2020 Resolutions

CONSERVATION-ENVIRONMENTAL-CROP PROTECTION COMMITTEE

SUBSECTIONS:
Cons = Conservation
Env = Environmental
Crop = Crop Protection
Approved 11/14/19: Scott Fuhriman, Chair

CONSERVATION

Conservation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• grower-developed tillage practices and Best Management Practices which are economically feasible to meet conservation plans,
• increasing funding sources that encourage the use of tillage practices to improve air, water, and soil quality,
• Idaho and neighboring states enforcing noxious weed laws and educating the public on noxious and invasive species,
• new funding for conservation practices,
• consistent implementation and interpretation of conservation programs and regulations between

Idaho counties and other states,

• the goals and mission of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission,
• efforts to streamline and consolidate data use and application between government agencies.

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.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is opposed

• to conservation dollars funding environmental groups who work against agriculture interests,
• to conservation compliance being linked to participation in federal crop insurance

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, CREP, and SAFE programs as natural resource tools.  IGPA will work to ensure these programs will be targeted only to environmentally sensitive land.  We support CRP and SAFE rental rates being capped at or below 88% of the average county cash rental rate.

Resolution No Cons 2 – Conservation Reserve Program Best Management Practices (BMPs)

In order 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. 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.

Resolution No Cons 5 – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports voluntary, incentive-based conservation as delivered through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, including funding for technical assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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 predators such as birds, terns, sea lions, etc. in salmon recovery efforts,
• current U.S. 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,
• modifying the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to take into consideration the economic impact of recovering endangered species.

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.  IGPA continues to support the Idaho DEQ Crop Residue Burning Advisory Board and its use of reasonable and safe air quality standards for determining acceptable burn days.

Resolution No Env 2 – Dam Removal

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will actively oppose the removal of dams on the Snake and Columbia River systems.

Resolution No Env 3 – Flow Augmentation

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes mandatory flow augmentation as a method to promote fish habitat and survival.

Resolution No Env 4 – Climate Change

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will monitor climate change legislation and support legislation that does not adversely impact the viability of Idaho grain producers.

Supporting Statement

The evaluation of agriculture’s carbon emissions should take into account the ability of the agricultural enterprise to sequester carbon. Efforts to combat climate change must focus on innovative solutions rather than taxes.

Resolution No Env 5 – Navigable Water (Waters of the United States-WOTUS)

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.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA opposes and seeks immediate withdrawal of the EPA’s proposed and interpretive rules released in 2014. As written, the WOTUS rules will significantly expand Clean Water Act regulation and cause major harm to U.S. agriculture.

Resolution No Env 6 – EPA Chemical Application Permitting

The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the U.S. 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.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports exploration into the State of Idaho taking primacy over the NPDES permit process for chemical applications. 

Resolution No Env 7 – Endangered Species Designation

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any attempt to designate as endangered or threatened any species 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 8 – Agriculture as a Point Source of Pollution

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes federal, state, or local designation of any agricultural crop production practice as a point source of pollution.  Crop production has historically been regarded as a “non-point” source of pollution under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Resolution No Env 9 – Buffer Zones

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes establishing buffer zones in excess of label recommendations for Waters of the United States (WOTUS).

Resolution No Env 10 – Fugitive Emissions

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes environmental rules and regulations seeking to penalize farmers for fugitive emissions from dust deriving from generally accepted and responsible agriculture practices.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports the adoption of Idaho DEQ rules exempting growers from fugitive dust regulations if said growers engage in commonly accepted farming practices. 

Resolution No Env 11 – Invasive Species

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports adequate funding for ISDA’s Invasive Species program.  IGPA would prefer a federal program that would stop invasive species spread at its source.  Lacking any federal program, we support Idaho’s current program.

Resolution No Env 12 – Crop Protection

We support the safe, labeled use of crop protection chemicals and science-based approaches to labeling and registration, including the environmentally safe and efficient chemical glyphosate.

CROP PROTECTION

Crop Protection Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• the use of science-based data in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s chemical registrationand 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,
• working with the Idaho Department of Agriculture to conduct the pesticide licensing and education program,
• emergency use of pesticides as provided under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA),
• the administration rule change that removes Section 7(a)(2) consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 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 continued action on the efforts of stakeholders 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.

Resolution No Crop 2 – Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the continued authorization and goal of PRIA to create a

more predictable evaluation process by the Environmental Protection Agency for affected pesticide decisions and promotes a shorter decision review period for reduced-risk applications.

Resolution No Crop 3 – Fusarium Head Blight (Scab)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports increased awareness of research and production practices that minimize or prevent the impact of Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA recognizes that Fusarium head blight is becoming a significant threat to wheat and barley production in Idaho.  The fungus reduces yields and quality in wheat and barley and can pose a threat to human and animal health.

SUBSECTIONS:

Cons = Conservation

Env = Environmental

Crop = Crop Protection

Approved 11/14/19: Scott Fuhriman, Chair

CONSERVATION

Conservation Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• grower-developed tillage practices and Best Management Practices which are economically feasible to meet conservation plans,
• increasing funding sources that encourage the use of tillage practices to improve air, water, and soil quality,
• Idaho and neighboring states enforcing noxious weed laws and educating the public on noxious and invasive species,
• new funding for conservation practices,
• consistent implementation and interpretation of conservation programs and regulations between

Idaho counties and other states,

• the goals and mission of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission,
• efforts to streamline and consolidate data use and application between government agencies.

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.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is opposed

• to conservation dollars funding environmental groups who work against agriculture interests,
• to conservation compliance being linked to participation in federal crop insurance

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, CREP, and SAFE programs as natural resource tools.  IGPA will work to ensure these programs will be targeted only to environmentally sensitive land.  We support CRP and SAFE rental rates being capped at or below 88% of the average county cash rental rate.

Resolution No Cons 2 – Conservation Reserve Program Best Management Practices (BMPs)

In order 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. 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.

Resolution No Cons 5 – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports voluntary, incentive-based conservation as delivered through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, including funding for technical assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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 predators such as birds, terns, sea lions, etc. in salmon recovery efforts,
• current U.S. 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,
• modifying the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to take into consideration the economic impact of recovering endangered species.

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.  IGPA continues to support the Idaho DEQ Crop Residue Burning Advisory Board and its use of reasonable and safe air quality standards for determining acceptable burn days.

Resolution No Env 2 – Dam Removal

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will actively oppose the removal of dams on the Snake and Columbia River systems.

Resolution No Env 3 – Flow Augmentation

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes mandatory flow augmentation as a method to promote fish habitat and survival.

Resolution No Env 4 – Climate Change

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will monitor climate change legislation and support legislation that does not adversely impact the viability of Idaho grain producers.

Supporting Statement

The evaluation of agriculture’s carbon emissions should take into account the ability of the agricultural enterprise to sequester carbon. Efforts to combat climate change must focus on innovative solutions rather than taxes.

Resolution No Env 5 – Navigable Water (Waters of the United States-WOTUS)

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.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA opposes and seeks immediate withdrawal of the EPA’s proposed and interpretive rules released in 2014. As written, the WOTUS rules will significantly expand Clean Water Act regulation and cause major harm to U.S. agriculture.

Resolution No Env 6 – EPA Chemical Application Permitting

The Idaho Grain Producers Association urges the U.S. 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.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports exploration into the State of Idaho taking primacy over the NPDES permit process for chemical applications. 

Resolution No Env 7 – Endangered Species Designation

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any attempt to designate as endangered or threatened any species 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 8 – Agriculture as a Point Source of Pollution

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes federal, state, or local designation of any agricultural crop production practice as a point source of pollution.  Crop production has historically been regarded as a “non-point” source of pollution under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Resolution No Env 9 – Buffer Zones

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes establishing buffer zones in excess of label recommendations for Waters of the United States (WOTUS).

Resolution No Env 10 – Fugitive Emissions

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes environmental rules and regulations seeking to penalize farmers for fugitive emissions from dust deriving from generally accepted and responsible agriculture practices.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports the adoption of Idaho DEQ rules exempting growers from fugitive dust regulations if said growers engage in commonly accepted farming practices.

Resolution No Env 11 – Invasive Species

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports adequate funding for ISDA’s Invasive Species program.  IGPA would prefer a federal program that would stop invasive species spread at its source.  Lacking any federal program, we support Idaho’s current program.

Resolution No Env 12 – Crop Protection

We support the safe, labeled use of crop protection chemicals and science-based approaches to labeling and registration, including the environmentally safe and efficient chemical glyphosate.

CROP PROTECTION

Crop Protection Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• the use of science-based data in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’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,
• working with the Idaho Department of Agriculture to conduct the pesticide licensing and education program,
• emergency use of pesticides as provided under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA),
• the administration rule change that removes Section 7(a)(2) consultation requirements

under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 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 continued action on the efforts of stakeholders 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.

Resolution No Crop 2 – Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the continued authorization and goal of PRIA to create a

more predictable evaluation process by the Environmental Protection Agency for affected pesticide decisions and promotes a shorter decision review period for reduced-risk applications.

Resolution No Crop 3 – Fusarium Head Blight (Scab)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports increased awareness of research and production practices that minimize or prevent the impact of Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA recognizes that Fusarium head blight is becoming a significant threat to wheat and barley production in Idaho.  The fungus reduces yields and quality in wheat and barley and can pose a threat to human and animal health.

MARKETING, GRAIN QUALITY & ENERGY COMMITTEE

SUBSECTIONS:
M = Marketing
GQ = Grain Quality
En = Energy
Approved 11/14/19:  Tim Freeburg, Chair

MARKETING

Marketing Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• increased federal funding to the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to continue their market development efforts,
• efforts to promote the whole-grain health benefits of wheat, barley, and other cereal grains,
• the development of new agricultural-based industries and technologies that will benefit rural economies,
• the market and trade 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 which provides increased economic activity and marketing opportunities for Pacific Northwest grain producers,
• maintaining or increasing funds administered by the USDA for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) and the Market Access Program (MAP).

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages

• the continuation of food aid using agricultural commodities.

Resolution No M1 – World Trade Organization (WTO)

The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) supports the concepts of the U.S. negotiating objectives in the WTO agricultural trade negotiations. IGPA supports U.S. negotiators pursuing a comprehensive trade reform package that addresses market access, export subsidies, state trading, and equalization of domestic subsidies.

Resolution No M2 – Transgenic Wheat and Barley

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the commercialization of transgenic wheat and barley

through public and private research efforts upon 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 – 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 M4 – General Sales Manager (GSM) Credit Program

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports continued availability of the USDA administered GSM credit program.

Resolution No M5 – 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 M6 – Pacific Northwest Wheat Marketing Center Legislative Tours

The Idaho Grain Producers Association, in collaboration with the Idaho Wheat Commission, supports conducting legislative tours of the Pacific Northwest Wheat Marketing Center and facilities of the Port of Portland as an educational tool for Idaho state legislators and other key government officials.

Supporting Statement

IGPA encourages collaboration with all industries involved with cereal grains for the purpose of industry education and promotion.

Resolution No M7 – Disruption of Federal Grain Inspection Service Weighing & Inspection Services

The Idaho Grain Producers Association requests that the USDA take all actions necessary to fulfill its statutory obligation to provide official inspection and weighing services at grain export elevator facilities, including prompt replacement of official personnel from other designated or delegated official agencies, or with FGIS official personnel, if a designated or delegated official agency does not provide such service.

Supporting Statement

American farmers, grain handlers, exporters, and foreign customers depend upon accurate, timely, and cost-effective delivery of mandated impartial third-party official inspection services administered by FGIS and its designated and delegated agencies.

Resolution No M8 – USMCA

The Idaho Grain Producers Association strongly supports free trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Supporting Statement

IGPA believes that USMCA is extremely important to the agricultural industry, both in Idaho and the United States.

Resolution No M9 – Free Trade Agreements

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports all free and fair trade agreements, and expeditious negotiation of agreements to increase agricultural trade.

Resolution No M10 – GMO Food Labeling

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the monitoring of GMO food labeling standards.

Support Statement

IGPA supports the implementation of a compromise law mandating the labeling of foods containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients so long as the law preempts all state action on this issue, consumers can be educated about the safety and benefits of GMOs in the process, companies can use a variety of methods to label their products, small business owners are protected from overly burdensome requirements, and includes a definition of biotechnology that does not include the broad range of new breeding techniques.    

Resolution No M12 – Consumer Education

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages the research, as well as customer and grower education on the value and benefits of the production methods known as GMO farming, including how GMO crops allow farmers to produce food with less water, land, energy, and pesticides.  There should be clear recognition that the wheat and barley planted and grown within the United States does not use GMO farming practices.

Resolution No M13 – Plant Breeding Education

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages consumer education on innovative and safe plant breeding practices.

Resolution No M14 – Lifting Trade Embargoes

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages lifting all trade embargoes, tariffs, or sanctions which inhibit the free export of U.S. agriculture products.

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,
• the USDA-FGIS licensing of facilities 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 through the development of alternatives to open outside storage,
• the Idaho Wheat and Barley Commissions continuing research, identification, and education of wheat and barley varieties that best suit the needs of end users and producers,
• 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 mission of the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Lab
• the development of other cereal grain quality standards.

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

• USDA-FGIS rule changes and notify growers of proposed changes,
• dockage charges by grain buyers.

Resolution No GQ1 – Functionality Test

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports timely end-use functionality tests for wheat and barley.

Resolution No GQ2 – Wheat Quality Tests

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports standardized wheat quality tests that are consistent, timely, and reliable.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports the Idaho Wheat Commission’s ongoing educational efforts providing growers with important information about their options when facing wheat quality challenges.

Resolution No GQ3 – Falling Numbers

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports further research into the causes of low falling numbers.

Supporting Statement

Falling numbers affect the marketability of grain.  We need further research into potential environmental and/or genetic causes.

Resolution No GQ4 – Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the collaboration with, and goals of, the Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council.

Supporting Statement

The Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council is a not-for-profit organization comprised of wheat breeders, cereal chemists, producers, marketers, inspectors, processors, and users of wheat. The Council aims to solicit and evaluate advanced-generation wheat breeding lines, thereby providing direct feedback to the merits of individual breeding lines and more general information as to the technical requirements of wheat end-users.

Resolution No GQ5 – Standardized Grain Sampling Method

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports a standardized probing method for sampling grain.

Supporting Statement

Not all sampling methods are representative of grain being delivered.  The potential of human error is decreased by probing.

ENERGY

Energy Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• economically viable renewable energy sources,
• and promotes utilization of Idaho’s agricultural biomass for industrial uses,
• National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) advocacy and development efforts for cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will monitor

• the national effort calling for 25% renewable fuels by the year 2025 (25×25).

Resolution No En1 – 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 En2 – Renewable Energy

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports establishing an economically viable renewable energy portfolio for utilities within Idaho.

Resolution No En3 – Private Renewable Energy Development

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes any statewide moratorium on additional renewable energy generation.

Supporting Statement

The IGPA supports private property rights and believes zoning decisions affecting renewable energy sources remain at the local level.

Resolution No En4 – Nuclear Power

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the use of safe, responsible nuclear power.

Resolution No En5 – 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 En6 – Public Utility Commission Power Rate Changes

The Idaho Grain Producers Association shall take an active role in challenging future power rate increases for irrigators.

Resolution No En7 – Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the mission of the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in regulating the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas resources on private, state, and federal land.

Supporting Statement

Administered by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the Commission oversees the efficient recovery of oil and gas, the protection of correlative rights, and the protection of fresh water supplies per Idaho law.

 PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

SUBSECTIONS:
PR=Public Relations MEMB=Membership
Kyle Wangemann, Chair

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public Relations Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports:

• membership and participation in Agriculture and Natural Resource Industry PAC (ANRIPAC), Columbia River Channel 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 mission and efforts of the National Wheat Foundation,
• the Leadership Idaho Agriculture (LIA) program and the involvement of IGPA members in its activities,
• developing leadership skills in grain growers.
• participation in the annual Pacific Northwest Wheat Marketing Tour,
• participation in the annual statewide University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research and Extension cereal schools,
• the Idaho Wheat and Barley Political Action Committee supporting agriculture friendly state legislative candidates and the Idaho Grain Political Action Committee supporting agriculture friendly federal candidates.

Resolution No Pr 1 – Communications: Grower/Member Relations

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is committed to communications efforts to our grower members utilizing the following methods:

• Texting Program: Designed to communicate in a timely manner with the IGPA membership, this program allows staff to deliver timely information as well as call-to-action items.
• Newsletter: Quarterly publication serves the membership of IGPA with current news on grain related topics, both at the state and the national level, as well as activities of the association.
• Harvester: Bi-monthly publication serves the membership of IGPA with quick snippets of news stories, articles, issues and social media posts.
• Legislative Update: Weekly update of legislative items and related industry news each week during legislative session.

Resolution No Pr 2 – Communications: Media, Other Ag Groups, General Public Relations

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is committed to continued communications efforts with the media, general public, and other industry members, utilizing the following methods:

• 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.
• Social Media: The Idaho Grains Producers Association supports the use of social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogs, and webinars to interact with and provide information of the activities of the Association to our followers.
• Media Interaction: The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports positive interaction and outreach with the media to promote the Idaho grain industry.
• Website: The Idaho Grain Producers Association is committed to continuous monitoring of IGPA website for necessary updates and better navigation. Maintaining a user-friendly website to educate and advocate for the IGPA mission.
• Strategic Partnerships: The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports working more cohesively with other Ag related entities (i.e. Idaho Wine Commission, Idaho Dept. of Agriculture) on various public relations activities. Particularly joining forces for media tours or farmer tours to showcase our state in a positive light and to educate the media and public in general about who we are and what IGPA does.

Resolution No Pr 3 – Unified Working Relationship, Wheat

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National

Wheat Foundation, and the US Wheat Associates in creating and maintaining a unified working relationship.

Resolution No Pr 4 – Unified Working Relationship, Barley

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the National Barley Growers Association, the US Grains Council and the National Barley Improvement Committee in creating and maintaining a unified working relationship.

Resolution No Pr 5 – Internship

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports an internship program if it provides a value to the organization and to the intern.

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 each county organization recruits new and maintains members.

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 periodically. Time would be spent with the County President and the Board of Directors who will contact potential grower and associate members in the county.

Resolution No Memb 3 – Tri-State 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.

Resolution No Memb 4 – County Affiliates

The Idaho Grain Producers Association will work to identify prospective counties for membership affiliation and will assist in developing leaders to represent the county.

Resolution No Memb 5 – Idaho Grain Leadership Development Program

IGPA supports participation in our Mentorship Program, participation in Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT), Wheat Organization Leaders of the Future (WOLF), the IWC’s domestic marketing tour, the IWC’s export marketing tour, Leadership Idaho Agriculture, Barley Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILOT) and other leadership development programs to develop future farm leaders in the grain industry.

RESEARCH & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

SUBSECTIONS:
R=Research
Rmgmt=Risk Management
Approved 11/14/19: Hans Hayden and Jake Ozburn, Co-Chairs

RESEARCH

Research Policy Statement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports

• research to improve and upgrade nutrient management, soil amendment recommendations, and end use quality,
• research on weeds, pests, and diseases that threaten the cereal crops system,
• research on new food and nonfood uses for cereal grains and straw,
• the continued multi-state research effort to attract new funds and pool existing funds for small grains research projects,
• the release of public wheat and barley varieties developed with public dollars that ensures access to said varieties to all Idaho producers, including those which target specific locations,
• identifying and recommending strategic priorities for research faculty, extension faculty, and staff positions at the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS),
• continued funding of cereal rust research to address the threat posed to cereal production in the U.S.,
• cropping systems approaches to Best Management Practices (BMP),
• the involvement in and efforts of the National Wheat Improvement Committee and the National Barley Improvement Committee,
• the Idaho Wheat Commission in the continued development and implementation of a strategic wheat research and education initiative,
• maintaining TCK smut research and variety testing,
• a sustainable increase in investment of state and federal funding of small grains research, education, extension, and infrastructure and full, stable funding for the University of Idaho Agriculture Research and Extension System,
• the Idaho Wheat and Barley Commissions collaborating with their counterparts in wheat and barley producing states to maximize the research and education programs among public and private institutions, as well as private companies,
• enhanced funding for federal barley research at the USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Small Grains Research Program in Aberdeen, Idaho,
• the University of Idaho seeking opportunities with public/private partnerships providing long term benefits to producers,
• the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission continue funding a varietal program with priority towards developing widely adaptable, high yielding quality wheat and barley varieties,
• the Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment (CAFE) initiative moving forward for Idaho agriculture and the University of Idaho.

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 – 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 the needs of Pacific Northwest producers and end users along with marketing strategies for hard white wheat.

Resolution No R3 – 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 R4 – Plant Breeding Innovations

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the goals and policy statement of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) joint Wheat Breeding Innovations 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 new plant breeding innovations to insure a plentiful and safe food supply. IGPA agrees with the NAWG and USW “Wheat Industry Biotechnology Principles for Commercialization” joint position paper.

Resolution No R5 – Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports the protection of intellectual property in wheat and barley research and development. This includes education about the importance of complying with Plant Variety Protection (PVP)/Federal Seed Trade law’s Title V, seed contract and stewardship provisions as well as the enforcement of those provisions.

Resolution No R6 – Emerging Technologies

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages utilization of emerging technologies and new plant breeding innovations through interdisciplinary, integrated and collaborative programs aimed at solving some of Idaho’s most difficult issues such as rye grass weeds, falling numbers, wireworm, nematode, pre-harvest sprouting, and other environmental by genetic responses affecting grain quality.

Resolution No R7 – Fusarium Head Blight (Scab) Management

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports funding and continued research on emerging diseases.

Supporting Statement

There is an enhanced risk of Fusarium Head Blight (Scab) associated with changes in cropping and irrigation practices.  This research will help maintain high quality, toxin free cereal production.

Resolution No R8 – Wheat Fertility

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports updating fertilizer guides with consideration for the different wheat production management systems:  tillage, no-till, dryland, irrigation, crop rotations considering the roles of new varieties, crop choices, soil health, sustainability and implementation of new technology as nutrient placement and no-till fertilizer placement.

Supporting Statement

Advancements in research and development of varieties, production management technology, data capture, decision management software, precision agriculture and their rapid adoption by producers demands an update of wheat production management guides, particularly in the area of fertility, which are decades old. 

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 the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho, on an equitable basis,
• the Malting Barley Revenue Endorsement and specialty barley crop insurance programs administered by the USDA Risk Management Agency,
• the Whole Farm Revenue Policy administered by the USDA Risk Management Agency,
• the use of the 508(h) private product submission process to develop new risk management

The Idaho Grain Producers Association opposes

• further cuts to the federal crop insurance program,
• legislative or rulemaking efforts to apply “means testing” to determine eligibility for federal crop insurance participation.

Resolution No Rmgmt 1 – Integration of Market Discounts with Wheat Crop Insurance

The Idaho Grain Producers Association supports working with the USDA Risk Management Agency and the USDA Farm Service Agency to annually review the quality triggers under loss adjustment procedures to ensure these triggers and discount tables more closely reflect marketplace discounts for damaged grain.

Supporting Statement

Discounts on wheat crop insurance policies for low falling numbers do not match market discounts – RMA’s cut off for falling numbers discounts is 200 seconds, and industry generally rejects the crop at 250 seconds.   

Resolution No Rmgmt 2 – Effective Insurance Coverage Dates for Fall Planted Wheat

The USDA Risk Management Agency should attach coverage on fall wheat at time of planting and allow for a replant payment to be made prior to waiting for the initial fall final planting date.

Resolution No Rmgmt 3 – 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 then having that information available to both USDA Risk Management Agency and USDA Farm Service Agency.

Resolution No Rmgmt 4 – Allocation of Replant Payments

The Idaho Grain Producers Association encourages and supports the USDA Risk Management Agency in drafting language that will provide an insurance option allowing the lessee to receive all the replant payments if they are incurring all the replant costs.