President Donald Trump addressed attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF’s) annual convention on Jan. 8, becoming the first U.S. president to do so since George H.W. Bush in 1992.
In his remarks, Trump said his administration has been working since his inauguration a year ago to “deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.” Recognizing the diversity of agriculture, Trump commented, “The men and women in this room come from very different backgrounds and from all across our land, but each of you carries the same title that’s been proudly borne by patriots and pioneers, inventors and entrepreneurs, the title of—very proudly—American Farmer.”
Citing the recently signed tax bill, Trump drew applause, saying, “The American dream is roaring back to life.”
Acknowledging the burdens often placed on agricultural producers by federal agencies, Trump said, “We’re also putting an end to the regulator assault on your way of life. And it was an assault indeed.” He then noted that in his first 11 months in office the administration has cancelled or delayed over 1,500 planned regulatory actions. Additionally, he said they have cut 22 regulations for every one new regulation.
Speaking specifically, he cited what he referred to as “the terrible Waters of the United States Rule,” and said that after signing an executive order to review the rule in February which was followed by a proposed notice of withdrawal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Army, he has been met by farmers in tears thanking him for giving them their property back—land they were unable to use because of the rule.
Trump’s speech followed an address by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue who also cited the Waters of the United States rule as an example of regulatory overreach negatively affecting farmers. “You know, sometimes a mud puddle is just a mud puddle,” he said.
Both Trump and Perdue also mentioned trade negotiations in their talks with specific references to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Trump indicated he is working to level the playing field and to make sure trade agreements are fair and reciprocal, saying, “I’m working very hard to get a better deal for our country and for our farmers and for our manufacturers.”
In his remarks, Perdue said, “To get a deal, we need all sides to seriously roll up their sleeves and get to work. He cited proposals to modernize the trade agreement and to address sectors left out of the original agreement, specifically dairy and poultry tariffs in Canada. “Now we want to see our negotiating partners step up and engage so we can get the deal done.”
Also at the convention, Perdue ceremonially presented Trump with the findings of the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. The report identified over 100 recommendations to help improve life in rural America centered around five areas: e-connectivity; quality of life; rural workforce; technology; and economic development.
In the opening letter presenting the report, Perdue explains that he and the task force took seriously the presidents directive to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to promote agriculture and other areas important to rural America. Perdue noted, the president’s action was an “executive order” and not an “executive suggestion.”
Many of areas the task force identified for change centered around rural infrastructure including internet access. While at the convention, Trump signed two executive orders based on the recommendations to expand broadband internet in rural America.
Duvall reelected
In other AFBF-related business, delegates to the convention today unanimously reelected Zippy Duvall to serve as the group’s president.
Delegates also approved measures to help assure a prosperous agricultural and rural economy in the coming year and beyond.
Resolutions approved by farmer and rancher delegates from across the nation ran the gamut of issues, from trade to regulatory reform, crop insurance, biotechnology and more. See the resolutions and other convention highlights at www.fb.org
Cattlemen react
Responding to a request by WLJ regarding the reaction of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to the task force’s report in an email response, the organization said with the report so new it is too early to know details about specific programs or legislation and how they may be funded. The group expressed a general concern of not letting new projects get bogged down with outdated regulations.
With that in mind, Ethan Lane, executive director of Public Lands Council and NCBA Federal Lands, said, “As small business owners and stewards of the land, ranchers play a critical role in rural economies across America. We welcome the efforts of Secretary Perdue, his team, and other agency officials as they work to support ranchers in stewarding America’s natural resources. The report identifies rural infrastructure as a key component of economic development and competitiveness. All too often, onerous federal regulations such as the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act create needless barriers to creating and improving infrastructure in the rural communities that need it most. If policy-makers are serious about unleashing the economic potential of rural America, we encourage them to look for opportunities to streamline the regulatory process. Modernizing the Endangered Species Act would be an excellent place to start.” — Rae Price, WLJ editor
