Posted on 11/16/2001 1:20:36 PM PST by farmfriend
Grange Calls for "Agroterrorism" Czar, Adopts 2002 Ag Policies
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (November 14, 2001) - The National Grange, meeting for its 135th annual convention, has voted to ask Tom Ridge, new head of the Office of Homeland Security, to create a high level position with appropriate resources, to prevent "agroterrorism" in the United States. The Grange defines "agroterrorism" as "the undermining and destruction of a food source through contamination of livestock or the genetic sabotage of grains."
Agroterrorism is major concern among state directors of agriculture, and farmers are well aware of the devastation that can be wrought on the farm. The continued existence of Foot and Mouth Disease in other parts of the world and the ease with which it can be carried and introduced into an agricultural area is of particular concern. Foot and Mouth Disease is not harmful to humans but extremely harmful to cattle, sheep and swine. It can be easily transported by humans on clothing. According to the Grange, "The devastation of this form of terrorism is limitless and can be crippling to agriculture, our health and food supply and the national economy."
Senate should preserve $179 billion Farm Bill The newly adopted Grange resolution states that it is paramount that the Senate retains the $179 billion dollar budget approved by the House for the lifetime of the Farm Bill. "Agriculture's survival, our self sufficiency, our food supply and its safety depend on agriculture's profitability," the resolution states. The resolution also calls for sufficient funding for technical assistance on environmental practices. The Grange maintains that too much federal money is spent encouraging farmers to take land out of production and not enough is spent teaching them environmentally sound production practices. The Grange does support voluntary short-term conservation reserve programs targeted to meet price goals of at least production costs.
Other actions called for by the Grange's 2002 farm policy resolution include a return to tariffs on imported asparagus; a review of grazing policies to enhance weed control; a determination of how 31.4 million pounds of stored cheese where not accounted for by U.S.D.A. and caused a severe price drop in cheese when discovered; tracking of the identification, movement and disposition of Genetically Modified Organisms by USDA; support of initiatives to use farm silos as bases for communications antennas; equal standards for measuring hail damaged fruit; and encouragement for the development of value added products by America's farmers.
Founded in 1867, the National Grange is this nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. The National Grange currently represents approximately 300,000 members affiliated with 3,400 local, county and state Grange chapters across the nation. The National Grange will hold its 135th Annual Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids, IA November 12-18, 2001. At that time, Grange delegates from across the nation will adopt grassroots policy positions related to the next Farm Bill and other rural issues.
If this gets pulled from breaking news, be kind and put it on the front page list.
Attack!!! Of the Killer Tomatos!!!
NeverGore
Are you sure a FReeper didn't do this????
Just one of many articles on the subject at this great place!
Welcome to FreeRepublic!
Your meeting in CR got a decent amount of coverage in the Gazette, given the small membership in Eastern Iowa. Most Farmers in Eastern Iowa are Farm Bureau members, with a few in the Southern 2 tiers of counties belonging to Farmers Union.
A number of scholars have predicted that the next global crisis will be over control of food and fresh water. It's already happening in sub-Saharan Africa and the ejection of white farmers in Zimbabwe by the government in the name of "land reform" is a pretty good precursor of a coming famine in this once rich and fertile nation.
All the more reason to eradicate these mad dog destroyers. Who do they think is going to feed the subjects of their new ultra-Islamic empire if they wipe out the means of production? I hope the Islamicists find a way to make petroleum nutritious, but somehow, I doubt it. Maybe they think Allah will provide.
Pffft!
These welfare farmers are good at cooking up more government goodies, aren't they?
Uhmm, seems there has been a big increase in cheese threads lately.
What's the market price of moose ?
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