By Andi Anderson
Delegates of the American Farm Bureau Federation approved several policy proposals submitted by the Illinois Farm Bureau during their national meeting held January 9–14 in Anaheim California.
The approved policies focus on protecting farmers while addressing emerging challenges facing U.S. agriculture.
As data centers continue to expand across rural America delegates adopted new policy language to address concerns related to water use energy demand and private property rights.
A new subsection in the national policy book supports responsible data center development while ensuring stewardship of local resources and efficient energy use to reduce pressure on power grids.
“I think the one issue that resonated a lot back in Illinois and here was the whole siting of data centers and the impact on agriculture, with electricity, with water and how we view that going forward,” Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson told FarmWeek following the meeting. “I think there’s a lot of questions that need to be answered in that area.”
The policy supports efforts to ensure agricultural and residential energy needs are prioritized over large users like data centers and calls for large load tariff rates so major users pay their fair share. Delegates also stressed the need for transparency and balance in data center proposals.
Farm labor was another major focus. Delegates approved Illinois proposals to streamline the H-2A application process through electronic filing and extend worker stay limits.
New policy supports three-year labor contracts with staggered entry and exit dates and addresses wage concerns, including support for the Department of Labor’s updated AEWR methodology.
Research and biosecurity were also highlighted. Delegates backed increased federal funding for animal disease and parasite research facilities, especially following detection of New World Screwworm near the U.S. border. Policy supports all measures to control and eradicate the pest and opposes reopening cattle trade until risks are addressed.
“I think there was some good debate, but I think one thing that’s pretty daunting about this is we need more targeted research,” Nelson said.
Delegates also opposed a major railroad merger and approved additional Illinois proposals on drone technology and science-based conservation tools. Nelson praised the process, saying, “I think it’s terrific. I’ve always been a fan of it. You can take something in LaSalle County, move it through the system at the state level, and then it comes out here. So it’s the power of grassroots.”
Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau
Categories: Illinois, General, Rural Lifestyle