Policy Development Information
"Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Do you have an idea that would benefit farmers? Are you aware of regulations that need to be changed? Would you like to complain about local ordinances that pose as nuisances? If you answered yes to any of these, then our policy development process at Franklin County Farm Bureau, Inc. in Chambersburg, PA could be the answer!
Do you want to get more involved with our policy development process?
If you’ve spent some time in the Farm Bureau, you’ve probably heard the words “policy” and “policy development” uttered several times. So what exactly is a policy? And why should anyone who’s not part of the county board be concerned with policy development?
The Farm Bureau’s policy is our official public statement that reflects our position on any issue our members believe to be important. The policy should recommend action plans that can address agricultural and rural issues. This statement only reflects the opinions of regular farmer members since the policy originates at the county level.
Having an official policy gives the organization an opportunity to send a message as a singular voice. For instance, when Farm Bureau legislative committee members visit legislators, they do not air out their personal opinions. Their message is always based on policy positions that have been adapted by their members.
This grassroots-based approach positively impacts our reputation. Since all levels of the organization influence every consensus, our policy development process gives us a huge amount of credibility. Because of this fair approach, the Farm Bureau gets to have a bigger influence within Harrisburg and Washington, DC.
Who can participate in policy development?
The beauty of our policy development process is that all resolutions reflect everyone’s opinion. Major Farm Bureau decisions are not monopolized by the CEO—they always begin with the regular members.
"Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment
of man."
George Washington
These policies shape our path and define rules and regulations that benefit the agriculture industry. At the same time, the policies also attempt to curtail rules and regulations that serve as a detriment to our cause.
Every regular member has an avenue to provide inputs on issues that are crucial to his/her livelihood. The counties gather ideas and after careful consideration, transform them into official Farm Bureau policies. Encompassing issues that pass the vote of the county are turned over to delegate bodies from the state and national levels.
All regular members are encouraged to brainstorm ideas for policy resolutions and participate in the discussions and voting process. We believe that you have great ideas on how to increase your profitability or what laws and regulations need to be implemented or changed.
Every situation on the field is brought to the County Farm Bureau for resolution. These resolutions are passed during the annual meetings and eventually become Farm Bureau policies.
If your individual idea is adopted as an official policy, your voice will essentially be projected through all Farm Bureau members. Amplify your stance by reaching out to our committee since we cannot advocate issues without having a policy to lean on.
"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute the most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness."
Thomas Jefferson
Are you aware of a local problem that is affecting your farm? Connect with the policy development committee since we need your ideas to protect our livelihood and improve the lifestyle standards of our farmers.
Quick Contact Information for Elected Officials
We encourage you to be in contact with your elected officials! We have representatives in Harrisburg and Washington DC and work hard to tell our story. Get involved to help us fight for agriculture. Contact for details. Find your legislators at:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/
