Class 41 started of St. Patrick’s Day with a visit from the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) Director of Corporate Outreach, Mr. Josh Balk. Fellows were informed on three of HSUS’ priority areas concerning animal agriculture, including the banning of the use of battery cages in egg production, gestation crates in swine production, and veal pens. Mr. Balk provided the class with a well put together presentation and graciously answered a multitude of questions on HSUS policy and practice.
Next, the class made it’s way into D.C. to our first appointment, which was a panel discussion on immigration reform with members of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform. Class 41 was privileged to hear from Ms. Barbara Leen of Senator Feinstein’s office; Mr. Monte Lake, a lawyer specializing in immigration and workforce issues; Mr. Craig Regelbrugge with the American Nursery and Landscape Association; and, Frank Gasperini with the National Council of Agricultural Employers. With immigrant labor being the major workforce for most of the farm operations represented by Class 41, immigration reform of some manner is a priority topic in ensuring the continued viability of CA and US agriculture production.
A short break was taken for lunch at the Chesapeake Room, which was shared with congressional staffers and lobbyists, and immediately followed up with panel discussions by the two. The class was able to interact with staff from Congressman Nunes’, Congressman Farr’s, and Congressman Cardoza’s offices, along with representatives from American Farm Bureau Federation, United Fresh Produce, The Potato Association of America, and the American Nursery and Landscape Association. Our walk to the next meeting took us by the White House and we stopped for a group photo. Special note---it was St. Patrick’s day so the fountain was dyed green in honor of the festivities.
The day continued with a visit to the White House Council on Environmental Quality where Mr. Jason Bordoff, Associate Director for Energy and Climate Change and Ms. Ann Farris, Deputy Associate Director for Energy and Climate Change gave a brief overview of the current administration’s energy and climate change policies. From there, Class 41 made it’s way to the U.S. Trade Representatives office, where our tax dollars are hard at work. In an office where it appeared that this statement is actually true, the class heard from Ms. Ann Heilman-Dahl, Director for Agricultural Affairs at USTR. An overview of the recently negotiated fair trade agreement with Korea, Panama, and Columbia was provided, along with further discussion on how USTR negotiates on behalf of US agriculture production, opening up and maintaining markets across the globe.
A long, but fruitful day was wrapped up at the Tuscana West Restaurant, where Class 41 was able to visit with Alumni of the Ag Leadership DC Exchange Program. Many of the alumni shared what a meaningful experience the program was for them and the impact it had, including introducing them first-hand to the on the ground application of policies and programs they are working on in Washington. The opposite of a pasture to plate or farm to fork scenario, the exchange program allows these individuals to witness the abstract policies, programs, and regulations developed on their desktops as implemented on the farm.
Submitted in gratitude to the Foundation and it's supporters, and all the speakers who took the time out of their schedule to visit with Class 41.
---Todd Snider, Juan Guzman, and Breanna Owens
No comments:
Post a Comment