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by Seth Teter

America's leading farm organization is no longer seeking an extension of the current farm bill but remains supportive of its basic concepts.

More than 350 delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting removed from policy a requirement that the 2002 Farm Bill be extended until a new World Trade Organization agreement is established. With the current farm bill set to expire in September, debate is heating up over what future farm policy should look like. AFBF's new policy is expected to afford the organization more flexibility as it pushes Congress to provide an adequate safety net for producers.

"Generally, farmers are happy with the current farm bill," said Keith Stimpert, OFBF senior vice president of public policy. "The updated policy allows us to move forward and make appropriate adjustments in response to the changing nature of the farm economy and world trade."

Delegates also supported consideration of a non-trade-distorting program for specialty crop growers.

Concerns about border security and the availability of a legal work force drove the delegate's discussion of immigration reform. The United States is home to an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants. At the same time, OFBF estimates that 17 percent of the state's farm labor force could disappear without an effective guest worker program.

"In the end, delegates remained in support of comprehensive reform that protects national security and also allows for a workable immigration plan," Stimpert said.

Turning to livestock issues, delegates voted strongly in favor of voluntary programs for both country of origin labeling and animal identification.

"We're recognizing that with the cost of these programs, it may be better to walk before we run by establishing voluntary participation," Stimpert said.

AFBF's updated policy also calls for federal cost-share assistance to encourage participation in an animal identification program.

"The two issues with animal identification are cost and confidentiality, and we remain concerned about both," Stimpert said.

AFBF President Bob Stallman said the organization would now work vigorously with members of Congress and federal agencies to advance these new policies.

"Once again, farmers and ranchers from all across the country, with much in common but also with different concerns and needs, have come together to decide what is best for U.S. agriculture as a whole," he said.

Other policies enacted by AFBF delegates include:

• Supporting continued research into feed utilization of distillers dried grains.

• Supporting legislation requiring that purchasers of ammonium nitrate show identification.

• Opposing the regulation of agricultural dust under the Clean Air Act.

• Supporting the opportunity for livestock producers to update the beef checkoff program.

Caption: OFBF President Bob Peterson carries the state flag at the AFBF annual meeting in Salt Lake City.