|
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: Adapting the state’s agriculture
economy to the post-tobacco buyout environment that begins taking shape
next year with the end of the federal tobacco program will be a key topic
of discussion during Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 85th convention.
More than 1,500 farm leaders, delegates and guests are expected for the
annual meeting that will be held Dec. 8-11 at the Galt House in downtown
Louisville.
Top political and business figures are on the convention’s speakers
list, including U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis and the
chief executive officer of Southern Farm Bureau Insurance Co., J. Joseph
Stroble.
LaDonna Gatlin, noted motivational speaker, also will make an appearance.
Much of the focus for the convention’s more than 900 voting delegates
will be state and national issues affecting Kentucky communities.
On the federal level, delegates will consider policy on a cattle identification
system, a key issue for producers concerned about protecting market share
for the state’s expanding beef industry.
Topics of interest to all Kentuckians also are on the agenda, with the
delegates considering resolutions calling for health insurance reform
during the 2005 session of the General Assembly as well as legislation
capping damages awarded for non-economic losses in civil lawsuits.
The budget impasse that marked the 2004 legislative session is likely
to figure prominently in convention deliberations. To prevent future stalemates,
a proposal suggests that lawmakers be required to pass a spending plan
before acting on any other measures during the even-year sessions when
biennium budgets are suppose to be adopted.
Another resolution recommends that the state’s cigarette tax not
be increased to a level that would put Kentucky retailers’ competitive
advantage over stores in other states at risk.
A related proposal supports retaining the formula that earmarks half the
money collected from previous settlement agreements with tobacco companies
for agriculture-related projects.
“The tobacco buyout will mean profound changes in our farm economy.
But we have been preparing for this eventuality,” said Kentucky
Farm Bureau president Sam Moore.
“With the tobacco settlement money, we have invested in Kentucky’s
future as our farmers have been making changes needed to succeed in a
different economic climate,” Moore said. “But, as with other
small business owners, we
worry about issues - like affordable health care for our families and
employees and the state’s ability to meets its obligations to its
citizens - that could affect our livelihood and ability to feed our neighbors
here and throughout the world.”
Moore will present his assessment of Farm Bureau activities during the
past year and highlight his vision for the organization in 2005 when he
delivers the traditional President’s Address on Friday, Dec. 10,
during a session that begins at 9:15 a.m. He will be followed by McConnell,
who played a key role in passage of the tobacco buyout legislation in
October. Lewis is scheduled to speak Saturday at the Public Affairs Breakfast.
Also on the program is Michael Dwyer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Foreign Agriculture Service. He will speak at the Commodity Luncheon on
Thursday.
UK agriculture economists will deliver their annual projections about
the farm economy for the upcoming year on the opening day of the convention.
Top county Farm Bureau and individual leaders from throughout the state
also will be honored. Distinguished service awards will be presented to
two longtime Farm Bureau leaders, and top young farmers and leaders of
outstanding women’s committees will be recognized.
Winners of the Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth contests will receive college
scholarships, and cash awards will be handed out to finalists in the Variety
Showcase.
The meeting ends Saturday following the election of officers and directors
and adoption of policies.
-30-
|
