NORMAN, Okla. — American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) set legislative policy for the upcoming year at the 117th Annual AFR Convention Feb. 11-13. Each year, organization policy includes “special orders of business” that address recent, current or future issues of significant importance to rural Oklahoma and agriculture at large.
Currently, cattle or beef that is imported into the U.S. and undergoes further processing or handling at a USDA-inspected facility can be labeled “Product of the United States.” Because this practice can mislead consumers and be detrimental to U.S. beef markets, the 2022 AFR Policy Committee strongly opposes the practice and demands increased truth in labeling.
In light of this, the 2022 AFR Special Orders demands proper enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act: “We demand the USDA enforce truth in labeling. We oppose the use of food product labeling that misleads consumers. To qualify for ‘Product of USA’ labeling, livestock and poultry must be bred, born, fed, harvested and processed within the borders of the United States.”
Adopted AFR policy is truly grassroots—proposed policy begins as resolutions at the local and county level. The appointed state policy committee members that hears the resolutions and crafts policy language are an accomplished and diverse group representing the broadest spectrum possible of the general AFR membership. Because of this approach, the final policy document represents members’ interests from across Oklahoma.
“The AFR policy process is a model of grassroots legislative efforts in action,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “Because many of our policies originate from resolutions crafted in our local and county organizations; AFR members know their voices are heard at the state and national level.”
AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR principles.
–AFR Cooperative
