American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman says farmers and ranchers have a "new-found attitude of unity and assertiveness throughout agriculture," according to a press release from the AFBF.
While embracing consumers more than ever, farmers and ranchers may also discover new assertive behavior from opponents of agriculture such as regulators and other critics. Stallman said in an annual address at AFBF's 92nd annual meeting that unity among farmers and ranchers, in addition to the use of new tools to share their personal stories, can counter those who may try to mislead consumers about agriculture.
Farm Bureau works to protect farmers from regulatory burdens that could damage the agriculture industry. One way they are doing so is by suing the Environmental Protection Agency to prevent the regulations that may be imposed on the Chesapeake Bay area. Though EPA refers to the regulations as a "pollution diet," Farm Bureau counters that this "diet" could "starve agriculture out" of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Stallman also discussed federal fiscal policy and encouraged members of Farm Bureau to help find solutions, which could include budget cuts and other attempts at fiscal responsibility.
To read the initial blog post about the Chesapeake Bay regulations, click here.
To read Bob Stallman's biography, click here.
Posted: 1/24/11
