2012 Resolutions

Congressional, Legislative, Tax, & Transportation Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
C=Congressional (US)
L=Legislative (ID)
T=Tax (ID)
Trans=Transportation
Approved: (11/16/11)

Congressional

Congressional Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the re-licensing of all power generating dams in the Pacific Northwest,
• planting flexibility provisions currently in the Farm Bill, including fair and open trade,
• federal disaster assistance programs provided they are not funded by farm bill baseline funding, 
• 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) programs that endorse exchange of 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
• EPA regulations of dust emissions from agriculture practices.

Resolution No C1 – 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 C2 – 2012 Farm Bill
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work actively with NAWG, NBGA, and other industry groups to advocate for federal farm programs that provide an adequate safety net for Idaho wheat and barley farmers.

Supporting Statement
Idaho wheat and barley farmers believe that federal farm programs should provide for a crop insurance program that both protects irrigated and dry land operations; a more localized revenue-based program; and robust authority for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Access Program (MAP) trade programs.

Resolution No C3 – Emergency Waiver for Agricultural Disasters 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports emergency waiver authority be given to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in special cases where administrative error disqualifies counties otherwise eligible for federal agriculture disaster designation.

Resolution No C4 – Alcohol Beverage Regulation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes legislation that would compromise existing federal authority over taxation, product composition, labeling, and advertising of alcoholic beverages in the U.S.

Supporting Statement
Public policy initiatives that impact volume and growth may ultimately disrupt purchases and the supply chain for malt barley producers. The IGPA is concerned that dramatic, regulatory restructuring could be detrimental to Idaho’s malt barley industry.

Resolution No C5 – Regulations Impacting Youth Workers in Agriculture
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any regulation that would limit the ability of farmers to legally employ youth to work in agriculture.

Supporting Statement
Proposed provisions by the U.S. Department of Labor to the Fair Labor Standards Act could negatively affect those involved in livestock and grain production, commodity transport, youth agricultural education, and other sectors.

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 that affect or could impact water access, availability and use in the state of Idaho and the region..

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 L6 – Recently Purchased Land
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports maintaining recently purchased state and county lands on the county tax rolls.

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

Resolution No L7 – Swan Falls Agreement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the Swan Falls Agreement as originally written.

Resolution No L8 – Commodity Indemnity Fund (CIF)
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 located outside state boundaries who are the first point of delivery.

Resolution No L9 – 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 L10 – Commission Assessment Rates
IGPA supports future increases in Idaho Barley Commission and Idaho Wheat Commission assessment rates that maintain programs of priority to wheat and barley growers.

Resolution No L11 – Trespass Code Change
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports Idaho Code pertaining to trespass that shifts the regulatory burden from the landowner to sportsmen or any other such trespasser on any and all private ground.

Supporting Statement
At present, landowners must post ground to keep people off. The relevant Idaho Code must be modified such that all privately owned land is restricted from sportsmen access or any other trespasser unless permission is granted by the landowner(s).

Resolution No L12 – Idaho Wheat & Barley Commission Assessment
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports and will advocate for legislation to amend applicable state code with language to provide the Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission with authority to adjust and set annual assessment levels not to exceed five (5) cents per bushel for wheat and not to exceed four (4) cents per hundred weight for barley.

Supporting Statement
The Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission are increasing investment into research, risk management and marketing efforts to ensure that Idaho wheat and barley producers remain competitive and profitable.  Monetary inflation and reductions in publicly-funded support for these efforts require additional support from growers.

Taxes

Tax Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• Section 179 of the IRS Code dealing with accelerated depreciation at a level not less than $250,000,
• the deferment of capital gains taxes when profits are placed in a qualified retirement plan,
• the research efforts of the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and encourages the Idaho legislature to adequately fund the Research and Extension Service of the college,
• 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 State of Idaho production tax exemption as it now stands,
• changing the homeowner’s exemption law that adversely shifts the tax burden to grain producers,
• the creation of a federal Value Added Tax (VAT).

Resolution No T1 – Highway Fuel Tax 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports distribution of Idaho highway fuel tax receipts to be used solely for highway infrastructure.

Resolution No T2 – Investment Tax Credit 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the reinstatement of the federal investment tax credit.

Resolution No T3 – Capital Gains Taxes
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports a reduction in capital gains taxes for properties held long-term.

Resolution No T4 – 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.

Resolution No T5 – Incentives for Small Brewers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports legislation that reduces the federal excise tax on brewers producing less than 2 million barrels of beer annually.

Supporting Statement
Legislation to cut by half the per barrel federal excise tax on the first 60,000 barrels of beer production mutually benefits small, craft brewers and barley producers through additional investment, job creation, and increased purchases of locally-sourced malt barley.

Resolution No T6 – State and Federal “Sin” Tax Increases
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes state and federal tax increases from current levels on beer sales and consumption as a means to boost general revenues.

Transportation

Transportation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the movement of permitted oversized loads in the state of Idaho,

• maintaining and improvingthe Snake & Columbia River transportation system and facilities,
• 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 Columbia River jetty project.
• the establishment of, and encourages activity and agriculture representation in, the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) Trucking Advisory Council.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes:

• the proposed CANAMEX corridor until the federal government eliminates the current weight disadvantage to Idaho carriers.
• federal regulations requiring farmers to have a Commercial Driver’s License for operation of farm equipment and trucks.

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

Supporting Statement
The IGPA recognizes the efforts by the Alliance for Rail Competition (ARC) 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 reciprocity agreements of farmer carriers delivering their own products across state lines.

Resolution No Trans 3 – Uniform Truck Weights (Federal)
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports legislation permitting 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 supports an increase in funding for road improvement from multiple sources to be split equitably with locals (defined as cities fewer than five thousand (5,000) 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 an increase of funds for improving roads is necessary.

Resolution No Trans 6 – US Department of Transportation Truck 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.

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

Resolution No Trans 9 – Barge Surcharges
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes imposition of barge surcharges applied to bulk commodity shipments on the Snake and Columbia River System due to lock outage work.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA supports barge movements and the ability to access a critical method to move Idaho-based grain to foreign markets.  However, surcharges levied in this nature and with no consultation and little forewarning threaten Idaho’s grain producers and their market competitiveness. 

Resolution No Trans 10 – Port of Lewiston Dock Expansion
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the Port of Lewiston’s efforts to expand the loading dock to provide for increased operating efficiencies and continued competitiveness for Idaho’s grain growers.

Supporting Statement
As Idaho’s only seaport and the most inland port on the west coast, the Port of Lewiston exports agricultural products from Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, the Dakotas and Wyoming.  This extension is critical to the continued export of agricultural products into the future. 

Resolution No Trans 11 – Federal Hours-of-Service Exemption for Anhydrous Ammonia Transport
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) two-year limited exemption from the federal Hours-of-Service regulations for the transport of anhydrous ammonia from any distribution point to the farm retailer or ultimate consumer.

Conservation, Environmental, Crop Protection Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
Cons=Conservation
E=Environmental
CP=Crop Protection
Approved: (11/16/11)

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 funding sources that encourage the use of tillage practices to improve air, water, and soil quality,
• the concept of the “Idaho One Plan”,
• Idaho and adjoining sister states enforcing noxious weed laws and efforts to educate the public,
• the “Solutions To Environment and Economic Problems Stage III” research program (STEEP III),
• new funding for conservation practices,
• consistent implementation and interpretation of conservation programs and regulations between Idaho and its sister states,
• the goals and mission of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will continue:

• to monitor all conservationprogram 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 the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 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 supports wise use of the CRP and CREP programs 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)
To protect surrounding farmland and improve wildlife habitat, IGPA supports enforcement of BMPs on CRP lands to control insects and weeds. We also support the early grazing of CRP.

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

Resolution No Cons 4 – Conservation Reserve Program Funding
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports cuts to the Conservation Reserve Program and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program funding in an equitable percentage to other farm programs.

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 predatorssuch 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 federal Endangered Species Act (ESA),
• alternative crop protection products,
• the reduction of non-point source pollution,
• the full authorization and permitting of mines supplying agricultural raw materials.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is opposed to:

• 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.
Supporting Statement
The IGPA will continue to represent Idaho grain farmers on the Idaho DEQ Crop Residue Burning Advisory Board.

Resolution No Env 2 – Small Crop Residue Disposal Program
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports efforts to establish a crop residue disposal program administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for small or de minimus spot burning and bale residue removal.

Resolution No Env 3 – Dam Removal
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will actively participate in opposition to the removal of dams on the Snake and Columbia River systems.

Resolution No Env 4 – Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with its counterparts in Oregon and Washington to ensure that producer access and use of legal crop chemicals is not threatened by federal actions to reduce or eliminate toxics in the Columbia River Basin.

Resolution No Env 5 – Flow Augmentation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes mandatory flow augmentation.

Resolution No Env 6 – Climate Change
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will oppose federal climate change legislation that adversely impacts the viability of Idaho grain producers.

Resolution No Env 7 – Navigable Water
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes removing the term “navigable” from the Clean Water Act and any attempts by Congress or federal agencies to redefine or otherwise make any changes to this term that would negatively impact U.S. agriculture.

Resolution No Env 8 – EPA Chemical Application Permitting 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the US Environmental Protection Agency 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.

Resolution No Env 9 – Giant Palouse Earthworm Endangered Species Designation
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any attempt to designate as endangered or threatened the Giant Palouse Earthworm until and unless comprehensive peer reviewed studies are conducted and scientifically sound data are gathered providing evidence to the assumption.

Supporting Statement
Any study of this nature must include an analysis detailing the economic impact of such designation on agricultural production within the affected area.

Resolution No. Env 10 – Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasure Program
The Idaho Grain Producers Association is opposed to burdensome, impractical, and unnecessary EPA regulations under the proposed Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) program.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA supports the delay until May 2013 for the full implementation of the EPA SPCC program. This will allow for additional clarity and implementation time for farmers regarding the regulations and requirements of the EPA SPCC program.

Crop Protection

Crop Protection Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• the use of science-based data during the US EPA’s chemical registration and re-registration process,
• and encourages Congress and the USDA to monitor and ensure that EPA decisions are based on the best available science,
• the Idaho State Department of Agriculture retaining 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,
• the intention and regulations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Resolution No Crop-1 – Pesticide Harmonization
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports and encourages swift action on the efforts of stakeholders, the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) 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 US and Canada.

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Marketing, Grain Quality, and Energy Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
M=Marketing
GQ=Grain Quality
En=Energy
Approved: (11/16/11)

 

Marketing

Marketing Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• increased federalfunding to the US Wheat Associates (USW) and the US Grains Council (USGC) to continue their market development efforts,
• 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 market development programs administered by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and requests their continued cooperation and collaboration with the Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission,
• continued investment in grain storage and related infrastructure along the Columbia and Snake River System in providing increased economic activity and marketing opportunities for Pacific Northwest grain producers.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages:

• the US Secretary of Agriculture to continue food aid with agricultural commodities, export credit guarantee (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 US agricultural products.
• reductions to funds administered by the USDA for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) and the Market Access Program (MAP).

Resolution No M1 – 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. The IGPA further requests that US trade negotiators continue to support all domestic farm support programs included in the 2008Farm Bill.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA generally supports the US Administration’s agricultural trade negotiating goals in the WTO Doha Round, but we are skeptical of proposed cuts in the area of trade-distorting domestic subsidies. The IGPA will continue to support the commodity loan program, the Loan Deficiency Program (LDP), the direct and counter cyclical payments (DCP), and the crop insurance safety net.

Resolution No M2 – Transgenic Wheat and Barley
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the commercialization of transgenic wheat and barleythrough public and private research effortsupon customer approval of acceptable tolerance levels.

Supporting Statement
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 M3– Trade Harmonization
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recognizes the inequity of border access between the United States and Canada for grain commodities and related production inputs.  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 M4 – 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. We encourage the USDA to segregate statistics on HWW and soft white wheat (SWW).

Resolution No M5 – General Sales Manager (GSM) Credit Program 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports continued availability and expansion of the USDA-administered GSM credit program.

Resolution No M6 – 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.

Resolution No M7 – Trans-Pacific Partnership
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports U.S. engagement in regional free trade negotiations under the auspices of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Supporting Statement
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is an Asia-Pacific regional trade agreement currently being negotiated among the United States and the eight Pacific Rim countries of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.  This agreement should expand market access for U.S. wheat and barley.

Grain Quality

Grain Quality Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) rules that require grain samples to be maintained for a minimum of 10 days,
• improvements to the Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) loading system and the development of technology to identify different wheat classes,

• the licensing by USDA-FGIS offacilities that can provide official samples for the grain industry,
• regulations that require end-use testing for all future new grain releases,
• 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,
• Tilletia Controversa Kuhn (TCK) testing and continued funding of the US Wheat Marketing Center TCK program,
• the Idaho Wheat Commission continuing research, identification, and educationof wheat varieties that best suit the needs of end users and producers,
• the development of alternatives to open outside storage,
• the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission continuing the crop quality survey,
• the efforts of the Idaho Wheat Commission in educating producers, buyers and end users with regard to falling numbers issues and the  options available to them.

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-usefunctionality tests for wheat & barley.

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.

Resolution No GQ 3 – Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the formal chartering of the PNW Wheat Quality Council.

Supporting Statement
The Wheat Quality Council has existed for many years as a voluntary group.  The Council, consisting of domestic millers, evaluates the quality of pre-release wheat varieties and plays a major role in market acceptance.

 

Energy

Energy Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• hydroelectric and wind poweras renewable energy sources,
• and promotes utilization of Idaho’s agricultural biomass for industrial uses,
• National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) 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 – Renewable Energy
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports establishing a renewable energy portfolio for utilities within Idaho.

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 – Private Renewable Energy Development
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any statewide moratorium on additional renewable energy generation including wind power.

Supporting Statement
The IGPA supports private property rights and believes zoning decisions on siting new wind farms should remain at the local level.

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

Resolution No En 5 – Coal & Biomass Gasification
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports clean coal and biomass gasification to produce low sulfur diesel and nitrogen-based fertilizer.

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

Supporting Statement
In the past, rates have increased throughout the growing season.  Farmers 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 shall take an active role in challenging future power rate increases for irrigators.
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Public Relations, Membership Committee Resolutions

Subsections:
PR=Public Relations
MEMB=Membership
Approved: (11/16/11)

Public Relations

Public Relation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• membership and participation in Agriculture and Natural Resource Industry PAC (ANRIPAC),Columbia RiverChannel Deepening Coalition, Food Producers of Idaho, Idaho Council on Industry and Environment (ICIE),the National Association of Wheat Growers PAC (NAWG), and Coalition For Idaho Water,
• the efforts of the Wheat Foods Council and National Barley Foods Council,
• the “Ag in the Classroom” and “Bread in a Bag” programs,
• full funding for National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, U.S. Wheat Associates, and the U.S. Grains Council,
• the Leadership Idaho Agriculture (LIA) program and the involvement of IGPA members in its activities,
• IGPA involvement in the Wheat Organization Leaders of the Future (WOLF) and the Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT) programs,
• participation in the annual Pacific Northwest Wheat Marketing Tour,
• and encourages participation in the annual statewide University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research and Extension cereal schools.

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 a tool for distributing education and information to the grain industry.

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

Resolution No Pr 3 – Media Interaction 
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.

Resolution No Pr 4 – Social Media
The Idaho Grains Producers Association supports the use of social media including Facebook, blogs, and webinars to share with and provide education and advocacy to its membership of the activities of the Association.

Membership

Membership Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• recruitment of women for active organizational involvement,
• involvement of young producers in all activities of the Association,
• finding new and innovative ways to maintain and gain membership.

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.

Resolution No Memb 4 – “Idaho Grain” Monthly Newsletter
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will provide to its membership a monthly newsletter of the Association’s activities and related industry news as a unique benefit and a means to increase communication and information sharing.

Resolution No Memb 5 – Legislative Updates
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will provide to its membership a weekly or bi-weekly update regarding state legislative activities and related industry news throughout the legislative session as a unique benefit and a means to increase communication and information sharing.

 

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Research & Risk Management Committee Resolutions

SUBSECTIONS:
R=Research
Rmgmt=Risk Management
Approved: (11/16/11)

Research Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• research toupgrade nutrient managementrecommendations,
• 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 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS),
• 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),
• the involvement in and efforts of the National Wheat Improvement Committee and the National Barley Improvement Committee,
• the updating of T-Yields for crops in our region, specifically barley, with new yields being  implemented in 2013

Resolution No R1 -Managing Invasive and Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Cereal Grains
The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the research and education program that develops control practices for invasive and herbicide resistant weeds.  The IGPA requests federal funding for the University of Idaho and other state agricultural experiment stations, including USDA-ARS and USDA-APHIS, to develop control programs for invasive and herbicide resistant weeds.

Resolution No R2 – 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 avarietal program with priority towards developing widely adaptable, high yielding quality wheat and barley varieties.

Resolution No R3 – Development of Varieties and Marketing of Hard White Wheat
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the development of a Hard White Wheat (HWW) Initiative to develop new varieties that meet theneeds of Pacific Northwest producers and end users along with marketing strategies for hard white wheat.

Resolution No R4 – Effect of Long Term Residue Removal in the Production 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 R5 – 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 funds related to small grains research.  Increased investment in this area is vital to the future and effectiveness of grain production.

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

Supporting Statement
The Idaho Grain Producers Association is concerned about substantial reductions in state funding for the UI Agriculture 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 US 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. The IGPA supports the NAWG and USW “Wheat Industry Biotechnology Principles for Commercialization” joint position paper.

Resolution No R8 – Tri-State Research Collaboration
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recommends the Idaho Wheat and Barley Commissions collaborate with their counterparts in Washington and Oregon to maximize the research and education programs among the University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Oregon State University.

Supporting Statement
Increasingly limited funding and heightened demand for technology to conduct agricultural research and extension programs requires greater efficiency and effectiveness between industry and Pacific Northwest land-grant universities. Every effort should be made to ensure that agriculture research programs be relevant, non-duplicative, and cutting edge.

Resolution No R9 – TCK Smut Research Position
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recommends ARS to maintain TCK Smut research capability at ARS-Aberdeen.

Resolution No R10 – Cereal Grains Research and Extension Initiative
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports legislative efforts to create a Cereal Grains Research Initiative (CGRI) that enhances federal funding for cereal research to address the critical needs of wheat and barley growers.

Supporting Statement
The CGRI will focus on developing and disseminating science-based tools specific to crop and regional needs for yield, product quality and functionality, environmental responses and tolerances, nutrient management, pest and disease management, and enhanced nutritional content.

Resolution No R11 – Aberdeen Agriculture Research Service – Barley
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports enhanced funding for federal barley research at the USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Small Grains Research Program in Aberdeen, Idaho.

Resolution No R12 – Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the protection of intellectual property, including education about the importance of complying with Plant Variety Protection (PVP)/seed contract and stewardship provisions as well as the enforcement of those provisions.

Resolution No R13 – Public/Private Research Relationships at the University of Idaho 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the University of Idaho seeking opportunities of public/private partnerships that would have long term benefits to producers.

Resolution No R14 – Wheat Research and Education Initiative 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the Idaho Wheat Commission in the development and implementation of a wheat research and education initiative.

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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 thePacific Northwest, including Idaho, on an equitable basis.
• the Common Crop Insurance Policy to consolidate and simplify the paperwork process while maintaining protection benefits to wheat and barley producers,
• the Malting Barley Price and Quality Endorsement (MBPQE) and specialty barley crop insurance programs administered by the USDA Risk Management Agency.

Resolution No Rmgmt 1 – Actual Production History (APH) Adjustments for Animal Damage & Fire
The Idaho Grain Producers Association recommends that the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) continue to support catastrophic yield adjustments on an individual’s Actual Production History (APH) yield to mitigate the effect of catastrophic causes (such as fire and wildlife damage) due to no fault of the grower.

Resolution No Rmgmt 2 – Pack Factors 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work with the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) and USDA-Agriculture Research Service to support the RMA commissioned study to evaluate Pack Factors.

Supporting Statement
The Agriculture Research Service began a study in 2009 to evaluate the Pack Factors for wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, oats, and barley in storage.  Thus far, Pack Factors include variables such as grain type, moisture, test weight and bin geometry.  The final report is due April 2014.

Resolution No Rmgmt 3 – Falling Numbers
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the USDA Risk Management Agency’s falling numbers adjustments for soft white, hard red spring, hard white, and durum wheat and will work with the RMA to include falling numbers on the discount table for remaining wheat classes.

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

Resolution No Rmgmt 6 – Crop Margin Coverage
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the concept and further development of the Crop Margin Coverage that seeks to protect producer profit margins from input price volatility.

Resolution No Rmgmt 7 – Effective Insurance Coverage Dates for Fall Planted Wheat
The USDA Risk Management Agency should attach coverage on fall wheat at time of planting rather than the final planting date.

Resolution No Rmgmt 8 – Common Crop Reporting Dates and System 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the implementation of a streamlined system that allows the producer to report planting dates and yield data one time only, and have that information available to both USDA Risk Management Agency and USDA Farm Service Agency.

Resolution No Rmgmt 9 – Federal Crop Insurance Premium Payment Dates 
The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes the movement of the 2012 premium due date from October 31, 2012 to August 15, 2012.  We encourage Congress to maintain the current crop insurance premium payment dates.

Supporting Statement
Proposed changes to an earlier premium date will force producers carrying Federal Crop Insurance to pay two insurance premiums in one crop year and would also compete with harvest activities.

Resolution No Rmgmt No 10 – Allocation of Replant Payments
The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages and supports USDA Risk Management Agency to draft language that will provide an insurance option allowing the lessee to receive all the replant payments if they are incurring all of the replant costs.

 

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