Issue 1 opposition forms with State Chamber, Farm Bureau support

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Opponents of Issue 1, the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Arkansas Legislature to call itself into special session, announced Thursday (Oct. 6) the formation of a legislative question committee to oppose the measure.

The legislatively-referred issue will be on the November 8 general election ballot.

“Our legislature already meets once every year, plus one or more special sessions called by the governor most years, and that’s enough to take care of the business of the people,” said Randy Zook, co-chair of Arkansans Against Issue 1 and president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas. “Voters benefit from having a truly representative ‘citizen legislature,’ and if Issue 1 passes, making it harder for the average Arkansan to serve, we will move even closer to a full-time legislature.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/issue-1-opposition-forms-with-state-chamber-farm-bureau-support/

Jeff Pitchford named Arkansas Farm Bureau EVP

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Jeff Pitchford has been named as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s executive vice president. He replaces Warren Carter, who is retiring on May 31, 2022.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s executive vice president serves as the chief executive officer, manages the staff functions for the organization, and reports to the board of directors.

Pitchford has spent the past eight years as director of state affairs in the Public Affairs and Government Relations department, where he was part of lobbying efforts with the state’s General Assembly. Pitchford previously worked for more than 14 years at the University of Central Arkansas, ending his tenure as vice president for University Relations. He also worked in the Huckabee administration as Director of Rural Services.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/05/jeff-pitchford-named-arkansas-farm-bureau-evp/

Arkansas Farm Bureau Supports Meat Inspection Expansion in State

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.

The grant program is designed to increase meat packing capacity in Arkansas in order to provide Arkansas families, restaurants and schools with more high-quality, locally produced protein products. The program will be administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/arkansas-farm-bureau-supports-meat-inspection-expansion-in-state

Arkansas Farm Bureau supports meat inspection expansion in state - Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.