Iowa Farm Bureau members applaud Governor Reynolds and legislature for action on priority issues

As the 2022 Iowa legislative session closes, Farm Bureau members applaud Governor Reynolds and the legislature for creating opportunities to increase biofuels promotion and usage in the state and look forward to the opportunities and benefits the Biofuels Access Bill will deliver.  Championed by Reynolds, and passed with bipartisan support, the new legislation will increase consumer access to E15, a cleaner burning, environmentally friendly fuel that’s homegrown in Iowa.  This measure will also create many opportunities to advance Iowa’s biofuels industry which supports 46,000 jobs across the state.       

“Iowa leads the nation in biofuels production, yet we lag neighboring states in usage,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “As gas prices hit record highs, Iowans will see a welcomed benefit at the pump from the savings offered by E15, and the increased demand for Iowa-raised grain supports farm families and rural communities.” 

Legislators also approved a Farm Bureau-supported measure to support Iowa’s small-scale meat processors and boost butchery workforce training opportunities. Additionally, funding was increased for the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Fund, which provides cost-share grants to small-scale meat processors, custom lockers, and mobile slaughter units to update, refurbish and expand processing capacity.

“We know that Iowans love locally-raised meat and the personal connection with the farmers who raise their food,” said Johnson.  “The bills passed this year will increase investments to expand local processing capacity, creating more opportunities for farmers to market their livestock locally and will provide additional opportunities for consumers to buy meat raised by local farmers.” 

Iowa Farm Bureau members applaud the Iowa Legislature’s continued support of appropriations to advance water quality and being a partner in conservation progress.  

“As we continue our conservation efforts, these funds allow farmers, landowners, and public and private partners to continue to advance proven conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality,” Johnson said.   

“Farm Bureau’s success on priority issues during the 2022 legislative session shows the value of engaged members working with their local lawmakers and the effectiveness of our grassroots process as we work to make a positive impact for Iowa agriculture, farm families and our communities,” Johnson said.