2010 Resolutions

Congressional, Legislative, Tax, & Transportation Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
C=Congressional (US)
L=Legislative (ID)
T=Tax (ID)
Trans=Transportation

Congressional

Congressional Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• Section 179 of the IRS Code dealing with accelerated depreciation at current levels,
• the deferment of capital gains taxes when profits are placed in a qualified retirement plan,
• the re-licensing of all power generating dams in the northwest,
• planting flexibility currently included in the farm bill and with fair and open trade,
• disaster assistance,
• land exchange between private, state and federal entities on a site specific basis,
• keeping fair market exchange of foreign grain without the use of artificial barriers,
• all levels of government to use sound scientific data when making public health and environmental decisions that could also affect crop viability,
• legal action to enforce existing US laws prohibiting the importation of food products on which chemicals are used that are not registered in the US,
• beginning young farmer programs.
• Food aid (PL480) being the physical commodity and not currency.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• a reduction in USDA farm payment limitations,
• reductions in the current farm bill programs.

Resolution No. C-1 – Investment Tax Credit
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the reinstatement of investment tax credit.

Resolution No. C-2 – Aberdeen ARS – Barley Research
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports enhanced funding for federal barley research at the USDA/ARS Small Grains Research Program in Aberdeen, Idaho.

Resolution No. C-3 – Guest Workers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports a workable Guest Worker Program that secures the borders of the United States and provides a legal, affordable, and stable workforce for agriculture.

Resolution No. C-4 – Recently Purchased Land
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports maintaining recently purchased state and county lands on the county tax roles or when receiving payment in lieu of taxes.

Supporting Statement
County’s positioned within Indian Reservations need to keep a constant tax base when private lands are acquired by the tribe.

Resolution No. C-5 – 2007 Farm Bill
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will maintain an active role in the implementation of the Farm Bill.

Resolution No C-6 Capital Gain Taxes
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports a reduction in capital gains taxes for long-held properties.

Resolution No C-7 – Tax Exemption
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports exempting the first five million dollars per person and a phased reduction to 35% of the top tax rate for family farms and businesses.

Supporting Statement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association support Representative Simpson’s legislation of HR 3905.

Legislative

Legislative Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• using burning as a tool in crop production and will oppose any legislation that prevents farmers from burning crop residue,
• bringing together all groups that use burning as a management tool,
• improve enforcement of Idaho’s trespass law that would give the landowner better protection while putting a bigger burden of proof on the violator,
• tax credits for farmland preservation,
• an effective agriculture burning and smoke management program.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work:

• to protect farmers from legal actions brought against them based on smoke, dust, and other environmental trespass issues,
• with all groups to resolve issues with the open range law.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will be:

• actively engaged in legislative action regarding all water issues in the state.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• new lien laws or changes to current law that are detrimental to grain producers.

Resolution No L-1 Legal Protection for Farmers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports legislation that would require reimbursement of defense expenses to agricultural producers who prevail in any action, claim, or counter action alleging that the agricultural activities are causing harm.

Resolution No L-2 Moving Depredation Fund to Idaho Department of Agriculture
The Idaho Grain Producers Association seeks legislation and regulations that assign the administration of the Big Game Depredation Fund to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, with the remaining balance each year in the fund going back to the Idaho Fish and Game Department as provided in the Idaho Code 36-115.

Resolution No L-3 Animal Damage on Tribal Lands
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with the Governor’s office to resolve wildlife damage problems on Tribal Lands that are rented to non-tribal members.

Resolution No L-4 Aquifer
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports aquifer recharge.

Resolution No L-5 Water Allocation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports a solution to the water allocation problem within the state of Idaho.

Supporting Statement
IGPA believes all pumpers who are properly licensed by Idaho Department of Water Resources are part of a class and supports state funded mitigation for those impacted by the water calls.

Resolution No L-6 Idaho Quality Assurance Lab
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the full base funding of the Idaho Quality Assurance Lab (Twin Falls) from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Supporting Statement
As this lab is needed to keep our agricultural products safe to consumers and as the work load varies greatly from year to year, the base salary and base operational costs should be fully funded from a general fund through the Idaho State Department of AG of which it is based. This lab has the highest “GLP” (Good Laboratory Practices) rating available. The requirements of audits, licenses, and paper trails make their results eligible as evidence in courts of law.

Resolution No L-7 Swan Falls Agreement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the Swan Falls Agreement as originally written.

Resolution No L-8 Commodity Indemnity Fund
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports all efforts to maintain accountability, monitor efficiency and protect the fund. The CIF should also monitor and include the regulation of commodity dealers that are the first point of delivery located out-of-state.

Resolution No L-9 Billable Fires
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with the Department of Lands to make sure they are following their rules in the determination of billable fires.

Resolution No L-10 Personal and Sensitive Information
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the protection of personal and sensitive information that is not required to be released by law.

Resolution No L-11 Commission Assessment Rates
Idaho Grain Producers Association supports future increases in Idaho Barley Commission and Idaho Wheat Commission assessment rates that maintain programs of priority.

Taxes

Tax Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the research efforts of the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and encourages the Idaho legislature to adequately fund the College of Agriculture,
• a two-thirds majority to be retained as a requirement to pass a bond levy,
• relieving the burden of property taxes on Idaho farmers.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• changes to the production exemption as it now stands,
• changing the homeowner’s exemption law that adversely affects grain producers.

Resolution No T-1 Highway Fuel Tax
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports distribution of highway fuel tax to be used solely for highway infrastructure.

Transportation

Transportation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• maintaining the Snake & Columbia River transportation system and facilities,
• deepening and widening the lower Columbia River Channel and Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
• eliminating bulk grain exports from cargo preference policy requirements,
• uniform truck regulation for the United States, Canada and Mexico,
• amending Idaho truck weight laws to the maximum federal Formula B, therefore providing uniform maximum gross vehicle weights among western states.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• the CANAMEX corridor until the federal government eliminates the current weight disadvantage to Idaho carriers.

Resolution No. Trans-1 – Railroad Access
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) will support federal legislation that provides increased competition on U.S. railroads. Such legislation will serve to provide rail-to-rail competition for Idaho’s captive rail customers.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA recognized the efforts by the Alliance for Rail Competition that have developed legislation to provide competitive, increased, and enhanced competition for captive rail shippers. Such increased access is important, given the current merger climate that results in fewer railroads in the United States.

Resolution No. Trans-2 – Reciprocity Agreements
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports additional reciprocity coverage of farmer carriers delivering their own products across state lines.

Resolution No. Trans-3 – Uniform Truck Weights (Federal)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports HR 2179, to permit commercial vehicles at weights up to 129,000 pounds to use I-15, I-84, and I-86 of the Interstate System in the State of Idaho.

Resolution No Trans-4 – Truck Fees
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports truck fees being equitable on a cost per mile basis.

Resolution No Trans-5 – Road Improvement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports an increase in funding for road improvement from multiple sources to be split 50/50 with locals – defined as cities fewer than five thousand (5000) in population, counties, and highway districts.

Supporting Statement
There is a shortfall in funding for road maintenance and improvement. In lieu of this, IGPA believes that there needs to be an increase of funds for improving roads.

Resolution No Trans – 6 – USDOT Numbers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes USDOT numbers for trucks engaged in transporting commerce within Idaho.

Resolution No Trans-7 – Rail Competition
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the work of the Alliance for Rail competition (ARC) and will take a leadership role in the coalition.

Supporting Statement
ARC is the only rail competition group working for agriculture.

Resolution No Trans-8 – Intrastate Transportation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports an intrastate transportation movement designation in non-commercial vehicles for all first movements of agriculture produce from the farm to point-of-sale that does not cross state lines.

Resolution No Trans-9 – Youth-Model Motorcycles & ATV’s
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the exemption of youth-model motorcycles; ATV’s, snowmobiles, and parts from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008.

Supporting Statement 
There is currently a stay of enforcement, issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission of youth-model motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles (targeted for ages 12 & under) and parts of the CPSIA of 2008 (this was targeted for lead paint in Chinese made toys), but the stay of enforcement expires in May of 2011.  The CPSIA of 2008 is targeted at lead in any youth product sold on the market.  When the stay of enforcement expires many farmers, ranchers, and families would not be able to purchase new youth vehicles or to have existing ones repaired.  Furthermore, if there is no exemption training opportunities would be lost, safety would be lost (youths riding larger vehicles), youth races would be lost, and family recreation opportunities (trail riding, hunting, camping etc.) would be lost.  Legislation HR 1587 has been introduced by Representative Rehberg (R-MT) to permanently exclude youth-model motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles from the CPSIA.  The bill has bi-partisan support, including Representatives Simpson (R-ID) and Minnick (D-ID).

Conservation, Environmental, Crop Protection Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
Cons=Conservation
E=Environmental
CP=Crop Protection

Conservation

Conservation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• grower developed tillage practices and Best Management Practices that are economically feasible to meet conservation plans,
• increasing state funding that will encourage the use of tillage practices that will improve air, water and soil quality,
• the concept of the ‘Idaho One Plan,’
• Idaho and adjoining sister states enforcing noxious weed laws and supporting efforts to educate the public,
• continued funding of STEEP III,
• new conservation funding for conservation practices,
• consistent implementation and interpretation of conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and regulations between Idaho and its sister states.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will continue:

• to monitor all conservation program rules to protect Idaho producers,
• to be a leader in providing grower representatives on agriculture committees at the County, State, and Federal levels,
• to work with Natural Resources Conservation Service in drafting a volunteer nutrient management program for Idaho producers.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is opposed:

• to conservation dollars going to environmental groups who work against agriculture interests.

Resolution No Cons-1 – Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports wise use of CRP and CREP as natural resource tools. IGPA will work to make sure CRP and CREP will be used only on environmentally sensitive land.

Resolution No Cons-2 – CRP Best Management Practices (BMPs)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports CSP as a consistent, equitable and fully funded stand alone program with funding to be distributed by Farm Service Agency (FSA). IGPA also supports CSP as a continuous sign up program.

Resolution No Cons-3 – Comprehensive Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports CSP as a consistent, equitable and fully funded stand alone program with funding to be distributed by Farm Service Agency (FSA). IGPA also supports CSP as a continuous sign up program.

Resolution No Cons-4 – Soil Conservation Commission Consolidation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports maintaining the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission (ISCC) as a supporting Agency to local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The IGPA encourages voluntary conservation efforts and recognizes that local Soil and Water Conservation Districts can benefit and get more conservation practices employed with the partnership between Local and State NON-REGULATORY agencies
and the technical assistance provided by the ISCC.

Environmental

Environmental Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the recovery of salmon using the combination of native and non-native genes and utilization of improved collection and transportation systems,
• combating non-native predators such as birds, terns, sea lions etc, in salmon recovery efforts,
• current US food safety regulations and opposes stricter regulations that could reduce our ability to compete in world markets,
• substantial reform of the Endangered Species Act,
• alternative crop protection products,
• the reduction of non-point source pollution,
• opposes increased state or federal rules regulating dust from agricultural production practices.

Resolution No Env-1 – Crop Residue Disposal
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the use of burning as a Best Management Practice in managing heavy residue for effectively and efficiently eradicating and preventing pests and diseases while maintaining yields, protecting water quality, decreasing chemical use, and decreasing soil erosion on productive farm acres.

Resolution No Env-2 – Dam Removal
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will actively participate in the opposition to the removal of dams on the Snake River and the Columbia River.

Resolution No Env-3 – Flow Augmentation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes flow augmentation.

Resolution No Env-4 – Climate Change
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will support federal legislation that promotes comprehensive, science-based solutions to climate change that provides net benefits to Idaho producers.

Resolution No Env-5 – Blackfoot Bridge Mine
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the full authorization and permitting of the Blackfoot Bridge Mine as a necessary domestic supply of phosphorous, a critical component of glyphosate for grain producers and U.S. agriculture.

Resolution No Env-6 – Navigable Water
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes removing the term “navigable” from the Clean Water Act as proposed under HR 3787 the “Clean Water Restoration Act.

Resolution No ENV-7 – EPA Chemical Application Permitting 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the EPA to develop a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) chemical application permit and process that is flexible, practical and adheres with current state application programs.

Crop Protection

Crop Protection Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the use of science based data during the EPA’s chemical registration and re-registration process,
• and encourages Congress and USDA to monitor and ensure that EPA decisions are based on the best available science,
• and believes that the Idaho Department of Agriculture should retain regulatory authority for pesticide use in Idaho,
• and will work with the Idaho Department of Agriculture to support the pesticide licensing and education program,
• emergency registration such as Section 18,
• the administration rule change that removes Sec. VII consultation requirements for new chemical registrations,
• continued enforcement of organic standards for certification by the regulating authority.

Resolution No Crop-1 – Pesticide Harmonization
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports and encourages swift action on the efforts of stakeholders, the NAFTA Technical Working Group on Pesticides and other officials to harmonize the rules, regulations, labels and other provisions governing the use of crop chemicals and inputs across international borders – particularly between the U.S. and Canada.

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Marketing, Grain Quality, and Energy Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
M=Marketing
GQ=Grain Quality
En=Energy

Marketing

Marketing Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• increased federal funding to the U.S. Wheat Associates and the U.S. Grains Council to continue their efforts to develop markets,
• efforts to promote wheat and barley whole grain health benefits,
• the development of new agricultural based industries and technologies that will benefit rural economies.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages:

• the Secretary of Agriculture to continue food aid with AG commodities, GSM credits, Sec. 416 and PL 480 federal aid programs.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• all trade embargoes or sanctions, which inhibit the free export of all US agricultural products.

Resolution No M-1 – World Trade Organization (WTO)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the concepts of the US negotiating objectives in the WTO agricultural trade negotiations. The IGPA supports US negotiators pursuing a comprehensive trade reform package that addresses market access, export subsidies, state trading and equalization of domestic subsidies, IGPA further requests that US trade negotiators continue to support all domestic support programs included in the 2008Farm Bill.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA generally supports the US Administration’s agricultural trade negotiating goals in the Doha Round, but we are skeptical of deep cuts proposed by the Administration in the area of trade-distorting domestic subsidies. IGPA will continue to support the commodity loan program, the Loan Deficiency Program (LDP), the direct and counter cyclical payments and crop insurance subsidies. We urge USDA to conduct thorough economic analyses of the impact of such cuts on current US farm legislation and projected US farm income.

Resolution No M-2 – Transgenic Wheat and Barley
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the commercialization of transgenic wheat and barley by the US wheat and barley industries upon customer approval of acceptable tolerance levels.

Supporting Statement
Implementation: IGPA encourages research and customer/grower education of the benefits of transgenic wheat and barley.  IGPA encourages trade teams to visit research facilities and to be educated on the benefits of transgenic wheat and barley.

Resolution No M-3 – Trade Harmonization
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) recognizes the inequity of border access between the United States and Canada for grain commodities and related production inputs. The IGPA will focus on driving policy to move equal access to the borders and the harmonization of production inputs. IGPA will also focus on setting policy regarding appropriate grading and phytosanitary standards.

Resolution No M-4 – Developing Markets For Idaho Wheat
The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the Idaho Wheat Commission to continue to investigate and promote regional and variety specific wheat classes and quality parameters for the purpose of targeting domestic and overseas markets.

Resolution No M-5 – Hard White Wheat (HWW) Classification
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports creating a separate market classification for hard white wheat.

Supporting Statement
Hard White Wheat (HWW) is currently priced according to the hard red winter wheat market. Demand for identity preserved HWW justifies class distinction.

Resolution No M-6 – GSM Credit Program
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports continued availability and expansion of the GSM Credit program.

Resolution No M7 – Wheat Quality & Farm Service Agency (FSA) Marketing Loans
The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges FSA marketing loan quality discounts to be consistent with Risk Management Agency (RMA) crop insurance discounts.

Supporting Statement
FSA and RMA discounts from sprout and falling numbers are not consistent and cohesive between agencies.

Resolution No M8 – Developing Markets for Idaho Barley
The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the Idaho Barley Commission to continue to investigate and fund market development programs to expand and diversify market for malting, food and feed barley for domestic and international marketing channels.

Resolution No M9 – Columbia River Closure
The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages all segments of the wheat marketing chain to be pro-active on the proposed river closure in the winter of 2010-2011.

Grain Quality

Grain Quality Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) rules that require grain samples be maintained for a minimum of 10 days,
• improvements to the CUSUM loading system and the development of technology to identify different wheat classes,
• the licensing by FGIS of facilities that can provide official samples for the grain industry,
• regulations that require end-use testing for all future new grain releases,
• funding for wheat and barley quality workshops in the Pacific Northwest,
• the efforts of the Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission to encourage grain storage that preserves the quality and marketability of Idaho wheat and barley,
• FGIS establishing a federal grading standard for hulless barley that will allow it to qualify for marketing loans,
• TCK testing and continued funding of the Wheat Marketing Center TCK program,
• the Idaho Wheat Commission continuing research, identification and promotion of wheat varieties that best suit the needs of end users,
• the development of alternatives to open outside storage,
• the efforts of NAWG in collecting national data to address wheat quality issues facing Idaho wheat producers.

The Idaho Grain producers Association opposes:

• the use of oils as dust suppressants,
• the use of outside storage for Idaho grain,
• the use of malathion in farm stored grain.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will monitor:

• FGIS rule changes and notify growers of proposed changes.
• dockage charges by exporters.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association requests that the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission continue the crop quality survey.

Resolution No GQ-1 – Functionality Test
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports timely end use functionality tests for wheat & barley.

Supporting Statement
Customers are starting to demand functionality tests. A timely functionality test will provide customers the desired specifications.

Resolution No GQ-2 – Wheat Quality Tests
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports standardized wheat quality tests that are consistent, timely and reliable.

Supporting Statement
Sprout and falling numbers tests are inconsistent from test to test and across locations.

 

Energy

Energy Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• hydroelectric power and wind power as renewable power sources,
• and promotes utilization of Idaho’s agricultural biomass for industrial uses,
• National Association Wheat Growers advocacy efforts for cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel in Idaho,
• the development of cellulosic ethanol in Idaho,
• the national effort calling for 25% renewable fuels by the year 2025 (25×25).

Resolution No En-1 Utilization Of Biomass
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports federal and state incentives for the production and the utilization of Idaho’s agricultural biomass in industrial products.

Supporting Statement
Such utilization would reduce dependence on foreign oil imports, revitalize rural economies and provide new markets and revenue streams for grain producers.

Resolution No En-2 New Renewable Energy
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports establishing a new renewable energy portfolio for utilities within the state. Such a portfolio should include a goal of at least 15% of the states electricity consumption to be produced by new renewable generation by the year 2015.

Supporting Statement
The state’s electric utilities need direction on acquiring and purchasing power produced by independent power generators in the state. The recent utilization of wind-generated power has created opportunities for landowners throughout the state.

Resolution No En-3 Energy Incentives
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will support the Interim Energy Committee recommendation for legislation providing incentives for development of wind power, geothermal power, low head hydro, and the construction of transmission lines.

Resolution No En-4 – Nuclear Power
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the use of safe, responsible nuclear power.

Supporting Statement
Idaho Grain Producers Association supports maintaining or decreasing electrical costs.

Resolution No En-5 – Coal & Biomass Gasification
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports coal and biomass gasification to produce low sulfur diesel and nitrogen based fertilizer. The IGPA supports this technology under the requirements that the facilities are environmentally friendly operating at less than 10% of the air quality standards as well as a sufficient supply of biomass that is readily available.

Supporting Statement
There is a proposed coal gasification plant in Power County that has the ability to utilize 10% of its inputs from biomass. (straw, woodchips, etc.) This facility will produce daily 500 tons of ammonia, 1200 tons of urea, 1400 tons of UAN, and 58,000 gallons of diesel (Phase 1) and 350,000 gallons of diesel when Phase 2 is completed. 

Resolution No En-6 – Power Rates
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any growing season power rate increases and will support other associations efforts in opposing mid season power hikes.

Supporting Statement
In the past, rates have been increased throughout the growing season. Farmers do need a stable rate in order to budget appropriately for that year.

Resolution No En-7 – Public Utility Commission Power Rate Changes
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes inequitable Public Utility Commission power rate changes that discriminate between irrigation systems and domestic use.

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Public Relations, Membership Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
PR=Public Relations
MEMB=Membership

Public Relations

Public Relation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• membership and participation in ANRI-PAC , Columbia River Channel Deepening Coalition, Food Producers of Idaho, ICIE and the NAWG Wheat PAC,
• the efforts of the Wheat Foods Council and National Barley Foods Council,
• “Ag in the Classroom”, “Bread in a Bag” programs,
• full funding for National Association Wheat Growers and National Barley Growers Association on a production formula basis,
• the Leadership Idaho Agriculture (LIA) program and the involvement of IGPA members in its activities.

Resolution No Pr-1 “Idaho Grain” Magazine
The Idaho Grain Producers Association strongly supports a flexible collaboration for the publication of the “IDAHO GRAIN” magazine with the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission.

Supporting Statement
The “IDAHO GRAIN” magazine is the most effective tool for distributing education and information of the combined grain industry.

Resolution No Pr-2 Unified Working Relationship
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the National Association Wheat Growers, National Association Wheat Growers Foundation, and US Wheat Associates, to create and maintain a unified working relationship through consolidation.

Resolution No Pr-3 – Media Intervention
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports positive interaction with the media to promote the Idaho grain industry.

Supporting Statement
We need to encourage staff and board members to contact local media with positive news from the agriculture industry and farms.

Memebership

Membership Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• recruitment of women for active organizational involvement.

Resolution No Memb-1 – Increasing Membership
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) recommends the State Director or an officer in each county get at least one new member per year and/or work to maintain their membership.

Resolution No Memb-2 – One Day In County
The Idaho Grain Producers Association requests that the Executive Director or a member of the Executive Board spend one day in each organized county a year. Time would be spent with the County President and the Board of Directors to contact potential members in the county and associate members.

Resolution No Memb-3 – Convention Attendance
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) encourages all organized counties to provide a scholarship for members that have not previously attended an IGPA convention. The IGPA Executive Board will work with counties that have limited funding to locate and secure funding. Implementing methods of at least one new member from each county organization to the state convention will be forwarded to county executives.

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Research & Risk Management Committee Resolutions

Research Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• research to upgrade nutrient management recommendations,
• research on weeds, pests and diseases that threaten the cereal crops system,
• research on new food and nonfood uses for cereal grains and co-products,
• the continued multi-state research effort to attract new funds and pool existing funds for small grains research projects,
• the release of all wheat and barley varieties developed with public dollars that ensures access to said varieties by Idaho producers,
• identifying and recommending priorities for research faculty, extension faculty, and staff positions at the University of Idaho,
• the continued funding of the Cereal Rust Disease Initiative to address the threat posed to cereal production in the US,
• a systems approach to Best Management Practices (BMP).

Resolution No R-1 – Managing Invasive Weeds in Cereal Grains
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the research and education program to develop control practices for invasive weeds. The IGPA requests federal funding for the University of Idaho and other state agricultural experiment station’s including USDA-ARS and USDA-APHIS to develop control programs for invasive weeds.

Resolution No R-2 – Yield and Quality in Barley and Wheat Varieties
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recommends that the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission continue funding a varietal development program with priority towards developing widely adapted high yielding quality wheat and barley varieties.

Resolution No R-3 – Development of Varieties and Marketing of Hard White Wheat
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the development of a Hard White Wheat Initiative to develop new varieties that meet theneeds of producers in the Pacific Northwest and marketing strategies for hard white wheat.

Resolution No R-4 – Effect of Long Term Residue Removal in the Brad BrownProduction of Small Grains
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports research that addresses economic and agronomic questions regarding long term residue removal in small grain systems.

Resolution No R-5 Sustained Increases in Small Grains Research
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports a sustainable increase in investment of state and federal funding of small grains research, education, extension and infrastructure.

Supporting Statement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association is concerned about the steady decline in operating revenues related to small grains research. Increased investment in this area is vital to the future and effectiveness of grain production.

Resolution No R6 – Research & Extension Funding
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports full and stable funding for the University of Idaho Research and Extension System.

Supporting Statement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association is concerned about substantial reductions in state funding for the UI Research and Extension System. Inadequate financial resources are causing loss of long-term research information and essential technology transfer capability that will undermine the future of Idaho agriculture.

Resolution No R7 – Biotechnology
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the goals and policy statement of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) joint biotech committee regarding the research and market development of transgenic wheat.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA believes it is important to educate our legislators and consumers about the value of biotechnology.

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Risk Management

Risk Management Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the continuation and improvements of federal risk management programs, including crop insurance,
• funding for producers risk management education,
• risk management programs that are available to all growers in thePNW including Idaho on an equitable basis.

Resolution No. Rmgmt 1 – Animal Damage and APH
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recommends that the USDA Risk Management Agency address the issue of Actual Production History (APH) adjustments for uninsured causes (such as fire and wildlife damage) due to no fault of the grower.

Resolution No Rmgmt 2 – Pack Factor
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with RMA and FSAto consider changes to the ‘pack factor’ adjustments to more fairly account for farm-stored production at loss adjustments.

Resolution No Rmgmt 3 – Falling Numbers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) to include falling numbers on the discount table for adjustment purposes.

Resolution No Rmgmt 4 – Quality Triggers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports redefining grain quality triggers for insurance and Farm Service Agency purposes.

Resolution No Rmgmt 5 – Low Protein in Wheat
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports working with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) to include low protein wheat on the discount table for adjustment purposes.

 

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