MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — The 11 county Farm Bureaus that make up the grassroots membership of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) are in the process of holding their annual meetings. During these meetings farmer members adopt resolutions that set MFBF’s policy priorities for years to come. These resolutions can also have national influence.
“Farm Bureau is a unique organization that allows its policy priorities to be set by its grassroots members,” said MFBF President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “We want to hear their opinions on legislative issues so we can represent them appropriately on the policy that matters to their operations.”
If a resolution is adopted at a county Farm Bureau annual meeting, it is then reviewed by MFBF’s resolution committee, which will prepare and forward it onto the statewide annual meeting. The resolution is then discussed and voted upon by delegate farmer members. This year’s meeting is set to be held on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Sheraton in Framingham.
Resolutions that are adopted at the statewide annual meeting become MFBF policy – and guide MFBF leadership and staff in setting priorities.
“We are looking forward to the resolutions that we will receive this year,” Davidian said. “We’ve already seen quite a few focused around alternative energy sources and reducing financial stress that many farmers experience.”
Finally, if MFBF feels a resolution has national applicability, the state Farm Bureau will bring the resolution to American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting for consideration.
“Our members have a voice that can reach their representatives on Beacon Hill and in Washington, D.C.,” Davidian said. “However, we need members to help direct us on what that voice should say. Be sure to join Farm Bureau and allow us to represent you on the issues that matter most to you.”
For more information on how to become a Farm Bureau member, please click here.
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
For more articles out of New England, click here.