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Issues & Public Policy : Issue Briefs
Food/Feed vs Fuel
Every day, rising food prices are being blamed on the production of ethanol. This debate is becoming increasingly heated among the general public as well as within the agricultural community. On one hand, the production of energy crops provides market opportunities for grain producers. But this also drives up feed cost for livestock producers.
Climate Change and Agriculture
Climate change is a hot-button environmental issue at the federal and state levels. Congress has made this issue a priority, and it will likely be a priority for a new Administration. Because agriculture & forestry can be greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters and mitigators, this poses both challenges and opportunities for Farm Bureau’s membership.
Immigration/Ag Labor
The ability of agricultural employers to obtain legal foreign workers is clearly one of the most important issues ever to face agriculture. Interior enforcement, border security and immigration reform has consistently been in the headlines and has elicited fierce debate.
Florida seeking to adopt California’s emission standards
Issue: In an effort to combat motor vehicle emission and greenhouse gases (GHG), Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-127 plans to "adopt the California motor vehicle emission standards...
Proposed H-2A Regulations
Issue: DOL Unveiling New H-2A Regulations To Streamline Processing, Protect Workers
Immigration Enforcement Initiatives Announced
Issue: August 10, 2007 -- The White House, Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced regulatory and administrative initiatives related to the enforcement and implementation of immigration laws....
Immigration Reform
Issue: After the Senate failed to reach a final vote on comprehensive immigration reform legislation, attention turned to the House where its leaders are considering moving parts of the comprehensive bill, possibly including an agricultural reform package.
Issue Briefs
April 13, 2006
Manure is hazardous waste?
CERCLA and EPCRA regulation of animal manure
July 24, 2007
UPDATED: Electricity Used for Agricultural Purposes Is Exempt from Sales Tax
Electricity used directly or indirectly in production or processing of agricultural farm products on a farm is exempt.
March 23, 2007
Social Security No-match rule changes
Department of Homeland Security announced two federal regulations to help prevent fraudulent Social Security numbers
February 14, 2007
Greenbelt: Florida's hedge against runaway development
Brochure defines agricultural classification and explains the benefits of Florida's Greenbelt law
June 1, 2007
Lessons Learned: Hurricane Guide 2007
July 23, 2007
Florida Department of Revenue TIP sheet on electricty sales tax ag exemption
Florida Department of Revenue TIP sheet on the electricity used for agricultural purposes exemption
These issue briefs have been compiled by the Agricultural Policy Division to provide you with up-to-date information on important issues affecting agriculture in the state of Florida.
For more information on any of these issues, please email the Ag Policy Staff or call them at (352) 374-1544.