Oklahoma Delegates Help Form Policies To Guide Farm Bureau In 2003
Voting delegates at the 2003 American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Tampa, Florida, agreed with Oklahoma farmers and ranchers to make country of origin labeling voluntary. Congress recently passed language in the 2002 farm bill mandating country of origin labeling.
"We felt like it was important to give farmers and ranchers more time and flexibility," said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. "This should allow us to take better advantage of the labeling law."
Delegates also voted to oppose banning packer ownership of livestock within 14 days of processing.
"Oklahoma did not support this policy change," Kouplen said, "however, we successfully instructed the AFBF Board of Directors to create a task force to study the issue more in depth."
Delegates passed a policy to oppose the authority of native American tribes to set water quality standards more strict than federal or state regulations.
"This is an issue which specifically affects Oklahoma landowners," Kouplen said. "We’re pleased AFBF delegates realize the impact of these regulations on our state."
These policies will now become the guide book for Farm Bureau leaders to follow in 2003.
Several Oklahoma farm leaders received national recognition at the AFBF convention. Lee Vanderwork, Mutual, was a top 10 finalist in the Excellence in Agriculture Award. Kenneth Failes, Burlington, received the AFBF Crop Advisor award and Audrey Harmon, Yukon, was a sweet sixteen finalist in the Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet contest.
