President's Message
Support Agriculture, be a Farm Bureau Member
By Mich Etchebarne, Ph.D.
Our Farm Bureau Organization is unique in that its purpose is not strictly to compete for any specific market position or political interest, but to provide information and direction to all her members so they remain viable in a challenging occupation called agriculture.
Farm Bureau is a compliment of farm, ranch and woodland families that realized decades ago that strength comes from unity. The primary objectives include analyzing current issues and formulating a plan of action to achieve positive results. Mission statements from various Farm Bureau seats frequently use common language as “education improvement, economic opportunity, social advancement, promote national well-being, and protect family farms” as operational objectives.
The success or failure of Farm Bureau depends in its ability to continue to reevaluate its purpose and plan realistic goals for the future. Farm Bureau is complex and extensive. It includes scale and influence at county, state, national and international levels. Issues of importance vary in different parts of the country. There is no doubt about the urgency of water storage and conveyance in California not to mention interest in education, estate taxes, health care, urban expansion, air and water quality, taxes, health, animal care, food safety, and the future labor force.
Farm Bureau is a voice for agriculture and is run by her members. Recognized and respected worldwide, it is truly a grassroots group, evident by its actions at the local level and unselfish community volunteers that give their time to support common interests. Her leaders are most often nurtured from family operations and climb the ranks from being local members on to board member, officers, committee appointees and policy directors—some going on to serve local and state government.
Achievements and victories by Farm Bureau are seldom celebrated, but rather shared with all. What other organizations exists whose purpose is in providing a continued supply of safe, affordable food, fiber and now energy to her nation and a growing world population.
Estimates today predict that the world population will hit 9.1 billion in 2050 from 6.7 billion today. A 70% increase in food production over these next 40 years will be required to feed them. Agriculture will have to continue to be more productive. Simply put, food will come from yield growth and improved cropping intensity without farming more land.
Agriculture will be challenged as never before and aggressive actions in national-state-local government, technology and consumer education will be vital to its future. Farm Bureau will continue to play a critical role for advanced development. Anyone whose livelihood depends on agriculture should appreciate their income source and help shoulder the responsibility.
