Crapo Named â??Friend of the Farm Bureauâ??

BOISE -The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) presented U.S. Senator Mike Crapo with the 'Friend of the Farm Bureau' award today in Boise for his efforts in the 113 ^th Congress.  Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance and Environment and Public Works Committees with jurisdiction over agricultural related tax and environmental policies, accepted a plaque from IFBF President Frank Priestley, detailing the bureau's appreciation for the Senator's leadership on agricultural issues and his contributions to the Farm Bill.

Formed in 1919, the national American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent organization dedicated to advocating for farmers and ranchers, strengthening the lives of rural Americans and building strong, prosperous agricultural communities.

"Farm families are facing ever increasing challenges in providing Idahoans and the nation with an abundant, affordable food supply," said Crapo.  "They continue to experience growing pressures on farm and ranch land, including excess government regulations and restrictions, burdensome paperwork requirements and tax uncertainty.  It is an honor to be named a friend to Idaho's producers, and I will continue to work to advance measures that remove these barriers to ensure our agriculture communities continue to thrive."

"The members of our congressional delegation understand the importance of agriculture to our state's economy and to our nation's security," said Idaho Farm Bureau President Frank Priestley. "It's a pleasure to work with these fine gentlemen."

Award recipients are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors. The award, which is given to legislators at the end of each Congress, is based upon a member's 'farm-friendly' voting record, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau priority issues and how accessible and responsive a member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.