Policy Priorities
Agriculture and rural areas are impacted by almost every area of public policy. Every year, the Colorado Farm Bureau Board of Directors outlines its broad public policy priorities to help guide the organization’s activities on public policy. By setting priorities, the Board of Directors focuses on key areas for proactive engagement on legislative and rulemaking. Priority areas a both proactive and reactive, helping set agendas for policymakers, as well as responding to issues of importance raised by policymakers.​
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Animal Care
Animal welfare is an important aspect of any livestock operation, and remains a priority to CFB members. CFB will continue to engage on issues related to animal welfare that protect the animals' well-being, while also protecting our members against unnecessary laws, rules, and regulations that could make day-to-day operations more difficult for our industry.
Farm Policy and Trade
Farm policies must be managed fairly, equitably and avoid unnecessary provisions that limit the ability of farmers and ranchers to participate in those programs. Maintaining and expanding conservation, safety net and risk management programs are beneficial to agricultural users and the environment. It is important to advocate for market access programs, the implementation of new free-trade agreements and the fair treatment of agricultural products within those agreements. Disaster and economic aid programs should have the broadest eligibility possible.
Infrastructure
Funding for water, transportation and broadband internet projects should be increased and include rural Colorado’s voice when identifying projects and distributing monies.
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Natural Resources, Energy & Environment
Agriculture plays a major role in improving sustainability, reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Informing policy makers about that role helps protect rural Coloradans’ ability to utilize their property for energy production. Any program designed to address environmental issues in the agricultural industry must be both science and outcome based. Any policies should be voluntary, incentive-based and avoid additional regulatory mandates on Colorado’s farmers and ranchers.
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Rural Business
Rural Colorado faces unique challenges, including economic disruptions, impacts from inflation, substance abuse, mental health problems and ever-increasing natural disasters. It’s important that federal, state and local policies protect constitutional rights, support rural communities, are pro-business, protect private property rights and include agricultural and rural voices. Tax provisions specific to the longevity of agricultural businesses and the survivability of family farms remain a priority to CFB advocacy efforts. Business-friendly tax policies acknowledging the unique nature of agricultural production are needed. Reforms to existing agricultural labor programs or the creation of new programs should improve access to agricultural labor, not limit it.
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Water
The interests of agricultural water users and private property rights must be protected in issues regarding efficiency, conservation, storage, water quality, and recreation access. Agriculture cannot bear the brunt of conservation mandates and any proposals to reduce water usage must take into account the unique water systems in different parts of Colorado.
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Wildlife and Public Lands
Agriculture should have a seat at the table when endangered species, habitat preservation, recreational access, species introduction, avocational and nuisance harvest limits, multi-use leases, and other wildlife issues are discussed. CFB will continue using our voice not just at the ballot box, but also with policymakers pushing initiatives bad for agriculture and the environment as a whole.