I took a break from my “blog” for the last two weeks as I actually took some vacation time in Florida. My wife, Donna and I and some friends spent a glorious week in Miami and Key West as the “sunshine” state did not let us down, the weather was fabulous!
Then last week we paid the price returning to the frantic pace of reality. Anyhow, right before my vacation Long Island Farm Bureau leaders traveled to Albany for New York Farm Bureaus annual lobby days and legislative reception. LIFB President Mark Zaweski, Past President Bob Nolan, NYFB Board member Ken Schmitt, LIFB Vice President Frank Beyrodt along with Bob Kern, Martha Clara Vineyards, Jim Waters, Waters Crest Winery, Pindar Damianos, Pindar Vineyards, Fred Hammerle, Juniper Hill Greenhouses, Rob Carpenter, LIFB manager and myself spent two days presenting the New York and Long Island Farm Bureaus’ legislative priorities to legislators, staff and agencies on a wide variety of issues facing the agricultural industry.
One thing that makes Farm Bureau different from other organizations is the fact our policies and positions on issues is driven by our farmer members themselves through a democratic process and not determined solely by the Board of Directors. Each County Farm Bureau has delegates to the NYFB Annual Meeting in December where all of the issues are discussed, debated and voted upon by representatives from each county Farm Bureau. The issues are voted upon up or down. Majority rules. Sometimes there is no clear consensus, but when we leave that meeting, it is incumbent upon all Farm Bureau leaders that we speak as one voice when we go to Albany and Washington to visit our decision makers. The legislators know our positions are from the farmers themselves and not staff people. The respect paid to the organization is based upon our history of commitment not to just bellyache and complain, but discuss the issues with the reality of farming and willingness to come up with real solutions to address real problems.
This year our issues included labor concerns, pesticide registration scheduling, tort reform, wildlife management, support for the bigger better bottle bill, landowner rights, farmland preservation, state budget (to make sure our ag programs won’t be totally decimated) and making sure tax increases and fees are justifiable. These are just some of the topics discussed.
I am very proud of this fine group of farmer leaders who took the time from their busy schedules and families to address the issues facing the agricultural industry and the greater good for all of New York State. They did a great job as the delegation broke into 4 groups and covered nearly 40 meetings with legislators and government agencies over the 2 days. In addition, we also met in the Governor’s Counsels office, Speaker of the Assembly Counsel, and with NY DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis and NY Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner, Pat Hooker. A very successful trip. These folks gave of themselves.
What are you doing for the greater good?