The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) released a new report that measured the effectiveness of NIFA’s investments to our nation’s land-grant universities — investments that benefit the American public through agriculture and food research, extension, and education projects. The report, “National Evaluation of Capacity Programs,” was prepared by TEConomy Partners.
President Signs Resolution to Repeal BLM Planning 2.0
President Donald Trump Monday signed a congressional resolution directing the Bureau of Land Management to repeal their Planning 2.0 Rule. The resolution was supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Farm Bureau, and others. The American Farm Bureau had suggested the rule, which was finalized in December, would negatively impact federal lands use. Ethan Lane, executive director of …
EU Approves Dow DuPont Merger with Agreement to Sell R&D Assets
The European Union has approved the Dow DuPont merger after the companies agreed to sell substantial assets including key research and development activities.
China, Others, Resume Meat Imports from Brazil
Bans on meat imports from Brazil following the announced investigation into alleged bribery over meat safety issues were short-lived as China, Chile and Egypt have resumed imports from Brazil.
Singapore Plans to Ratify TPP
Singapore will push forward to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a change from other nations taking a wait and see approach after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the trade agreement.
Mexico Considering Duty-free Corn Trade with Brazil, Argentina
Mexico is mulling over drafting trade agreements that offer Brazil and Argentina duty-free access to the Mexican market for corn.
Presumptive Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has announced that a flock of chickens at a commercial poultry breeding operation located in Chattooga County, Georgia has tested positive for H7, presumptive low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). According to the department’s release, this is the first confirmation of avian influenza in domestic poultry in Georgia.
Study: 82% of U.S. Households Buy Organic Regularly
A recent study by the Organic Trade Association finds that 82 percent of U.S. households in the lower 48 states buy organic products regularly. The Association says those findings build a strong case for continued U.S. Department of Agriculture funding under incoming secretary Sonny Perdue. Laura Batcha (Bat-cha), CEO and Executive Director of the Association, says, “The organic community is …
JBS Suspends Brazil Product After Meat Scandal
The world’s biggest packer, JBS, suspended meat production at 33 of its 36 meatpacking plants in Brazil as countries continue to ban Brazilian beef due to the corruption scandal and ongoing investigation.
Black Market Hackers Selling Tractor Repair Software Illegally
A battle is brewing in at least eight states over “right-to-repair” legislation. Tractors have gone high tech and often require software downloads to aid in the repair process.