AFBF President Emphasizes Member Engagement and Key Policy Focus Areas

Key Takeaways

AFBF President Zippy Duvall highlighted successful advocacy that secured $30 billion in disaster aid for farmers.
Farmers’ engagement led to the removal of the Scope 3 emissions reporting requirement by the SEC, easing compliance burdens.
Looking ahead, AFBF is focused on critical issues, including the Farm Bill, labor reform, and tax reform for the agriculture sector.

AFBF’s Annual Meeting Highlights Challenges and Priorities

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convened for its 106th annual meeting, led by President Zippy Duvall, who shared impactful member engagement stories and ongoing policy priorities. Duvall emphasized the successful efforts of AFBF members who contacted Congress over 12,000 times within a mere 72 hours, urging them to recognize the pressing challenges faced by farmers. This high level of advocacy resulted in Congress providing approximately $30 billion in much-needed disaster aid at the end of last year, a pivotal win for the agricultural community.

Throughout the year, AFBF members made a record number of communications to Congress and federal agencies, totaling nearly 50,000. One of the significant achievements cited by Duvall was the removal of the Scope 3 reporting requirement from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s climate disclosure rules. He noted that thousands of members collaborated to convey to the SEC the impracticality of compliance for farmers, leading to an unexpected phone call from the SEC chairman. This victory exemplifies the power of member activism in influencing regulatory decisions.

Looking toward the future, Duvall highlighted several critical issues that AFBF will continue to address:

**Farm Bill:** Duvall expressed gratitude for Congress’s recent passage of an extension but noted the need for further action. He criticized lawmakers for delaying meaningful progress, stating, “We will not let up,” despite the political challenges.

**Labor Reform:** Duvall underscored the ongoing struggle among farmers and ranchers to find skilled and reliable workers amid rising labor costs. He pointed out that political impediments thwarted progress in labor reform last year, although a federal court action successfully blocked an overly restrictive Department of Labor rule on H2-A workers. Duvall assured members that AFBF is committed to finding solutions.

**Tax Reform:** As many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approach expiration, Duvall reiterated AFBF’s dedication to holding Congress accountable for necessary updates to tax policy. He stressed that uncertainty over tax obligations could jeopardize the viability of farms.

Duvall also emphasized the importance of educating lawmakers about the practical impacts of laws and regulations on the agriculture sector, especially with a new Congress and administration in place. He noted that many new leaders may lack familiarity with agricultural issues and warned that some proposals could reverse years of advancements in farming practices and food security.

To bolster understanding and support for agriculture, Duvall urged farmers and ranchers to engage proactively with their representatives, highlighting the need to also communicate the ongoing commitment to producing safe, healthy, and affordable food across the nation. The focus on collaboration and relationship-building is essential for navigating the challenges ahead in the evolving agricultural landscape.

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