(NewsDakota.com/NDFB) – North Dakota Farm Bureau members and Board of Directors recently set 2023 priority issues for the organization.
Issues are established based on current events impacting North Dakota agriculture and opportunities in the current legislative environment. NDFB policies are the culmination of Farm Bureau’s policy development process. Resolutions become organizational policy at the NDFB State annual Meeting, when members representing each county Farm Bureau vote upon each resolution forwarded. NDFB works on behalf of its members on all issues brought forward through the policy development process, but the grassroots prioritization process highlights specific areas to focus on each year.
The following will be priorities during the next legislative session:
Transportation: NDFB members emphasized more legislative oversight of the ND Department of Transportation. Rural North Dakotans have been frustrated with some decisions and programs implemented by the agency, and we hope the Legislature will more aggressively supervise the department to avoid future problems.
Higher Education: For many years, NDFB members have supported programs and incentives to help increase the number of large animal veterinarians practicing in our state. NDFB has been instrumental in maintaining funding for these incentive programs, and our efforts will continue in this regard.
Animal Agriculture: Two issues were selected for special emphasis relating to the expansion and protection of animal agriculture in our state. NDFB will work to find ways to incentivize animal feeding expansion and keep units of government accountable to state codes and regulations. In addition, where livestock are present, NDFB members are keenly focused on the process of determining animal neglect, abuse or cruelty, and the veterinarians involved in this process.
Private Property Rights: NDFB has always been a champion of private property rights and these efforts will continue. Special emphasis will be placed on landowners’ rights when dealing with easement procurement for both public and private projects. NDFB will be particularly interested in manipulative or misleading practices used by parties seeking easements or using eminent domain authority. It is particularly frustrating that these practices are used long before any projects are formally approved. NDFB members are also interested in repealing the amalgamation authority and consent thresholds used in attaining rights of way in many projects.
Energy: NDFB members oppose the nonuse sequestration of carbon dioxide and taxpayer dollars being used in these efforts.