More than 60 farm and commodity groups are calling for lawmakers to double the funding for agriculture research in the next farm bill. The coalition of 63 organizations sent a letter to House and Senate agriculture leaders, requesting the lawmakers increase the Department of Agriculture’s research, education and extension budget to $6 billion over the life of the next farm …
Canada “Extremely Worried” About NAFTA Direction
Canada is “extremely worried” behind the scenes regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. News network CTV of Canada reports the latest round of negotiations has caused concerns. The U.S. has since tabled a measure to dismantle Canada’s dairy supply management system, but the issue is likely to come up again. Canada refuses to make changes to the …
Farmers Need to Be Aware of Dicamba Labeling Restriction
Farmers interested in using dicamba as part of their crop strategy in the 2018 growing season need to be aware only certified applicators, or those under direct supervision will be allowed to apply the product. The label change reflects an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency, Monsanto, BASF and DuPont on measures to further minimize the potential for drift to …
New ARS Website Enhances Access to Scientific Information
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) launched a newly designed website that improves access to information about ARS research. The new site features mobile responsiveness allowing users to better navigate and view information on both mobile and desktop devices. ARS maintains scientific information stemming from research conducted by nearly 2,000 Federal scientists researching animal and crop health, human nutrition, food safety, …
UF Study: Consumers See ‘Organic’, ‘Non-GM’ Food Labels as Synonymous
Consumers are confused between foods labeled as “organic” and “non-genetically modified,” according to a new study led by a University of Florida professor. In fact, researchers found that some consumers view the two labels as synonymous. When Congress approved the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in June 2016, lawmakers allowed companies two years – until June 2018 – to label …
Brazil’s JBS Suspending Work at Seven Facilities
Brazil’s JBS SA announced last week it would suspend its cattle purchases and slaughter activities at seven facilities for an indefinite period. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the move follows a local court decision that decided to freeze the U.S. equivalent of $230 million in assets belonging to the controlling company of JBS. The assets were blocked following the request …
Legislation Against Farm Bill Cuts a Non-Starter
Senator Pat Roberts says there will not be a vote on a proposal to protect the farm bill from budget cuts. The Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman says the Senate will not consider the bill offered up by the committee’s ranking Democrat, Debbie Stabenow. She filed the bill last week that aimed to keep all farm bill programs away from any …
Trade Negotiators at Odds Over NAFTA Proposals
Trade negotiators are accusing each other of sabotaging attempts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) following the latest round of talks. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland accused the U.S. of pursuing a “winner take all” approach. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said of the talks that the NAFTA trade partners do not seem “willing to make any …
Ag Exports Key to Trump NAFTA Deficit Strategy
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts says agricultural exports are key to achieving President Donald Trump’s plan for reducing the trade deficit with NAFTA members. The White House says more ag exports into Canada and Mexico through the North American Free Trade Agreement will help reduce the trade deficit, and Senator Roberts agrees. Roberts spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Robert …
Report: Farm Lending Stabilizing
The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank reports farm lending has stabilized, but risks remain. The Federal Reserve’s Agricultural Finance Databook shows risks in the sector have remained alongside a persistently weak agricultural economy. The volume of non-real estate farm loans originated in the third quarter this year increased about two percent from the previous year. The slight increase followed a …