In a recent action alert, the Kentucky Farm Bureau stated that the Community Farm Alliance opposes Senate Bill 105, the Livestock Care Standards Commission. This is simply not true. CFA supports Senate Bill 105 with our suggested amendments. CFA believes that Senate Bill 105--with specific changes--will protect Kentucky’s family farmers and keep them in business. CFA stands behind the principle that farmers are excellent stewards of their livestock and that farmers know best when it comes to animal care standards. CFA also believes in the basic principles of democratic governance and accountability of our government officials.

First, the KFB recently claimed, "the Commission members will be farmers representing the species in which they produce." Nowhere in the bill is it stated that the persons representing livestock organizations on the commission are to be active farmers engaged in livestock production. Without an amendment, these representatives could be paid organizational staff. Even Issue 2 in Ohio, which established an Animal Care Standards Board, mandates that some members of the Board are to be "family farmers." CFA wants explicit language mandating that farmers must be members of the Commission.

Secondly, the State Board of Agriculture consists of 9 members “who shall be experienced and practical farmers or agriculturalists”. The State Board of Agriculture currently has the authority to write livestock standards. CFA’s question is: Why do we need to create a second regulatory body when one already exists? CFA supports a Commission that would serve in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Agriculture in writing on-farm livestock care standards. This advisory board would do research, make suggestions to the State Board of Agriculture for regulatory changes, and submit an annual report to the Governor.

Interestingly, the 2009 Kentucky Farm Bureau policy manual affirms that, "we are concerned about the number of state appointed boards and commissions representing agriculture. Efforts should be made to consolidate the work of these groups into one mission for agriculture.” (pg. 77, line 47-50). CFA members are curious why the KFB should advocate so vigorously for yet another state appointed Regulatory Commission when the State Board of Agriculture is clearly charged with establishing standards for on-farm livestock care.

Thirdly, CFA believes in the right of local communities to determine what works best in each individual community. We believe that local control is the foundation of any strong democracy. In that spirit, we suggest that Senate Bill 105 include a provision protecting any ordinance adopted through the "health and welfare" clause of Home Rule Statute. Senator Givens added such a provision for planning and zoning ordinances; we are calling on the House Small Business and Agriculture Committee to follow suit and add a similar provision for the Home Rule Statute (KRS Chapter 67.083).

Finally, CFA is also concerned with non-specific and vague language in SB 105 that could negatively impact organic producers of livestock and poultry as well as those direct-marketing animal products. CFA calls for an exemption for organic producers as long as no one on the Commission represents such farmers. CFA also calls on the House Small Business and Agriculture Committee to strike the line "safe, affordable, and healthy food for Kentucky consumers." "Safe," "affordable," and "healthy," along with many others, are not defined in the current bill. We would like a clearly defined bill that specifically outlines the boundaries and intentions of the Commission. The current bill is open to many interpretations and creates a broad range of powers for the commission that could affect all livestock producers in the state.

CFA members and supporters, please contact your House Representative if you have not done so already

Know that your voice is having a significant impact, as many legislators, like CFA, are supportive of the Commission, but have concerns with the language and would like to change it. They need to know that there is support out there for them to do so. We expect the bill to be heard in the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee on Wednesday, March 10th. Please call your legislator today.

Again, CFA wants the following:

1) To keep farmers in business; To have specific language guaranteeing farmers are on the Commission

2) To create an Advisory Board to help KDA make rules, not another Commission with regulatory authority as SB 105 currently calls for;

3) Exemptions or representation for organic producers and direct-marketers of animal products;

4) And finally, a savings clause for the Home Rule Statute that allows for counties to adopt ordinances to protect the "health and welfare” of their communities.

To Take Action:

1) Call Representative Tom McKee, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee

2) Call members of the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee

3) Even if your Representative is not a member of the committee, call him or her and let them know how you feel about SB 105.

To contact your Legislator, you can dial 502.564.8100 or 800.372.7181.

To find your legislator by county, visit this webpage

To find out who is on the House Agricultural and Small Business Committee, click here

Note: SB 105 passed the full Senate last month without amendment. It now awaits approval from the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee. Many Representatives (Democrat and Republican alike), have concerns with the language of the bill. They need your support in order to move forward with changes.