Spencer, IA: (Sep 06, 2012) - Iowa Farm Bureau delegates at last week’s summer policy conference had a lively debate regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s closing of several Farm Service Agency offices in Iowa.
 
On one hand, delegates said they favor consolidation of government facilities to create efficiencies. On the other hand, delegates said, if farmers have to drive 50 miles to conduct business with their FSA office, delegates said the closures are counter-productive.
 
Voting delegates voted to continue support for the Renewable Fuels Standard and increase the use and development of renewable fuels.
 
Delegates also agreed that additional revenue for the state’s roads and bridges should be generated from an increase in the state fuel tax and that hybrid and electrical vehicles should contribute their fair share to the upkeep of Iowa roads.
 
Farm Bureau delegates also called for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize funds for cleaning Mississippi River navigation channels.
 
The policy concerns will be taken up at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville in January.