2024 Tennessee Farm Bureau Policies
Policies which will guide the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation advocacy efforts in 2024 were adopted and finalized by the House of Delegates at the 102nd annual meeting on December 5, 2023. Several new policies were added by the voting delegates representing the diverse farming operations across the state. In addition, other existing policies were amended to reflect law or regulatory changes. Below are some of the more significant policy changes.
Commodities
A new section was introduced regarding the importance of the corn industry to Tennessee. Other changes in the commodity sections include support for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification program and further awareness of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus.
Food Safety and Labeling
With the increasing availability of lab-grown, cell-derived and plant-based protein being introduced into the marketplace, policy was strengthened in support of federal labeling designating the difference between imitation “meat” products and conventionally raised meat.
Regulatory Changes
This year held many changes on the regulatory front. Farm Bureau members voted to affirm the recent Supreme Court ruling on Sackett v. EPA, as well as expressed a desire for expanded educational materials on water and environmental laws so property owners can avoid violations.
To reflect the many recent and proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, policy was added which opposes label restrictions on essential agricultural pesticides and encourages incentives to private landowners and public land users for their endangered and threatened species protection rather than regulations and prohibitions.
Property Rights
Perhaps the section with the most additions, property rights language has been added which emphasizes the need for more qualified, licensed surveying professionals in Tennessee. Updated language also calls on the industry and all stakeholders, including property owners, to improve and maintain communication. It is vital adjoining property owners know when there is a discrepancy in a survey, and we support survey laws continually being improved to reflect a fair regulatory environment.
Conversations surrounding markings on federal, state and local government, utility and easement property resulted in language encouraging adequate maintenance and proper identification when requested by the landowner.
Healthcare
Access to timely, adequate and competitive healthcare infrastructure, including intensive and critical care, ambulatory and emergency services is essential to all Tennesseans. TFBF policy supports the recruitment and retention of locally trained medical professionals who intend to stay and practice in rural Tennessee, as well as promote further collaboration with higher education institutions to ensure employees meet the training requirements necessary to succeed.
New language was also adopted which specifically addresses mental health and farm stress. TFBF supports increased funding to enhance facilities and resources which can be vital for mental health, especially in the rural communities and farm population.
Education
Education is as diverse and everchanging as the students who fill their classrooms. Language has been added to support the Tennessee Innovative Schools Model, a program which seeks to provide middle and high school students with career and technical education intern and externship experiences. The delegate body also voted to clarify language relative to parental choice on their student’s education and accentuates the desire for a parent to do what is best for their child, while holding the public school system harmless.
Other
Additional policy changes include language regarding opposition of mandated adoption of electric vehicles and farm equipment, encouraged usage of biofuels and expansion of broadband service by electric cooperatives beyond their boundary.
Second Half of 113th General Assembly to Reconvene
On January 9, 2024, the second half of the 113th General Assembly will gavel in to continue their legislative business. Two new faces will be seated in the House Chamber this year, Representative Aftyn Behn, who was elected in a special election following the unexpected passing of Nashville District 51 Representative Bill Beck, and Representative Timothy Hill, who was elected to fulfill the Upper East Tennessee District 3 after former State Representative Scotty Campbell resigned last Spring. We encourage you to join us on March 12-13, 2024, for Farm Bureau Legislative Visits, as well as mark your calendar for March 19th and make plans to celebrate National Ag Day and Tennessee Ag Day on the Hill. Contact your county secretary for more information about legislative visits.