Agricultural Business Council’s Quarterly Newsletter – March 2007
USDA Secretary Johanns Meets with Council
During National Agriculture Week, USDA Secretary Mike Johanns met with the Agricultural Business Council to present the Administration’s 2007 Farm Bill Proposal. More than 75 attended the Council meeting held at the Kansas City Board of Trade offices on March 20. As was evident by the Secretary’s comments and the input shared by Council members, this farm bill debate will see energy, as in renewable fuels, the main driver as well as a major divisive issue throughout the agricultural community. Both the Senate and House Agricultural Committee Chairs hope to have the farm bill completed by September 2007. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the USDA’s 2007 farm bill proposal, check the website: www.usda.gov/farmbill.
State Legislative Activities -- Both Kansas and Missouri legislatures are addressing key issues with potential impact on the region’s agricultural industry.
Kansas -- Legislation to support the building of the Kansas City region’s Animal Health Corridor is quickly making its way through the legislative process. One resolution, SCR 1606, recognizes the Kansas City region (Manhattan, KS to Columbia, MO) as the Animal Health Corridor. This measure has passed the Senate and is being considered in the House. Two other bills provide for economic incentives to help build upon the animal health corridor: SB 242 and SB 314.
Missouri -- Representative Bryan Pratt and Senator Chris Koster introduced counterpart resolutions HCR 30 and SCR 10, which recognize the Kansas City region’s Animal Health Corridor. Both measures have passed out of assigned committees and will soon be addressed on their chamber’s floor.
Another major bill impacting our industry, introduced by Senator Chris Koster, is the “Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act.” The bill, SB 364, if passed, will eliminate overly restrictive county regulations that impede mainstream agricultural operations as well as expansion of such operations. The bill passed out of the Senate Agriculture Committee; however it is anticipated to bring much controversy during the Senate floor debate. This bill is very important to the future of Missouri agriculture and many Council members are diligently working for its passage.
Upcoming Events:
Agricultural Business Council Next Meeting – April 25, 12:00 noon
“National Biosecurity Research and Support” will be the subject of our next meeting. Experts from K-State University and University of Missouri will discuss what is being done to help the agricultural industry to be prepared for a potential act of bioterrorism. Panelists will include: David Franz, Director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center at K-State and Dr. John Gardner, Vice President of Research and Economic Development, University of Missouri. This event will be held at the American Royal.
City Market Celebrates 150 Years! The City Market celebrates its 150 year anniversary this year with ongoing activities. The celebration will kick-off the season in May. Each month throughout the season, 25-year benchmarks in agricultural farming practices and the City Market’s history will be featured through partnerships with the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame and the Kansas City Public Library. For more information check the website: www.thecitymarket.org.
Food Aid Symposium. The International Affairs and Trade Office of Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the United Nations Association invite you to attend the Second Annual Symposium on Food Aid and School Feeding Programs. Presentations on efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition as well as school feeding initiatives in developing countries will be given. This event will be held Monday, April 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency. More information: www.una-kc.org .
American Royal Volunteer Appreciation Dinner – April 20.
The National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame Annual Meeting will be Thursday, April 26, 12 Noon at the Center. Guest speaker will be Tom Slunecka, Executive Director of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. Reservations are $25.00 per person and can be made by calling 913/721-1075. More information about National Agriculture Center events at: http://aghalloffame.com/