We've compiled a list of key updates and links related to agriculture and the COVID-19 crisis, from policy analysis and explanations to reference materials for government programs and farming and ranching stories.
As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues, so does the work of farmers and ranchers to keep food on shelves and tables around the state, country and world. We've been getting reports from Arkansas farmers and ranchers in their fields and workshops, telling us about their work, and highlighting the fact that all of agriculture is essential during these troubled times, including businesses that provide services and support to farmers. Take a look at a collection of these reports from around the state and find out what they're doing and the challenges they're facing.
Late last week, the Department of Homeland Security designated food and agriculture one of 16 critical sectors in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, and said that workers in those industries should stay on the job. Arkansas Farm Bureau and a consortium of agriculture industry groups have come together to thank Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson for his response to the COVID-19 crisis so far and request that he designate agriculture as essential at the state level.
Today, Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders and policy experts held a conference call with the entire Arkansas Congressional delegation to discuss issues and concerns with accessing foreign labor through the H-2A program during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This is a recap of that discussion.
This week, it's all about policy issues, as we recap the just-completed Arkansas Farm Bureau President's Advocacy & Leadership Tour to Washington, D.C. We talk to the members of the Farm Bureau team who lead the trip about what was accomplished and why it's important for Arkansas farmers and ranchers to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill.
A Diversity in Agriculture conference has been set for Feb. 27-28 in an effort expand the awareness of the career and business opportunities that exist in agriculture. The conference will allow participants to explore opportunities through success stories and networking. It also is intended to foster an expansion of public and private partnerships within agriculture, Arkansas’ largest industry sector, accounting for more than $20 billion annually.
The voting delegate session was held today, Jan. 21st, at the 2020 Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Austin, Texas. Arkansas members joined 346 delegates from across the country who worked to set 2020 policy positions on issues important to the organization's 6 million members.
We're at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Austin for another day of competitions and events, including a visit from the President of the United States himself.
Arkansas Farm Bureau thanked the Arkansas Congressional delegation for their support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, which passed the House of Representatives Thursday after a lengthy delay.
