Tennessee Farm Bureau’s greatest strength is in its grassroots efforts. To accomplish legislative, regulatory and policy objectives, members must be informed and active. The Public Policy Division voices the concerns of agriculture to lawmakers at the state and national levels while serving as advocates for agriculture. However, the best legislative influence comes from informed, concerned farm families communicating their beliefs to their elected representatives.
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Policy & Action
It is important to stay informed on current state, national, and regulatory news affecting agriculture so you can better advocate to those who represent you in Nashville and Washington.
New Report Examines Cattle Market Issues and Solutions
A new report by the American Farm Bureau Federation's Cattle Market Working Group provides an in-depth examination of the causes and price implications resulting from extreme market volatility in the cattle industry.
Breaking Down CFAP 2.0
The administration announced details of the new $14-billion-dollar Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP2, that will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to partially offset COVID-19-related losses for producers.
EPA Denies Petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions
On September 14, 2020, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is denying petitions for small refinery exemptions for so-called “gap-filling” petitions (gap waivers) for the 2011-18 compliance years.
Apply Now: Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was established in 2005 to provide cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities. The annual application period is October 1-7, 2020.
CCC Replenished in Continuing Resolution
An important feature in the CR is the funding to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Funds from the CCC support farm programs ranging from conservation to risk management.
Policy Post: September 2020
Land rental agreements are an integral part of farming. It is very common for rented land to make up a sizable portion of a farmer’s total operation. There are many types of rental agreements; however, oral lease agreements are most common across the state.
As a Farm Bureau member, there are several ways to be involved with our policy process. Whether it’s encouraging your friends and neighbors to vote or attending a local Farm Bureau meeting, our volunteer leaders are vital to what we do.
Policy Development Process
What makes our organization so successful is the grassroots structure our forefathers created.
iFarm.iVote.
Rural votes matter in local, state and national elections. iFarm.iVote. is an initiative to encourage farmers and rural Tennesseans to get out and vote.
Resolutions Committee
After policy development meetings, the Resolutions Committee discusses issues and proposes state policy to ensure alignment with members’ beliefs.
Commodity Committees
Tennessee Farm Bureau commodity committees are comprised of farmers who serve advisory roles within specific commodity areas for the organization.