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Texas Agriculture Archive

October 18, 2002

Texas agriculture producers have benefited from tax exemptions on day-to-day inputs (like feed, seed and fertilizer) and property tax valuations (based on productive rather than market values) necessary for sustained agricultural production. With a state budget shortfall estimated from $5-$12 billion, those exemptions could be in jeopardy.

While many state leaders, including Texas State Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander, have assured the Texas Farm Bureau they would work with us on keeping these exemptions intact, your State Board of Directors believes it is not only incumbent on TFB state leaders to tout the importance of our exemptions, but also on you, as a Farm Bureau member, the direct beneficiary of these provisions.

In an effort to tell our story, the Board has approved "Project Preserve 2003." "Project Preserve" is a campaign designed to build upon the reputation of the Texas Farm Bureau as one of the most effective grassroots organizations in Texas. Hopefully, with the help of our friends in the Legislature, we will be able to leave "Project Preserve" on the shelf. However, if the issue arises, the Texas Farm Bureau, with your participation, will stand ready to meet the challenge.

If needed, "Project Preserve" would seek to gather Farm Bureau members from across the state for a full day of lobbying at the Capitol. The plan would allow for members to arrive by bus (arranged by Farm Bureau staff) from designated areas of the state to a central meeting point the night before scheduled meetings with their legislators. Membership would be briefed regarding the strategy and issues as well as given information for their respective legislators.

The next morning members would arrive at the Capitol to deliver the important message of preserving agriculture's current tax treatments. The day's events would conclude with a rally on the Capitol steps as well as a short debriefing from the membership before departing to the cities of origin.

While "Project Preserve" may seem to be time consuming, remember one day is a small price to pay for the continued success of our agricultural economy, rural values and our way of life.

If, in fact, "Project Preserve" is needed, we encourage each of you to participate and encourage other Farm Bureau members as well.