Building a strong rural America through entrepreneurship Dr. Lisa Benson, director of rural development at the American Farm Bureau Federation, described to the House Small Business Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee the organization’s focus on programs to enhance entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship can be a tool to sustain economic growth, create local jobs and improve the quality of life for rural Americans,” …
EU, Canada, Settle 21 Year Beef Fight
Canada and the European Union have settled a 21-year dispute of hormone-treated meat, according to Reuters. In a filing with the World Trade Organization this week, Canada and the EU announced the settlement of the dispute that began in 1996. Under the terms of the settlement, Canada gives up any right to retaliate over the decades-old complaint, which alleged the …
Two Groups Urge USDA to Finalize Farmer Fair Practices Rule
Two farm groups are urging the Department of Agriculture to finalize the Farmer Fair Practices rule under the Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the National Farmers Union say the rule will go into effect in less than three weeks, barring any setbacks from USDA. The two groups say the rule would protect family farmers …
CME Analysis Warns of La Niña Risks
An analysis by CME Groups says the La Niña weather phenomenon may be coming back for real this time, after a head fake last year. La Niña is associated with cooler, wetter conditions along the U.S.-Canadian border, warmer, drier conditions in much of the southern United States, and impacts weather patterns worldwide. CME Group Senior Economist Erik Norland says past …
U.S. Ag Groups Want Intervention of GI Review
Farm and food groups want the Trump Administration to address a trade consideration between Mexico and Japan regarding geographical indications. Japan and Mexico are considering giving exclusive status to various European geographical food and drink names. In a letter to President Trump, the groups say that the European Union is currently negotiating with both nations on lists of protected geographical …
Putnam Announces Preliminary Florida Agricultural Damages Due to Hurricane Irma Total $2.5 Billion
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the preliminary agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida total more than $2.5 billion. In an initial report released today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated losses for each segment of agriculture. The preliminary economic assessments account for current crop losses and ancillary losses, such as debris …
As Lake Okeechobee Levels Rise, So Do Community Concerns
It’s only been a few weeks since Hurricane Irma battered our farms and farming communities. EAA farmers have been working overtime to make sure our farms and farming communities south of Lake Okeechobee have the resources they need to get back on their feet. We’ve delivered more than 10,000 meals to local residents in need and our farms have donated thousands …
USDA Invests in 48 Projects in Local Watersheds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to invest in 48 new, multi-year projects that aim to build vital infrastructure while conserving natural resources in 20 states or territories through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with local groups to help prevent floods, protect watersheds, improve agricultural water management and enhance wildlife habitat through …
USDA Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservation Payments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and …
Secretary Perdue Statement on Confirmation of Censky & McKinney
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Senate’s confirmation of two key nominees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Senate confirmed Steve Censky, nominated by President Donald J. Trump as Deputy Secretary, and Ted McKinney, selected by the president to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Perdue issued the following statement: “I commend the …