Last week the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 was unanimously approved during a voice vote of the U.S. Senate. A version of the legislation was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives late last year. Final negotiations will take place before a final bill can be sent to President Joe Biden for a signature. “AFBF appreciates the unanimous vote in …
AFBF, Senators Concerned with Possible Water Rule Roll Back
The fight over the Biden EPA’s move to roll back the Trump EPA’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule that reversed WOTUS is heating up. At least 30 GOP farm-state senators are behind a bill to make permanent last year’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule that reversed Obama WOTUS and its wetlands permit requirements. The issue is a major concern for the American …
Agriculture Must Be Prioritized for COVID-19 Vaccine
The American Farm Bureau Federation urges the Biden administration to make agriculture a priority for the COVID-19 vaccine. AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter calling for the elimination of barriers to vaccine access for the country’s farmers and farm workers. “We fully appreciate and support that our nation’s heroic first responders, medical professionals, the elderly and caretakers, along with …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
AFBF President Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall provided testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors. Here is his written testimony: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and I am pleased to offer this …
AFBF Pres. Zippy Duvall 2021 Virtual Convention Opening Speech
(AFBF) — The following are remarks made by AFBF President Zippy Duvall during the Opening General Session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention: Well, thank you, Scott for that great introduction. And, I want to say thank you for being the vice president of American Farm Bureau, and what a great partner you’ve been for me for the …
COVID-19 Taking Heavy Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health
(AFBF) — A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a new American Farm Bureau poll. The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers explores how the pandemic has affected their mental health personally and …
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary
(AFBF) — President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomes the news that Tom Vilsack will be nominated to be Secretary of Agriculture. His leadership as the 30th Secretary of Agriculture and as Governor …
AFBF Statement on President-Elect Joe Biden’s Victory
(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:“The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President-elect Biden on his election, as well as the representatives and senators elected to serve in the 117th Congress. “President-elect Biden will be presented with opportunities to improve the lives of rural Americans and this nation’s farmers and ranchers, who are facing …
Department of Labor Stabilizes Farmworker Pay
(AFBF) — The Department of Labor announced it will stabilize the wages paid to guest farmworkers. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will remain at 2020 rates for the next two years. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall: “Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage, but the existing system sets …