Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Pushes to Protect Private Property Rights at NCBA Convention
As the NCBA Convention and Trade Show gets underway, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is actively working through the NCBA policy process to protect private property rights for cattle producers and landowners across the Southeast. Policy discussions taking place throughout the week are a key part of the convention, and Alabama leaders are playing an active role in shaping those conversations.
According to Erin Beasley with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama is participating alongside other Region II states in advancing a joint resolution during the International Trade Committee meetings. The resolution focuses on concerns surrounding the European Union Deforestation Regulation, commonly referred to as the EUDR.
While the EUDR is currently under a one-year pause, Alabama cattle leaders say the regulation remains a serious concern for U.S. landowners. The policy, as written, is viewed as a direct violation of private property rights. Under the regulation, landowners who wish to cut timber and convert land into pasture could face restrictions if agreements tied to the land are not compliant with EUDR requirements. That limitation, Alabama cattlemen argue, interferes with a landowner’s ability to manage and utilize their own property.
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association strongly opposes the regulation and is advocating for NCBA policy language that pushes back against its enforcement. Leaders say the goal is to give NCBA a stronger position as it engages in ongoing discussions related to international trade and regulatory impacts on U.S. agriculture.
NCBA has already been involved in conversations surrounding the EUDR and played a role in achieving the current one-year pause. However, Alabama cattle leaders emphasize the importance of keeping the issue front and center, especially as discussions continue at the international level.
Private property rights remain a top priority for landowners across the Southeast, where timber, pasture, and cattle operations often overlap. Alabama cattlemen say continued advocacy through NCBA’s policy process is essential to ensuring that international regulations do not negatively impact American producers.
As policy meetings continue throughout the week in Nashville, Alabama’s involvement highlights how state cattle organizations are working collectively within NCBA to address global issues with local consequences for producers and landowners alike.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.