2024 AFBF Convention Concludes, Keeps Favorable Policies for Rice Farmers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Thousands of Farm Bureau members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico gathered here over the last several days for the 105th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention.  Attendees heard from the organization’s president, Zippy Duvall, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and numerous other speakers on topics important to farmers and ranchers as well as emerging issues for the agriculture industry.

Additionally, the convention allows Farm Bureau members to set their policy positions for the year and sets the organization’s advocacy parameters in Washington, DC.  As a general, nationwide farm group, many AFBF policy proposals are considered through an intricate, grassroots process beginning at the county level, and if favorably considered, through the state organizations and ultimately to the national level.

Several current policies pertain to ongoing concerns that have long been issues for American agricultural producers, such as the farm labor crisis and overreaching government regulation.

Given Congress’ continuing work to reauthorize the Farm Bill, a number of topics were discussed regarding the comprehensive farm and food legislation, including potential positions on the farm safety net, conservation programs, and nutrition assistance.  For rice farmers, many of these positions are in line with those that USA Rice has adopted.

“As a member of both Farm Bureau and USA Rice, I am pleased with the overall outcome of this year’s American Farm Bureau policy development process,” said Louisiana rice farmer Richard Fontenot, who serves as 3rd Vice President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau and as a member of the USA Rice Farmers Board of Directors.

Fontenot continued: “This is the first Farm Bill in a while where agriculture seems truly united.  It was evident that regardless of region or crop, the farm safety net needs major improvement, and that means an increase in reference prices for commodity programs, among other items such as tweaks to crop insurance.”