Issue AnalysisThe A.E.I.O.U. (Agricultural Ecology Information, Outreach and Understanding) papers can be used to explain concerns and clarify Farm Bureau positions on issues among members, local decision-makers and the public. Questions and answers of what you need to know about Avian Influenza, courtesy of the Ohio Poultry Association. 2007 Farm Bill Discussion Guide (PDF, 3 pages) The current Farm Bill expires in 2007, but talks are already underway for its successor. The Ohio Farm Bureau is seeking member opinions regarding the structure of the 2007 Farm Bill and related international agricultural trade policy. County Farm Bureaus should distribute this paper in a manner they see fit to achieve maximum input from Farm Bureau members per these questions. This conference was held on January 27, 2006. PowerPoint presentations and handouts are available for future reference. National Animal Identification System (NAIS) The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a cooperative State-Federal-industry partnership to standardize animal identification programs and practices of all livestock species and poultry. Livestock species groups consisting of producers, industry representatives and animal health officials have been organized for several years and continue to provide advice to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on how the U. S. can best protect its livestock and poultry from a foreign animal disease (FAD). The purpose of NAIS is to protect U.S. agriculture by enhancing emergency response capabilities. Its goal is to develop a trace back system that can identify all animals and premises potentially exposed to a FAD within 48 hours after discovery. Animal diseases can affect producers of all sizes. Depending on the type of disease and the types of livestock it may impact, livestock disease can have a huge impact on livestock owners, industry and consumers. The faster a disease can be contained, the quicker normal livestock commerce can resume and the economic impact felt by operations of all sizes can be lessened. The World Trade Organization, Free Trade Agreements and Agricultural Negotiations (.doc) A two-page explanation of what the World Trade Organization is all about, what Free Trade Agreements are, and the position of Farm Bureau. Energy and Ohio Agriculture (PDF) In his 2002 State of the Union Address on January 29th, President George Bush stressed the need for a national energy policy that depends less on foreign oil and more on domestic and alternate forms of energy. Since OPEC was formed in the early 1970s, oil and other energy prices have experienced major swings. No where are these price fluctuations more keenly felt than in U.S. agriculture. For more information, select the above link. Please note: PDF items require Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free and freely distributable software program. If you do not currently have it, you can download Adobe now. | |