Jan. 8, 2015
Seven members of the Florida Farm Bureau have been selected to serve on the American Farm Bureau Issue Advisory Committees. Committee members consist of Farm Bureau members across the country with knowledge and direct involvement in issues of importance to U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Each of the Issue Advisory Committees averages 12 members who serve up to two-year terms. The committee members will attend the AFBF Advocacy Conference in February and will meet via webinar or other technology at least once a year.
Committees serve as “brain trusts” on specific issues for the AFBF president and board of directors, providing policy development recommendations. These recommendations are what insure that Farm Bureau is the unified national voice of agriculture for rural Americans. Members are expected to participate in advocacy efforts and stay informed on their issues in order to contribute to valuable discussion and generate the best outcomes for farmers and ranchers in the U.S.
“Florida Farm Bureau is extremely proud that seven of its members have been nominated and accepted to serve on these prestigious committees,” said FFB President John Hoblick. “We are confident that their excellent leadership will help guide policy development on important issues for farmers and ranchers across the nation.”
Committee members from FFBF include Steve Johnson (Agricultural Labor), Hardee County; Kate English (Environmental Regulations), Hendry/Glades County; Kelly Rice (Budget & Economy), Sumter County; Kiley Harper-Larsen (Food Safety), Western Palm Beach County; Brad Etheridge (Market Structures), Levy County; Scott Kirouac, Chair (Pests & Invasive Species), Highlands County and Jim Strickland (Trade), Manatee County.
All Issue Advisory Committee members will participate in the AFBF Advocacy Conference, Feb. 23-26, in Washington, D.C., which will include political speakers, issue briefings, advocacy training and visits with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 147,000 member-families. We serve to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.