Farm Bureau takes an active position on important public policy issues.
The Farm Bureau's public policy development process begins with a series of committee meetings. (Committees are comprised of board members and others interested in specific issues or activities.) Once the issues are hammered out, member meetings are held to establish resolutions based on these decisions, which are then voted on at the Long Island Farm Bureau's annual meeting held in October of each year.
Delegates from Long Island then attend the New York State Farm Bureau's annual meeting in December, where representatives of all the states’ counties convene and vote on state farm bureau policy. The final step is the National Convention in January, where delegates from each state establish American Farm Bureau Federation policy. This process is a true example of the American Democracy at its best, from the grassroots level here on Long Island all the way to the national level!
Farm Bureau's foundation beliefs include:
- Economic progress, cultural advancement, ethical and religious principles flourish best where people are free, responsible individuals.
- Individual freedom and opportunity must not be sacrificed in a quest for guaranteed "security".
Government by legislative and constitutional law, impartially administered, without special privilege.
- The representative form of government - our nation is a republic -- as provided in our Constitution and Bill of Rights; we believe in limitations on government power; in maintenance of equal opportunity; in the right of each individual to freedom of worship; and, in freedom of speech, press and peaceful assembly.
- Individuals have a moral responsibility to help preserve freedom for future generations by participating in public affairs and by helping to elect candidates who share their fundamental beliefs and principles.
- People have the right and responsibility to speak for themselves individually or through organizations of their choice without coercion or governmental intervention.
- Property rights are among the human rights essential to the preservation of individual freedom.
- The right of every person to choose an occupation; to be rewarded according to his contribution to society; to save, invest or spend; and to convey his property to heirs.
- Each person has the responsibility to meet financial obligations incurred.
- Legislation and regulations favorable to all sectors of agriculture should be aggressively developed in cooperation with allied groups possessing common goals.
Long Island-specific Public Policy Issues
Issues that LIFB Monitors and Addresses
Protecting and Preserving Private Property Rights
Zoning matters
Master Planning process
Moratoria
Encouraging Sensible Taxation Policies and Advocating Affordable Taxes
Safety of our Food Supply
Assuring a domestic supply
Growing nutritious products
Intelligent pesticide use
Integrated pest control
Research – Development
LIFB supports the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Stewardship Task Force voluntary principles
Protecting Our Long Island Environment - soil, air, water, oceans
- Preservation of Open Spaces
- Labor Issues
- Worker housing
- Youth labor
- Worker education
- Immigration
- Preservation of local bays and waters – For our Aquaculture & Mariculture industries
LIFB advocates Smart, Balanced Growth policies – we can’t and shouldn't stop growth – but let’s be intelligent about it!
We encourage Member cooperation and Collaboration with Preservationist and Conservationist interests
Our members strive to preserve remaining wildlife and bird habitats
And in everything our members do, they have uppermost in their minds the long-term protection of our precious Long Island aquifer – to provide safe, clean drinking water for future generations.
Do you agree with us? Come join the Long Island Farm Bureau – or support LIFB positions on important public policy issues.