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January 19, 2001

Texas delegation strong

The TFB delegation to the American Farm Bureau Federation National Meeting convinced the delegate body to pass several resolutions important to farmers and ranchers in the Lone Star State.

Besides work on the Farm Bill, Texas delegates looked hard at policy relating to the World Trade Organization. Farm Bureau policy suggests that the U.S. comply with direct pay limits under the WTO. TFB delegate Doug Hlavaty argued that other nations should play on a level field, and successfully added language to policy that said such. "If we in the U.S. are going to play by WTO rules, let's put some teeth in it," Hlavaty said.

Other TFB-inspired action, delegates:

•Said the U.S. State Department should enforce the 1944 treaty between Mexico and the United States regarding water rights from the Rio Grande River. TFB delegates Brian Jones and Dale Jeske (TFB District 13 director) successfully argued that Mexico is holding over 1.5 million acre feet of water owed to the U.S. under the treaty. That water, both said, is critical to Valley agriculture. "All we're seeking is equal treatment under an existing treaty," Jones said.

•Supported development of renewable wood fiber as fuel for generating electricity, to attain U.S. energy independence. This resolution was successfully proposed by TFB delegate Bob Currie.

•Voted to support the "Essential Service Hospitals" proposal, which would provide relief for rural hospital facilities licensed for 50 beds or less. According to Ralph Detten (TFB District 1 director), the resolution seeks to put rural hospitals in a more competitive position with urban hospitals for medicare reimbursement.