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MONTHLY
UPDATE
News for C-FAR Members
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural
Research
November 2009
Greetings from C-FAR. Highlights of the past month include the following.
FY10 C-FAR APPROPRIATION
The late October Illinois General Assembly veto session did not result in reinstatement of the FY10 C-FAR appropriation. It did, however, result in a greatly escalated discussion by state leaders. As we understand, there was widespread recognition that a significant problem exists in this funding not being appropriated. While the General Assembly has limited opportunities to now correct this matter, it has been suggested it is within the purview of the Governor to consider the appropriation’s reinstatement from discretionary funding; funding that was enacted from the State’s appropriation bill approved this summer.
BOARD ADOPTS C-FAR’S CONTINUANCE
This and my personal observations in this regard
A key discussion of this past month’s board of directors’ meeting was the matter of C-FAR’s continuance. The board’s direction in this regard can be summarized as follows: regardless of the current (FY10) fiscal year’s State of Illinois appropriation for food and agricultural research, C-FAR will continue to exist until otherwise decided. Chairman Hicks conveyed this message in a recent special membership message.
As I shared in last month’s update, C-FAR exists independent of a state appropriation, although of course C-FAR was created to nurture the growth of such an appropriation.
I suggest the board’s discussion and action on this matter is sound and in keeping with why C-FAR exists. Here is why:
- C-FAR was established and existed some two years prior to their being a state appropriation realized; it therefore makes sense it continues during these trying financial challenges facing our state
- C-FAR is the only organized and existing coalition to foster a revitalized state appropriation
- The “C-FAR appropriation” is the only such appropriation providing a core base of funding for a broad food and agricultural research program. Revitalizing this appropriation is therefore not only an important function of C-FAR and its membership, but critical
As C-FAR continues to pursue its mission, it does so with a deep understanding that its effectiveness rests upon its membership. No association can exist or otherwise move forward without a strong membership.
The next two matters are additional initiatives resulting from the board of directors recent meeting and the decision for C-FAR to remain a viable association.
BOARD MEMBER NOMINEES SOUGHT
Based on the Board’s direction for C-FAR’s continued existence, details regarding the invitation for Board member nominees are currently being conveyed (nominations are due January 7, 2010). The election of these board members will be held at the February 16, 2010 Annual Meeting. Because recent communications provide the necessary details, I won’t elaborate other than to share that (1) we know there will be at least one known open seat and (2) upcoming service on the Board may well be historically crucial.
2010 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REQUESTED
In a few days, all current C-FAR members will receive a membership renewal request for 2010. The Board’s recent actions indicating the significant importance of C-FAR’s continued voice and service to our state’s number one industry makes the renewed investment and support of all current members highly meaningful. Your consideration is respectfully requested.
OTHER ACTIONS: NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING
- The three-year review of C-FAR appropriation university percentage allocations was deferred to the Board’s January meeting. FYI… the Board reviews information and makes a recommendation in this regard to the Illinois Department of Agriculture Director.
- For the financial examination of C-FAR’s FY10 legislative and non-legislative accounts (the accounts funded by membership dues), a financial “review” will be conducted rather than a full audit (which has been performed the past several years). It is anticipated the Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association will continue to perform this financial examination.
The Board determined the escalating cost of a full audit makes it unreasonable for C-FAR to continue employing such an audit due to the small nature of these accounts. Increasing audit costs are not unique to C-FAR; they are being felt by all association due to recently-enacted national auditing standards which require auditors to spend significantly more time in conducting a full audit. The Board further acknowledged the limited activity in these accounts allows a review being an appropriate change while maintaining fiscal integrity.
STRATEGIC VISIONING TASK FORCE MEETS
Commissioned by the Board this summer, a C-FAR Strategic Visioning Task Force met during mid-November. The initial meeting of this task force, constituted largely by executive directors of selected C-FAR Organizational members, convened to consider key topics for further consideration. The purpose of the task force is to comprehensively review various aspects of C-FAR and its research programs to ensure we are best positioned to meet the food and agricultural needs of Illinois.
The task force will continue to function with this as their goal.
As we look ahead to December, we find...
2009 FARM ECONOMICS SUMMIT
As I introduced last month, registration is now available for the 2009 Illinois Farm Economics Summit. This year’s theme/title is “The Profitability of Illinois Agriculture: Profitability at a Crossroads.” There are five summits being held throughout the state and registration is $50 ($65 at the door as space permits). For more information, please see http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/ or contact Sue Esposito at 217.333.5506 or sesposit@illinois.edu.
OUR HOLIDAY WISHES
May your holidays be a meaningful reminder of what is truly important during this special time of the year. To that end, we remain grateful for your partnership and support and we extend our very best to you and yours. FYI… the C-FAR office will be closed from December 24 through January 1 in observance of the holidays.
Kraig
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Kraig A. Wagenecht, Executive Administrator
Illinois Council on Food & Agricultural Research (C-FAR)
1101 W. Peabody Drive · Urbana, IL 61801
Tel: 217.244.4232 · Fax: 217.244.8594
email: wagenech@illinois.edu
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