The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule to revise the Agency’s biotechnology regulations and will re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health. “It’s critical that our regulatory requirements foster public confidence and empower …
ASTA Supports USDA Action
Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …
Senate Tax Writer Expects Full Repeal of Estate Tax in Senate GOP Version
A leading Senate tax writer expects full repeal of the estate tax in the Senate GOP version of tax reform legislation after House tax authors took a different path. Senior Senate Finance member and former chairman Chuck Grassley expect committee Republicans to opt for full repeal of the estate tax, versus just an increase in the exclusion. The House GOP …
Grain Traders Getting Squeezed by Oversupply
Over the past few years, farmers have cut their spending due to low commodity prices caused, in part, by a global glut of commodities. A Dow Jones report indicates that it’s now commodity traders’ turn to make significant adjustments. Major players in the global grain trade, such as Archer Daniels Midland and Bunge, Ltd., are reducing expenditures by hundreds of …
House Committee to Hold Hearing on Glyphosate Allegations
The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology announced that it may soon hold a hearing on the International Agency for Cancer Research’s 2015 assessment that glyphosate is a carcinogen. The Committee has been looking into the IARC, which receives American taxpayer funding, and it sent a letter to the agency’s director citing concerns over the “scientific integrity” of the …
NAFTA Withdrawal Would Not Lower Deficit With Mexico
President Trump often cited withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a way to reduce America’s trade deficit with Mexico. However, a Forbes Dot Com article says that isn’t the way it works. If the U.S. should no longer be involved in NAFTA, all three countries revert to Most Favored Nation trade status under the World Trade …
U.S. Must Make Commitment to Agricultural Research
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in testimony delivered urged Congress to renew its commitment to funding agricultural research to help America’s farmers feed a growing world population, improve public health and strengthen U.S. national security by ensuring America’s food security. NPPC chief veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom told the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and …
Secretary Perdue Announces FSA, Rural Development State Directors
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Friday a slate of Farm Service Agency and Rural Development state directors. All directors will serve as appointees of President Donald Trump. Perdue says of the state directors that they will “help ensure USDA is offering the best customer service” to agriculture. FSA state directors help implement Department of Agriculture policies in planning, organizing, and …
Farm Bureau Applauds Congressional Tax Reform
The federal tax reform plan coming out of Congress makes major changes to the tax code. Pat Wolff, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, says Farm Bureau is reviewing the plan to ensure the effective tax rate lessens the tax burden for America’s farmers and ranchers. Wolff calls it a bold proposal that she expects to move through Congress quickly. …
Lawmakers Seek to Change Livestock Disaster Aid
Two bills introduced in Congress seek to make changes to livestock programs, specifically changing the way help to ranchers is administered during a disaster. The legislation includes four bills to make changes to the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Conservation Program. Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas introduced the legislation in the Senate, while …