A Reuters report says China accused the Trump Administration of being capricious in its handling of trade issues. Chinese government officials warned U.S. workers and farmers that they’ll be hurt because of the administration’s brandishing of “big sticks.” Beijing officials said previous bilateral discussions with the U.S. were effective. However, the commerce ministry spokesman says Beijing has had to respond …
Senate Farm Bill Setting Up for Debate
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell set the process in motion for considering the farm bill on the Senate floor. On Monday evening, Politico says the Senate is scheduled to hold a procedural vote on the motion to proceed to the farm bill legislation, which will likely pave the way for debate. The Congressional Budget Office posted its breakdown of the …
EPA Calls Off Biofuel Quota Announcement
Criticism from the oil industry caused the Trump Administration to restart talks over a proposal to require large refineries to blend more biofuel to make up for exemptions granted to smaller refineries. Three people with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg that, because of the new discussions, the Environmental Protection Agency called off a planned Friday announcement on proposed biofuel …
Trump Reorganization Plan Offers Big Changes to USDA
A government reorganization plan by President Trump would rename the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Health and Public Welfare. Notably, the plan would move the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from the Department of Agriculture to the new so-called welfare department. The plan would also reorganize USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the food safety …
EPA RFS Volumes Proposal Expected Friday
The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to roll out a proposal for volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2019 Friday, June 22, 2018. Some suspect the proposal will include a reallocation of gallons displaced by hardship waivers, according to Politico. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said late last month that he spoke with EPA administrator Scott Pruitt about the …
EU Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs on the U.S.
The European Union’s (EU) response to Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs take effect Friday, June 22, 2018. The EU will be charging import duties of 25 percent on a range of U.S. goods. Reuters reports that the European Commission formally adopted a law putting in place the duties on 2.8 billion euros, or $3.2 billion, worth of U.S. goods, including …
Rural Mainstreet Economy Expands for June
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index measured above growth neutral in June for a fifth straight month. This is the first time since July 2015 the survey has recorded five straight months of overall indices above growth neutral, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a Midwest dependent on agriculture. However, the overall index slid …
Erin Fitzgerald Hired to Lead U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance as New CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), a leader in consumer engagement for food and agriculture, has selected Erin Fitzgerald from Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy as its next CEO. In its ongoing mission to earn consumer trust in American agriculture, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance has selected Erin Fitzgerald to lead the organization as its next chief executive officer. …
Perdue Comments on 2018 Farm Bill Passing the House of Representatives
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed their version of the 2018 Farm Bill: “I applaud Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee for their diligence and hard work in passing their 2018 Farm Bill through the House of Representatives. American producers have greatly benefited from the policies of the Trump …
Groups Respond to House Passage of 2018 Farm Bill
From American Farm Bureau House Farm Bill Passage a Win for Farmers The following statement regarding House passage of the 2018 Farm Bill may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “Passage of the House farm bill is a big win for America’s farmers and ranchers. Our grassroots Farm Bureau members clearly made their voices heard. By …