September 15, 2000

AFBF revises goals, mission

A revised mission statement and revamped goals provide clear directives to steer the American Farm Bureau Federation into a new century of service to America’s farm and ranch families, according to AFBF President Bob Stallman.
The AFBF Board of Directors approved the changes during its August meeting.

The revised mission statement calls on AFBF, “To implement policies that are developed by members and provide programs that will improve the financial well-being and quality of life for farmers and ranchers.”

“Farm Bureau’s very existence is tied to implementing the stated policy positions developed by our grassroots farmer and rancher members and providing them programs and services that improve their standards of living,” Stallman said. “Our revised mission and goals continue to focus on that tradition, but as agriculture, society and organizations change with the times, these revisions position AFBF for the work that lies ahead.”

Stallman said the organization’s future work will be guided by the following eight goals. AFBF will:

• Surface issues of concern to agriculture and develop solutions in a timely fashion through the grassroots policy development process.

• Serve as the leading advocate for implementation of sound policies affecting U.S. agriculture.

• Promote expanded agricultural markets.

• Reduce the regulatory impact on agriculture.

• Provide effective legal research and advocacy to implement policies.

• Provide easily accessible information relevant to issues affecting agriculture and Farm Bureau.

• Have adequate funding to provide programs beneficial to members and maintain reserves as established by the Board of Directors.

• Develop and provide innovative economic services desired by Farm Bureau members.