Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) as one organization hoping to see an increase in domestic energy production. AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter on Tuesday to President Joe Biden asking him to take the necessary steps to address high energy costs impacting all Americans. Over the past 15 months, oil prices have increased by 130% to more …
AFBF Fearful Vaccination Mandate Could Impact H-2A Program
By Clint Thompson The mandate that all non-U.S individuals entering the United States show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination will impact specialty crop producers hoping to get H-2A workers into the country in time for the spring crop. That’s the fear anyway shared by American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Director of Congressional Relations Allison Crittendon. “I think it could cause …
AFBF Annual Meeting Highlights Ag Exports
By Clint Thompson The exports of American agricultural products increased substantially in 2021, most notably in China due to the Phase One Agreement. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted China’s purchasing increases during AFBF’s meeting in Atlanta earlier this month. “They went from purchasing about $22 billion worth of Ag products in 2016 down to $9 …
AFBF, Other Groups Send Letter Requesting Ag Workers Be Exempt From Travel Restrictions
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), along with more than 60 agricultural groups, including the Alabama Farmers Federation, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, sent a letter to the Biden Administration requesting that agricultural workers from South Africa be exempt from travel restrictions. The “Proclamation on Suspension of Entry …
Standing in Opposition: AFBF Opposes Build Back Better Act
Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) as one organization that opposes the Build Back Better Act currently is being discussed in the House of Representatives. AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday outlining some of the concerns he has with the pending legislation. “I write to urge you to oppose the …
AFBF Disappointed in EPA Revoking All Tolerances for Chlorpyrifos
By Clint Thompson Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) among those organizations disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA’s) ruling that revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. The popular pesticide, also known as lorsban, is used in vegetable and specialty crop production like peaches, onions and sweet potatoes. Without chlorpyrifos’ availability, growers are left with less effective alternative products. Limited …
AFBF Urges Against One-Size-Fits-All Regulation for Workplace Heat Standard
By Clint Thompson A one-size-fits-all regulation to protect workers from heat stress could have significant ramifications for farmers and farming operations. That is why the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging restraint as it waits to see what standard the federal government develops, says Allison Crittenden, director of Congressional Relations at AFBF. “Is it a requirement to just have …
Vaccine Mandate: AFBF Concerned About Potential Impact on Agriculture
By Clint Thompson President Joe Biden’s wish that businesses require COVID-19 vaccines for their employees has Ag leaders concerned about its potential impact for farmers. Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), offers her concerns about the ramifications that implementing such a mandate would have on local producers. “We are always focused on how …
AFBF President Duvall Hosts Mexico Leaders for Wide-Ranging Discussion
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall met with Tatiana Clouthier, Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy, and Esteban Moctezuma Barragón, Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S., last week to discuss various trade matters, the use of technology to advance agriculture and the border crisis. Mexico is the third largest destination for U.S. agricultural exports. “It was a pleasure to host …
AFBF Advocating Vaccines for Farm Workers
Last year it was ensuring worker safety in the early stage of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the focus is making sure workers have access to vaccines. It’s a tale of two seasons but one constant remains – COVID-19, says Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). “I think if you zoom out to …