IFB seeks applications for new issue advisory teams
The new Strength with Advisory Teams (SWAT) will replace GRITs.
Compiled by staff
Published: Sep 21, 2012
Members of the Strength With Advisory Teams (SWAT) will surface emerging issues in agriculture, provide a vision for IFB and the agriculture industry, and help guide the issues.
“This new program takes forward-looking member involvement on issues to a new level,” said Adam Nielsen, IFB director of national legislation and policy development.
The application deadline is Dec. 6.
The teams will identify emerging issues and provide input to the IFB Board of Directors on issues relating to farmers, production practices, rural life, and other agricultural-related areas.
The teams will guide and direct IFB as the members become experts on specific issues, regulations, and legislation on which they are focused.
A Conservation and Natural Resources team will work on issues related to environmental regulations, conservation programs, forestry, concentrated animal feeding operations, permitting, pesticide use, and related topics.
A Farming Production and Marketing team will focus on issues related to crop production, marketing, risk management, trade, technology, farm policy, livestock, equine, local foods, specialty crops, and related sectors.
A Local and State Government team will address rural development, local government, local economies, government finance, elections, education, energy, transportation, and related issues.
Each team will consist of 12 Farm Bureau members, one IFB board member, and one county Farm Bureau manager, the latter of whom will serve the team in an advisory capacity. Team members will be appointed to two-year terms.
For the first year only, terms will be staggered. Eighteen members will be selected to serve 1-year terms and 18 will serve 2-year terms.
The teams will meet four times each year for one-day meetings with the first meeting set for Jan. 31, 2013.
Applicants who aren’t selected for a team may participate in an advisory capacity as indicated by selecting specific issues on the application form.
For information, contact your county Farm Bureau, call IFB at 309-557-3984, or go online to www.ilfb.org/swat.
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