Time is running short in the Alabama's 2014 legislative session, and elected officials still need to act on important bills related to agriculture. With just six legislative days remaining, Alabama Farmers Federation members are encouraged to contact state representatives and House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Chairman Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, and ask for support on the cotton checkoff bills.   

SB 255 and SB 256, sponsored by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, would allow cotton farmers to vote on making checkoff participation automatic for all cotton growers. The last action taken on the bills was Jan. 30, when they passed out of the Senate with a unanimous "yes" vote.

"We're running short on time to get these bills passed, especially with the Legislature still needing to pass final education and general fund budgets in the next six work days," said Alabama Farmers Federation State Legislative Programs Director for the House David Cole. "It's extremely important for our members to connect with their elected state representatives now and ask them to support adding SB 255 and SB 256 to the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee agenda for next week."    

Cotton checkoff funds have supported important initiatives like the boll weevil eradication program, cotton nematode management research, cotton planting date studies and pigweed control projects. The money must be used for research, education or promotion of the state's cotton industry and it benefits all cotton producers. 

Members are encouraged to email Fincher and ask him to put SB 255 and SB 256 on the agenda for next week.