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The fall council packet has two new discussion guides; both feature issues briefings directly from American Farm Bureau Federation policy. These topics should give community councils a few options for their meetings into late fall. Ohio Farm Bureau values input from community councils, which contribute to the grassroots policy making process for the organization.

Preserving Access to Antibiotics

Agriculture has a primary interest in ensuring that all animal health products continue to be safe and effective. In order to raise healthy animals, farmers and ranchers need tools to keep animals healthy— including antibiotics or antimicrobials that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eliminating access to these important tools will jeopardize animal health and compromise our ability to raise animals to provide safe meat, milk, and egg products.

Given agriculture’s need for effective animal health and disease prevention, what impact do you see when advertising claims such as, “free from antibiotics” are used in the media? Do you feel these food products have some “value added trait,” or is a message sent accusing some producers of misapplying this disease management tool? What would be the impact (positive or negative) of antibiotic and antimicrobial use on local agriculture?

Additional information/materials on this subject and discussion questions.

Food Safety and Labeling

American consumers deserve to have confidence that their food is safe and that the best science is used to ensure that the most wholesome product possible is produced and offered and America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe and affordable food for consumers in the U.S. and around the world.

Numerous nationwide food recalls have increased consumer awareness of food safety. At issue is whether the current food safety system has the resources, authority and structural organization to safeguard the health of American consumers against foodborne illness. Also at issue is whether federal food safety laws have kept pace with significant changes in food production, processing and marketing, such as new food sources, advances in production and distribution methods, and the growing volume of imports.

Have you ever seen an advertising or marketing campaign take advantage of a food safety issue to promote consumer choice in supporting their product? How could these campaign impact (positive and negative) farmer relationships with the community? Should food safety issues be addressed by several agencies as detailed in this backgrounder, or should one agency take the lead in addressing food safety and handling issues?

Additional information/materials on this subject and discussion questions.

Remember, participants are not limited to these materials – Feel free to discuss additional topics and issues generated from the local newspaper, other publications and/or key events happening in your neighborhood.

Keep in touch with Farm Bureau

Need some additional help? Contact your county Farm Bureau office for assistance.

Councils can access the council roster, meeting summary sheet and activity sheet forms online.

Remember to send council meeting forms and correspondence directly to the county Farm Bureau.

Many of Farm Bureau’s action plans started with conversation around a kitchen table, living room or front porch; lively discussion continues to develop using web applications, too.

To join a community council, contact the county Farm Bureau office.