelectriccooperatives,includingRural
UtilitiesService(RUS)borrowersandnon-RUSborrowers
NationalSustainableAgricultureInformationService–theNationalSustainable
AgricultureInformationService,formerlyknownasAppropriateTechnologyTransfer
toRuralAreas(ATTRA),whichprovidessustainableagricultureinformationtothose
engagedinorservingcommercialagriculture
Neonicotinoids–aclassofinsecticideswithacommonmodeofactionthataffectsthe
centralnervoussystemofinsects,causingparalysisanddeath
NEPA–NationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct,whichrequiresfederalagenciestointegrate
environmentalvaluesintotheirdecision-makingprocessesbyconsideringthe
environmentalimpactsoftheirproposedactionsandreasonablealternativestothose
actions
Netneutrality–aprinciplethatstatesinternetserviceprovidersmaynotdiscriminate
betweendifferentkindsofcontentandapplicationsonline.Itguaranteesalevelplaying
fieldforallwebsitesandinternettechnologies
NIFA–NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture,formerlytheCooperativeState
Research,EducationandExtensionService(CSREES);providesleadershipandfunding
forprogramsthatadvanceagriculture-relatedsciences
Nonrecourseloan–acommodityloanthatgivestheborrowertheoptionsofrepaying
theloanincashorforfeitingthecommodity(collateral)tothelenderwhoacceptssaid
collateraltosatisfypaymentoftheloan,withoutrecourseagainsttheborrower
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NPDES–NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystempermitprogramauthorized
bytheCleanWaterActtocontrolwaterpollutionbyregulatingpointsourcesthat
dischargepollutantsintowatersoftheUnitedStates
NRCS–NaturalResourcesConservationServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture;
providesAmerica’sfarmersandrancherswithfinancialandtechnicalassistanceto
voluntarilymakeconservationimprovements
OMB–OfficeofManagementandBudget;overseestheperformanceoffederalagencies,
andadministersthefederalbudget
Organic–theuseoforganicclaimsshallbedefinedbyUSDAundertheOrganicFoods
ProductionActandtheNationalOrganicProgram(NOP)
PackerConsentDecreeof1921–anagreementstruckbetweenpackersandthe
attorneygeneral’sofficethatallowedthepackerstoavoidantitrustprosecutionin
exchangeforagreeingto:1)sellholdingsinstockyards,railroads,marketnewspapers
andpublicwarehouse,2)abandonallretailmeatbusiness,3)abandoncontrolof
transportationfacilities,and4)dissolveanyconspiracieswithotherpackers
Parityindex–originally,thepriceperbushel,poundorbalethatwouldbenecessary
forabusheltodaytobuythesamequantityofgoods(fromastandardlist)thatabushel
wouldhaveboughtinthe1910-14baseperiodatthepricethenprevailing.In1948,the
paritypriceformulawasrevisedtomakeparitypricesdependentontherelationshipof
farmandnonfarmpricesduringthemostrecent10-yearperiodfornon-basic
commodities.Basiccommodities,includingwheat,corn,rice,peanuts,andcotton,use
thehigherofthehistoricalformulaorthenewformula(referredtobyUSDAasthe
“pricespaidindex.”Currentinformationcanbefoundat
http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1002
)
Particulatematter–solidorliquidparticleslessthan10micronsindiameter
suspendedintheair
Pesticide–achemicalthatisusedtokillorcontrolanimals,insects,plants,orother
organisms.Thepurposeofapesticideistoreduceoreliminatedamagetocropsor
livestock.Includesinsecticides,herbicides,miticides,rodenticides,fungicides,etc.
Pharmacrops–cropsgrownspecificallyforuseinpharmaceuticalssuchasvaccines
andmedicine
200
PL-480–lawthatauthorizestheUnitedStatestoprovidefoodaidtoneedyinother
countries
Poultry–anydomesticatedbirdbeingprocessedforhumanconsumption,accordingto
thePoultryProductsInspectionActof1957
Pughclause–aclauseaddedtoanoilleasetolimitholdingnon-producinglandsor
depthsbeyondtheprimarytermofthelease
Pulsecrop–legumesthatareharvestedexclusivelyfordrygrainsuchaspeas,lentils,
beans,andchickpeas
Raw–anyfoodinitsnaturalstate
RBS–RuralBusinessCooperativeServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
rBST–Recombinantbovinesomatotropin,asynthetichormoneinjectedindairycows
toincreasemilkproduction
REC–ruralelectriccooperative
Recourseloan–acommodityloanthatmustberepaidincash,plusinterest
Retailwheeling–allowingutilitiestoabandoncurrentserviceterritoriesandsell
powerinanopenmarkettothehighestbidder
RMA–RiskManagementAgencyoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
RochdalePrinciples–asetofguidelinesforcooperatives,establishedbyagroupof
artisansinRochdale,England,whoformedthefirstmoderncooperativebusinessin
1844.Theseprinciplesareknowntodayas:1)voluntaryandopenmembership;2)
democraticmembercontrol;3)membereconomicparticipation;4)autonomyand
independence;5)education,trainingandinformation;6)cooperationamong
cooperatives;and7)concernforcommunity
RPS–RenewablePortfolioStandard,apolicythatrequiresretailenergysuppliersto
provideenergyfromrenewablesourcesaspartoftheirelectricityportfolio
RUS–RuralUtilitiesServiceoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture;administers
programsthatprovidemuch-neededinfrastructureorinfrastructureimprovementsto
ruralcommunities
SBA–SmallBusinessAdministration;deliversloans,loanguarantees,contracts,
counselingsessionsandotherformsofassistancetosmallbusinesses
Section22–asectionoftheAgriculturalAdjustmentActof1933(P.L.73-10)that
authorizesthepresidenttorestrictimportsbyimposingquotasorfeesonimportsthat
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interferewithfederalpricesupportprogramsorsubstantiallyreduceU.S.productionof
agriculturalproducts
Sexualorientation–aperson’ssexualidentityinrelationtothegendertowhichthey
areattracted;thefactofbeingheterosexual,homosexual,orbisexual
Slottingfee–afeechargedtocompaniesormanufacturersbyretailersinordertohave
theirproductsplacedonshelves
Smallfamilyfarm–definedbyUSDA’sEconomicResearchServiceasannualsalesof
lessthan$250,000
Smallwind–aresidentialwindturbinesystem,installedontopofatalltowerwith
100kWcapacityorless,whichcollectskineticenergyfromthewindandconvertsitto
electricitythatiscompatiblewithahome’selectricalsystem.Extrapowergeneratedis
typicallysoldtolocalutility
Smith-LeverAct–establishedanationalCooperativeExtensionServicethatextended
outreachprogramsthroughland-grantuniversitiestoeducateruralAmericansabout
advancesinagriculturalpracticesandtechnology
SpecialSupplementalNutritionProgramforWomen,InfantsandChildren(WIC)–
afederallyfundedhealthandnutritionprogramthathelpsfamiliesbyprovidingchecks
forbuyinghealthysupplementalfoodsfromWIC-authorizedvendors,nutrition
education,andhelpfindinghealthcareandothercommunityservices
StaggersAct–lawthatsignificantlyderegulatedtherailindustry,passedin1980
StarSchool/MedicalLink–telecommunicationsusedtolinkresearchhospitalsto
communityhospitals
SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)–formerlyknownasfood
stamps;afederalaidprogramadministeredbytheUSDAthatprovidesfinancial
assistanceforpurchasingfoodtolow-andno-incomepeoplelivingintheUnitedStates
SupplementalRevenueAssistanceProgram(SURE)–the“permanentdisaster”
programintendedtoreplaceadhocagriculturaldisasterassistancelegislation
SurfaceTransportationBoard–abipartisan,decisionally-independentadjudicatory
bodyorganizationallyhousedwithintheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation.TheBoard
providesaforumfortheresolutionofsurface-transportationdisputesandother
matterswithinitsjurisdiction.Ithastheauthoritytolimitorremoveregulatory
requirementswhereappropriate
202
Sustainable–anintegratedsystemofplantandanimalproductionpracticeshavinga
site-specificapplicationthatwill,overthelongterm:
• Satisfyhumanfoodandfiberneeds;
• Enhanceenvironmentalqualityandthenaturalresourcebaseuponwhichthe
agriculturaleconomydepends;
• Makethemostefficientuseofnonrenewableresourcesandon-farmresources
andintegrate,whereappropriate,naturalbiologicalcyclesandcontrols;
• Sustaintheeconomicviabilityoffarmoperations;and
• Enhancethequalityoflifeforfarmersandsocietyasawhole.
Thorium–anaturallyoccurring,slightlyradioactivemetalfoundinmostrocksand
soils
T-levels–ameasureoftheamountofsoillossthatcanoccureachyear(intonsofsoil
peracreperyear)andstillallowproductiontocontinueatcurrentlevels
TMDL–totalmaximumdailyloadisacalculationofthemaximumamountofa
pollutantthatabodyofwatercanreceiveandstillmeetwaterqualitystandards.
Commonlyreferredtoasa“pollutiondiet”
U.S.WarehouseAct–authorizesthesecretaryofagriculturetolicensewarehouse
operatorswhostoreagriculturalproductsandmeetspecificstandards
UF–ultra-filtered(milkproducts)
Unmannedaerialvehicle–anaircraftwithoutahumanpilotaboard,commonly
knownasadrone
USTR–U.S.TradeRepresentative;responsiblefordevelopingandcoordinatingU.S.
internationaltrade,commodity,anddirectinvestmentpolicy,andoverseeing
negotiationswithothercountries
VAT–value-addedtax
Vermiculture–theraisingandproductionofearthwormsandwormcastings
Waterspreading–thepracticeofusingallocatedwateronundesignatedacres
WFO–WorldFarmersOrganization,ofwhichNFUisamember
WHIP–USDA’sWildlifeHabitatIncentivesProgram
WorldFoodSummit–U.N.meetingwhereheadsofstatecommittedtoreducing
hunger
203
WRP–USDA’sWetlandsReserveProgram;voluntaryprogramthatofferedlandowners
theopportunitytoprotect,restore,andenhancewetlandsontheirproperty
WTO–WorldTradeOrganization,abodycreatedinthelastmajortradeagreementthat
handlesdisputesbetweensignatorynationstotheUruguayRoundoftheGeneral
AgreementonTariffsandTrade
WTOboxes–usedtocategorizeprogramsbasedontheirimpactontrade.Amberbox
programsareconsideredtobethemosttradedistorting.Blueboxprogramsareless
tradedistorting,andgreenboxprogramshavenosignificantimpactontrade
204
INDEX1
1031exchanges...............................................................................................................107,140,141
9
911emergency............................................................................................................................152,177
A
actualproductionhistory(APH)........................................................................................41,47,48
AggieBond..................................................................................................................................................80
AgricultureintheClassroom...........................................................................................................161
AgricultureQuarantineInspectionsProgram.............................................................................77
agri-terrorism........................................................................................................................................172
agri-tourism.......................................................................................................................................46,47
airquality.............................................................................................................................101,123,131
airtransportation.................................................................................................................................152
All-StatesCamp...........................................................................................................................180,181
alternativecrops...................................................................................................................................145
alternativefuels...........................................................................................................................132,134
Amtrak.......................................................................................................................................................147
anaerobicdigesters.............................................................................................................................129
anhydrousammonia...........................................................................................................................105
AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)....................................................31,105
AnimalFeedingOperation(AFO)..................................................................................................101
animalwelfare................................................................................................................................29,161
205
antibiotics...................................................................................................................................................32
antitrust.........................................................................................................................53,66,67,68,85
aquaculture...............................................................................................................25,35,36,38,146
ArmyCorpsofEngineers..................................................................................................................119
artificialgrowthhormone...................................................................................................................39
B
bankregulation.....................................................................................................................................139
bankruptcy............................................................................................................................81,126,143
beginningfarmer...........................................................................22,23,24,25,50,81,140,145
bestmanagementpractices(BMPs).......................................................................46,98,99,102
biodiesel....................................................................................................................129,131,132,134
biofuel........................................................................................................21,115,126,128,129,131
BiofuelsFeedstockReserve......................................................................................................21,128
biomass...........................................................................................................................................115,127
biotechnology....................................................................................................................................62,63
bovinespongiformencephalopathy(BSE).......................................................................30,32
broadband...............................................................................................................................................153
brucellosis...................................................................................................................................................94
bufferzones...............................................................................................................................................44
C
capitalgains..........................................................................................................................88,140,142
Capper-VolsteadAct.......................................................................................................................85,86
captivesupply...........................................................................................................................................68
206
carboncredits........................................................................................................................................109
carbonmonoxide.....................................................................................................................................39
carbonsequestration........................................................................................................74,109,110
CaribbeanBasinInitiative................................................................................................................132
casein..............................................................................................................................27,28,40,58,77
cellulosic...............................................................................................................................129,130,131
censusofagriculture......................................................................................................................55,56
checkoff.........................................................................................................................................56,57,58
chemicalweapons................................................................................................................................120
ChesapeakeBayProgram....................................................................................................................98
China.............................................................................................................................................................77
CHS.................................................................................................................................................................89
climatechange.............................................................................................................................109,110
cloned...........................................................................................................................................................39
coal.......................................................................................................................................................96,142
ColonyCollapseDisorder.............................................................................................................45,46
CommoditiesExchangeAct..............................................................................................................144
CommodityCreditCorporation(CCC)....................................................................................25,42
commodityfutures...........................................................................................................143,144,162
CommodityFuturesTradingCommission(CFTC)..........................................................55,143
commodityloans.............................................................................................................................40,42
CommunityBasedEnergyDevelopment(CBED)...................................................................129
competition...........38,43,64,66,67,68,73,74,75,84,86,89,146,147,148,149,150
207
ConfinedAnimalFeedingOperation(CAFO)................................................98,101,102,103
CongressionalBudgetOffice(CBO)..............................................................................................138
conservation........19,37,46,50,52,61,82,90,92,94,95,96,100,108,109,110,111,
112,113,114,115,116,122,124,129,138,143,146,183
ConservationReserveProgram(CRP)..................................................21,109,113,114,115
ConservationStewardshipProgram(CSP)........................................................................24,116
ConsumerPriceIndex...........................................................................................................................19
consumerprotection..........................................................................................28,30,77,156,174
contamination........................................................................................29,63,64,92,98,120,135
contractgrower.....................................................................................................................................183
contractproducer.....................................................................................................................68,70,71
cooperative.........37,44,52,53,58,68,71,74,80,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,91,94,
106,122,123,124,125,127,130,132,133,134,143,145,146,147,149,150,
152,153,160,173,174,179,180,181,182,183
cooperativedevelopment.....................................................................................................58,75,88
cooperativeeducation...........................................................................................................................86
cooperativelaws......................................................................................................................................85
cotton............................................................................................................................................................40
country-of-originlabeling(COOL)..........................................................................35,38,42,122
coyotes......................................................................................................................................................118
credit....23,24,74,75,80,81,82,83,84,110,116,123,128,129,130,137,138,139,
140,141,142,143,145,154,157,162
creditunion......................................................................................................................................80,140
208
cropinsurance.................................................................21,47,48,49,50,51,61,81,114,116
cross-contamination......................................................................................................................29,64
Cuba...............................................................................................................................................................79
currencymanipulation..................................................................................................................72,74
D
dairy.........................................................................21,25,26,27,28,29,38,40,45,58,74,167
debt.........................................................................................................................................80,81,82,83
deregulation...................................................................................................121,122,146,148,152
diesel..........................................................................................................................................................134
disaster............................................................21,37,41,47,48,49,52,82,114,115,177,195
distillersgrain........................................................................................................................................130
drought............................................................................................................................48,50,100,114
E
E85....................................................................................................................................................128,134
easement.......................................................................................................24,82,92,107,113,117
economicdevelopment..............................................................................42,73,78,79,108,154
education22,24,25,33,37,43,45,49,51,53,71,79,81,82,85,90,92,98,101,104,
145,153,156,159,160,161,163,172,179,180,181,183
eggs................................................................................................................................................................69
election....................................................................................................................................56,174,175
EmergencyFoodAssistanceProgram(TEFAP)......................................................................168
eminentdomain...........................................................................................107,108,124,125,141
employment...................................................................................................161,164,165,166,167
209
endangeredspecies..............................................................................................113,114,118,119
end-usecertificate....................................................................................................................28,30,75
energy.......21,22,41,91,94,95,96,103,109,110,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,
127,128,129,132,133,134,135,136,137,145,147,166,183
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)45,97,98,99,100,101,103,104,110,112,
123,134
EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)............................................24,112,113
erosion.............................................................................................................................................111,114
estatetax..............................................................................................................................136,140,141
ethanol.............................................................................................44,122,129,130,131,132,134
excisetax...................................................................................................................122,130,131,147
exportsubsidies...............................................................................................................................72,74
F
familyfarm..18,19,20,21,23,26,30,35,37,47,48,51,52,54,56,57,60,66,72,80,
81,83,84,85,88,90,91,92,93,96,98,99,101,108,111,112,113,114,121,
128,138,141,142,144,145,146,147,152,154,160,162,179,183
FarmCreditSystem(FCS)............................................................................................................83,84
FarmServiceAgency(FSA)......23,25,47,49,51,52,56,81,82,83,92,113,115,116,
117
farmer-electedcommittees.......................................................................................................51,112
FarmersMarketNutritionProgram.............................................................................................167
farmersmarkets...........................................................................................................23,44,167,168
FarmersUnionCenter........................................................................................................................181
210
FarmersUnionLegislativeBudgetFund....................................................................................181
farm-to-school................................................................................................................................23,167
fast-track.............................................................................................................................................75,76
federalbudget....................................................................................................................138,147,159
FederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)...........................................................................153
FederalTradeCommission(FTC)....................................................................................................67
feedgrains..................................................................................................................................................40
feedstock..............................................................................................................................109,115,131
fertilizer..............................................................................................................54,101,104,105,129
firefighters...............................................................................................................................................177
fishing.................................................................................................25,35,36,37,38,91,121,142
flexpumps.....................................................................................................................................128,134
flex-fuelvehicles.........................................................................................................................129,131
floodcontrol.......................................................................................................................109,112,119
floodplain................................................................................................................................................111
floriculture..................................................................................................................................................44
foodaid................................................................................................................................................23,78
FoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)................28,30,32,43,46,62,63,77,158,171
foodassistance................................................................................................................................78,168
foodbanks........................................................................................................................................58,168
foodimports..............................................................................................................................................76
foodinspection...............................................................................................................................36,172
foodsafety...........................................................................30,63,73,75,76,147,161,170,171
211
foodsecurity......................................................................................................21,22,72,73,79,145
Foot-and-MouthDisease(FMD)................................................................................................32,33
forest.....................................................................................................................44,74,93,94,95,114
fossilfuel..............................................................................................................................121,124,133
fruits...............................................................................................................................................23,44,45
fuelstoragetank...................................................................................................................................134
G
generallyregardedassafe(GRAS)...................................................................................................28
genericdrugs..........................................................................................................................................158
geneticallymodifiedorganism(GMO)............................................................................62,63,64
grains.............................................................................................................................................40,64,78
grazingallotments..........................................................................................................................91,93
grazingfees................................................................................................................................................92
GrazingLandsConservationInitiative(GLCI)............................................................................95
greenhousegas......................................................................................................................................109
groundwater........................................................................................................97,99,103,120,135
H
hay......................................................................................................................................42,45,114,115
hazardoussubstances........................................................................................................................148
hazardouswaste.......................................................................................................99,105,119,120
healthcare..................................................................................................32,60,145,156,157,158
heavymetals..............................................................................................................................................60
hemp.............................................................................................................................................................45
212
highlyerodibleland.............................................................................................................................114
honey.....................................................................................................................................38,42,45,46
horse.............................................................................................................................................................30
horticulture................................................................................................................................................44
hospital...........................................................................................................................................159,177
housing....................................................................................................................................53,173,174
hunger........................................................................................................................................73,78,169
hunting......................................................................................................................................................114
hydroelectric..........................................................................................................................................125
hydrology.................................................................................................................................................117
I
importquota..............................................................................................................................................30
incometax.......................................................................................................................82,91,128,141
Indianreservation................................................................................................................................146
industrialdevelopmentbonds........................................................................................................154
inspectionstandards..................................................................................................76,77,170,172
interstatecommerce..............................................................................................................................86
invasivespecies......................................................................................................................45,46,105
irradiation...................................................................................................................................................60
irrigation.................................................................................................................48,96,97,102,112
J
Johne’sDisease.........................................................................................................................................32
JusticeDepartment(DOJ)....................................................................................................................67
213
L
labeling........................................27,28,30,38,39,40,60,75,77,105,158,169,170,174
labor........................................................................18,20,43,53,54,72,75,103,166,173,183
landstewardship.....................................................................................................................................92
landtransfer............................................................................................................................24,91,103
landvalue.........................................................................................81,92,107,113,117,126,140
land-grant..............................................................................................................................93,162,163
LivestockCompensationProgram...........................................................................................21,47
M
mandatoryarbitration................................................................................................................70,136
manure....................................................................................................................................98,101,102
marketaccess....................................................................................................................................72,75
MarketAccessProgram(MAP).........................................................................................................74
marketorder.....................................................................................................................................26,27
McGovern-DoleInternationalFoodforEducationandChildNutritionprogram.......78
Medicaid.........................................................................................................................................158,159
medicalresearch..............................................................................................................................29,42
membership......................................................................................................................58,86,89,182
milkproteinconcentrate(MPC)............................................................27,28,40,58,77,170
minerallease..........................................................................................................................................106
N
NationalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS).........................................................................25
214
NationalAnimalIdentification..................................................................................................34,39
NationalBufferStripInitiative.......................................................................................................115
NationalFarmersUnionPoliticalActionCommittee(NATFARMPAC)...............175,181
NationalOrganicProgram(NOP)...........................................................................................61,171
NationalOrganicStandardsBoard(NOSB)..................................................................................60
NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)..............................................101
NationalSchoolLunchProgram.............................................................................................25,169
NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)..............25,52,95,111,113,116,117
nitrogen....................................................................................................................................................102
non-recourse.....................................................................................................................................40,42
noxious...............................................................................................................................................75,106
nuclear...................................................................................................................................119,120,124
nurserycrops............................................................................................................................................44
nutrientmanagement...............................................................................................................102,105
nutrition......................................................23,37,40,44,58,73,78,156,167,168,169,183
O
oilseed................................................................................................................................................40,132
organic.............................................................................................39,49,50,60,61,109,114,135
OrganizationsConcernedwithRuralEducation(OCRE)....................................................160
P
parity.............................................................................................................................................................19
particulatematter................................................................................................................................101
paymentlimits................................................................................................................................20,113
215
peanut...........................................................................................................................................................43
pestcontrol................................................................................................................................................45
pesticide..........................................................................42,43,45,46,53,54,77,103,104,170
petroleum................................................................................................................................................122
pollinator.............................................................................................................................................45,46
pollution....................................................................................60,98,99,104,111,113,131,134
postalservice..........................................................................................................................................176
poultry..................................................................................................31,37,40,68,69,70,98,183
predator..................................................................................................................................93,118,154
prescribedburning..............................................................................................................................106
prescriptiondrug..................................................................................................................................158
pricereporting..................................................................................................................................25,68
pricesupport..............................................................................................................................20,40,47
privatelandowners.........................................................................................................................44,90
producerliability.....................................................................................................................................34
producerreferendum....................................................................................................................27,57
productiontaxcredit(PTC).............................................................................................................128
propertyrights.......................................................................................................106,108,117,136
publicland...........................................................................90,92,93,94,95,105,106,119,124
Q
quotalimits................................................................................................................................................44
R
railroad...........................................................................................68,128,132,148,149,150,151
216
rangeland....................................................................................................................................................92
rawmilk(forhumanconsumption)................................................................................................29
recombinantbovinesomatotropin(rBST)...........................................................................28,40
recycling...............................................................................................................................104,132,134
refineries..................................................................................................................................................122
renewableenergy............94,95,103,121,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,137,145
RenewablePortfolioStandard(RPS)...........................................................................................123
research........21,24,26,32,33,34,37,39,42,43,45,46,56,57,58,61,62,63,98,99,
101,104,105,106,109,110,113,115,120,127,128,129,130,132,133,144,
145,156,162,163,165,167,169
RiskManagementAgency(RMA).......................................................................24,37,48,49,50
road................................................................................................................53,95,105,106,146,148
RochdalePrinciples................................................................................................................................86
ruraldevelopment...................................................................................................24,145,146,154
ruralhospital..........................................................................................................................................159
RuralUtilitiesService(RUS)............................................................................................................124
S
safetynet....................................................................................19,21,42,44,47,48,74,138,157
school......................................................................25,28,88,102,135,151,160,161,162,169
seafood................................................................................................................................36,38,39,145
senior...............................................................................................................................................166,167
sewagesludge...........................................................................................................................................60
shelterbelts..............................................................................................................................................115
217
shippingchannels.................................................................................................................................151
SmallBusinessAdministration(SBA).........................................................................................154
SocialSecurity..............................................................................................................................163,164
sod........................................................................................................................................................44,116
sodbuster.......................................................................................................................................111,116
solar.....................................................................................123,126,128,129,133,135,136,137
solidwaste.....................................................................................................................................102,134
specialtycrop..............................................................................................................23,25,43,44,45
StaggersAct...................................................................................................................................149,151
storablecommodities............................................................................................................................54
StrategicPetroleumReserve...........................................................................................................122
sugar......................................................................................................................................................43,44
SurfaceTransportationBoard(STB).................................................................................148,151
swampbuster................................................................................................................................111,116
T
tariff.............................................................................................27,28,30,42,74,75,76,126,132
tariffratequota.................................................................................................................28,30,74,75
taxes................................................................76,81,88,91,115,122,140,142,148,153,166
technicalexpertise...............................................................................................................................145
telecommunications..................................................................................................................145,153
Termlimitations...................................................................................................................................175
therapeuticantibiotics..........................................................................................................................32
timber.................................................................................................................................................95,114
218
T-levels......................................................................................................................................................116
tobacco.................................................................................................................................................42,43
TotalMaximumDailyLoad(TMDL)......................................................................................99,100
TradeAdjustmentAssistance............................................................................................................75
tradeagreement................................................................................................................72,73,76,77
transmissionlines.................................................................................................123,124,128,137
transportation....27,54,55,64,132,145,146,147,148,149,150,151,168,170,171
tree...............................................................................................................................................44,45,115
truck.................................................................................................................................................147,148
Truth-in-Labeling.................................................................................................................................174
Truth-in-Lending..................................................................................................................................174
turfgrass.....................................................................................................................................................44
U
ultra-filtered(UF)milk........................................................................................................27,28,40
UnitedNations........................................................................................................................77,96,173
userfee.............................................................................................................................59,60,142,151
V
value-added...................................................18,24,46,76,82,87,88,95,130,133,145,154
vegetable............................................................................................................................23,44,45,171
verticalintegration..................................................................................................................18,57,66
veterans...................................................................................................................23,24,91,146,159
219
W
warehouse...................................................................................................................................43,54,55
wastemanagement....................................................................98,101,102,105,129,132,134
waterquality.................................................................................................................97,99,100,135
wetland..................................................................................................................44,91,111,116,117
wheat............................................................................................................................................................40
wildlife...........................................................................................82,92,94,95,108,114,118,127
wind................................................................111,123,126,128,129,132,133,135,136,137
windturbine.................................................................................................................................129,137
women.....................................................................................................................................37,165,176
wool...............................................................................................................................................................42
Y
youth....................................................................................................................79,160,175,180,181
Z
zoning......................................................................................................................................44,108,109
