Oregon Farm Bureau: Action: National Legislative Priorities

National Legislative Priorities

The Oregon Farm Bureau is also involved with issues and legislation at the federal level. As with state and local political efforts, the positions and level of involvement the federation takes is determined by voting OFB members and the Board of Directors. OFB can also request the assistance of the American Farm Bureau Federation and its resources if needed. The AFBF is considered one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Washington D.C.

LABOR

Ag JOBS - Farmers need a legal workforce for agricultural jobs. The Agricultural Job, Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003 (AgJOBS) bill is a practical and achievable approach to resolve the flawed farm labor program our country currently has. It will help prevent a growing crisis that threatens American agriculture, workers, and consumers.

FISH & WILDLIFE

Updating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - This outdated, 30-year-old law must be administered with verifiable science and in a way that social and economic impacts are weighed equally. As it stands now, the costs to the public and private sectors, not to mention the agriculture industry, far outweigh its effectiveness at actually restoring endangered species or in creating incentives for landowner participation.

Wildlife Depredation - We are working for solutions to conflicts between wildlife and agriculture producers, particularly in regard to the increased goose depredation problem in the Willamette Valley. Resumption of Congressional Appropriations is needed to continue to mitigate damage and continue research.

Washington Toxins Lawsuit - This is a lawsuit over the ESA consultation process for pesticides. The current decision requires a 60- to 300-foot buffer for more than 30 pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency must appeal this decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Proposed Counterpart Regulations - OFB supports the proposed joint regulations clarifying that federal review and licensing of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) properly considers effects on "listed" species and critical habitats under the ESA.

LIVESTOCK

Country of Origin Labeling - We support the concept of country of origin labeling (COOL) as passed in the 2002 Farm Bill for all agricultural products. We feel the proposed rule for COOL issued October 30, 2003, by USDA does not adequately address our producers' concerns about the program costs and benefits.

National Animal Identification - OFB supports a national animal identification system to help control animal disease and enhance food safety. However, such a program should include an adequate cost-share agreement among government, industry, and producers.

TRANSPORATION

Columbia River Channel Deepening - OFB supports channel deepening in the Columbia River to facilitate trade as long as the spoils are only placed on lands with the landowners' permission.

USDOT Motor Carrier Securement Rules - On January 1, 2004, new securement rules took effect and mean extra time, expense, and even danger as hay haulers climb up and down loads to set v-boards and tiedowns. In response to these concerns, Oregon Department of Transportation officials are asking the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to approve a rule interpretation to allow Oregon's traditional hay-hauling methods. Additional rulemaking by USDOT may be needed to properly address securement of hay bales.

Inter/Intrastate Commerce Definitions - In Oregon, farmers hauling interstate (across state lines) commerce are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, while farmers participating in intrastate (within the state) commerce are exempt. Federal courts have expanded interstate commerce's definition to include crops raised and sold within the state, but that will eventually be shipped out of the state, such as wheat, grass seed, and cattle. "Interstate" and "Intrastate" need to be defined in by U.S. Department of Transportation to give some clarity to farmers and law enforcement officers.

TAXES

Inheritance Tax - We support the permanent abolishment of inheritance and estate taxes. The continuity of the operation of family farms is desirable and important. The effect of an estate tax adversely impacts the ability to transfer family farms from generation to generation.

LAND USE

Grazing Permit Buyout - OFB opposes legislation permitting the sale or lease of grazing permits for other uses than livestock grazing. This includes HR 3324.

Klamath Tribe's Reservation - OFB opposes the acquisition of public lands by Native American Tribes for either creating new or enlarging existing reservations.

NATURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

Weeds Management - The West is losing a war against weeds. Oregon's federally owned lands are infested with noxious weeds. Their management needs to become a priority for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service.