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President’s Address

published: August 8th 2008
by: Peanut Gilfillian
source: ICA Of Texas

Politics, politics, politics. One issue finally reaches an end and three more begin, or so it seems. The final rule on Country of Origin Labeling has been issued and COOL is set to go into effect. The rules proved to be user friendly for cattle producers, with verification of origin being as easy as signing an affidavit as to the country the livestock were born in. The only real disappointment I have regarding COOL is how many organizations are now trying to take credit for getting COOL implemented and the development of the user friendly rules. Best I can remember, ICA and USCA were the only cattle organizations in Texas that fought for COOL from the beginning thru the end, while the other groups worked to derail the process at every junction along the way.
       Well we can’t rest on our laurels, there’s still work to be done. There was recently a hearing held in Washington on HR6528 which would create penalties of up to three years in prison for anyone who transports, ships, or possesses a horse that ends-up going to slaughter. Now is the time to call your Congressman and express your views regarding this important issue before another law is created that does not truly protect the welfare of horses but just creates more problems as opposed to solutions. Another issue facing us is the opening of regionalized beef trade with Argentina. While a bill has been passed in the Senate we still need to work to get a similar bill passed in the House addressing this problem.
     On the state level, now is the time to begin preparing for the upcoming legislative session. One huge issue that faces us is eminent domain. The Kelo decision was handed down by the Supreme Court in 2005, giving the right of condemnation to private businesses in addition to government entities.  This in-effect gave pipeline and oil companies along with land developers the ability to threaten condemnation when negotiating to purchase or lease your property. The last session of the state legislature saw laws passed which helped restore private property rights in regard to this decision, only to have them vetoed at the last minute by Governor Perry. Hopefully this is something that all of the Agricultural organizations can work together to fight for.
    If anyone cares to work on any of these issues contact me or the ICA office and we will be happy to get you involved.