The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) inducted to its Hall of Fame two retired agency leaders whose impact continues to resonate today. The NASS Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work at the agency has had a lasting impact on agricultural statistics and the service NASS provides.
Ag Groups Respond to Pruitt Confirmation
Agriculture groups respond after the U.S. Senate confirmation of Scott Pruitt to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Hires New Executive Director
Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. (FAITC) is pleased to announce, effective February 15, 2017, Rebecca Sponholtz will be its new Executive Director. Sponholtz has been with the organization since June 2013 as Education Program Manager and will provide a seamless transition in this next phase. “I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to educate youth and adults …
EPA Defends RFS Implementation
A group of plaintiffs recently filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenging how the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) has recently been implemented.
KIND CEO Pledges $25 Million for Nutrition Group
Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of a rapidly growing granola and nut bar company called KIND LLC, says he’s giving $25 million to back a new non-profit group called Feed the Truth.
New Venture for the National Farm Machinery Show
Dennis Slater, President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and Jason Rittenberry, CEO of the Kentucky State Fair, made a joint announcement at this week’s National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, regarding a collaboration between the groups.
EU To Begin Trade Talks with China
The European Union is getting set to talk trade with China in April or May. European officials told Reuters the goal is to promote free trade and international cooperation in the face of what may be a more protectionist Washington D.C.
House Agriculture Committee Considers Pros and Cons to Restricting SNAP Purchases
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to explore the implications of restricting what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Members of the committee heard from a panel of witnesses who discussed the challenges of implementing product restrictions, the need for encouraging healthy purchasing habits, and the role that incentives and nutrition education can play in …
Congress Reintroduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape For Conservationists
The National Association of Conservation Districts is pleased to support legislation introduced this week in both the Senate and House to exempt America’s conservationists from unnecessary and burdensome reporting requirements. “Farm bill and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs help American producers provide our nation with clean water and healthy soils; and yet they are made to jump through hoops to …
House Eyes Torrent of Legal Fees from Water War
by Lloyd Dunkelberger and Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida Florida’s stinging setback in its “water war” with Georgia is only going to add more scrutiny to the enormous legal bills the state has racked up over the past few years.