The Organic Trade Association filed a complaint in federal court regarding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule a week before the Department of Agriculture announced its withdrawal. USDA on Friday published noticed that it would withdraw the rule because the rule exceeded USDA’s statutory authority. The rule is subject to 30 days of public comment. The Organic Trade Association …
EPA to Finalize WOTUS Repeal in April
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to complete formal repeal of the Waters of the U.S. Rule in April 2018. Politico reports an updated regulatory agenda from the White House also shows a replacement rule is scheduled for proposal in May. A final version of the rule is not expected until June 2019. President Donald Trump issued an executive order …
Duvall on NAFTA: I’m Concerned But Optimism Remains
As the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations continue, much is up in the air, and how it could impact the agriculture community. President Trump said he wanted to rework the more than 20-year-old trade deal, to make it fairer for American workers. However, much of the agriculture community is happy with the current NAFTA deal, and worry that …
Conaway Launches New Farm Bill Website
Texas Republican and House Ag Committee Chair Michael Conaway announced he’s launching a new resource for information on the 2018 Farm Bill. There’s a new landing page on the House Ag Committee website that he will use to keep interested parties up to date on how the legislation is developing. Website The site will also contain audio and video information …
USDA Seeks Applications for $10 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants
Funding is available in three focus areas, including grazing lands, organic systems and soil health USDA is offering grants for innovative ideas for conservation strategies and technologies. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest $10 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, funding innovative conservation projects in three focus areas: grazing lands, organic systems and soil health. …
USDA Announces National Watermelon Promotion Board Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Members newly appointed to serve three-year terms are: Ernesto Chamberlain, Nogales, Ariz. Christian Murillo, Nogales, Ariz. Dan O’Connor, Pompano Beach, Fla. Chadelle Robinson, Las Cruces, N.M. Gerardo A. Lozano, Edinburg, Texas Ward Thomas, McAllen, Texas Members re-appointed include: Mathew Singletary, Alva, Fla. …
Trump Administration Appoints David McCurdy to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA/FSA in Alabama
The Trump Administration recently appointed David McCurdy as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Alabama Farm Service Agency (FSA). McCurdy began his new position on Dec. 11. McCurdy has worked for FSA for the past 30 years and most recently as a district director. As district director, he provided oversight for 10 FSA offices covering 19 counties …
FCA Reports on Agricultural Economic Conditions
The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) released a quarterly report on economic issues affecting agriculture and updated the financial condition of the Farm Credit System. The report says the USDA is predicting farm income will stabilize near its historical average. The USDA is predicting an increase in farm income, rising from $93.3 billion in 2016 to 96.9 billion in 2017. Factors …
Coalition Wants Federal Ag Budget to Increase
More than 70 agricultural groups sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for an increase in the agricultural budget for the 2018 Ag Appropriations Bill that Congress is developing. The Hagstrom Report quotes the letter as saying the coalition includes groups from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic, veterinary, and consumer sectors. The letter says, “We urge you to substantially increase …
Republican Governors Meet VP About NAFTA
Four Republican Governors met with Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday to discuss their concerns about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. Reuters says the governor’s wanted to talk about their serious concerns regarding proposed changes to the agreement that they say could affect manufacturing and jobs in their states. The meetings included Governors Kim Reynolds of Iowa, …