August 30, 2010
Indiana Farm Bureau Calls For More Regulations and Higher Taxes
Indiana Farm Bureau has set its policy for the coming year and, among the changes, called for more regulations and higher taxes. The 78 page policy book sets forth the positions of the state‘s largest farm organization on a wide variety of issues. Over the weekend, 274 delegates from across the state dealt with over 500 resolutions. Among the policies adopted was a call for more regulations on the spreading of fertilizer on farm fields. IFB president Don Villwock said farmers want to show consumers they are caring for the environment, “I think the delegates are very concerned about our contract with society…We want to assure them we are doing things right.” He said regulations will insure proper training and use of nutrients in farming operations. The policy statement says regulations should be based on “sound science.”
The delegates also approved a call for a hike in the state gasoline tax to help fix rural roads. Villwock noted that rural roads and bridges are in need of repair, “Some counties are even chewing up blacktop roads and returning them to gravel.” He told HAT that farmers need a well-maintained road system, especially since farm trucks and farm equipment have gotten bigger in recent years. The policy urges state government to consider increased funding for rural roads. During debate on this issue, it was pointed out that the state gas tax has not been increased in 18 years and that a 1 cent increase would generate over $30 million for rural road repair. Villwock said Farm Bureau is studying this issue and is working on a plan, “By 2012, we will have a concrete proposal to present to the legislature on funding for rural roads:”
For the second year in a row, there was considerable debate on a beverage container deposit law to help reduce litter in rural areas. “It is a situation that has been getting worse over the past few years, and rural folks are getting sick and tired of it,” said Villwock. Last year this subject produced a 45 minute debate, this year the discussion only lasted about 10 minutes. Everyone agreed there was a problem, but there was considerable difference of opinions on what the solution should be. Many delegates said a deposit law would not reduce the amount of bottle and trash that litter the roadsides, fields, and ditches. In the end, the delegates voted to adopt language supporting the establishment of a container deposit law.
Several new sections were added to the policy book which reflect new developments in Indiana agriculture. A new section covering farmers’ markets was added, along with a section on honey. A new section was also added dealing with the adoption of a “coal extraction tax.” Voting delegates came from every county in the state. The policy recommendations came from county Farm Bureaus, commodity advisory committees, and the state resolutions committee.
http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/news/01075_IFB_policy_190033.php
