Federal agencies are continuing to work on filing a new regulatory process for hemp products. In the meantime, state departments of agriculture officials are asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a clear regulatory framework for hemp products as quickly as possible. The ag departments sent a series of comments to the FDA, saying that they have an …
Plant-Based Foods Association Reports Industry Growth
Data from the Plant-Based Foods Association shows sales of plant-based foods in the U.S. have grown 11 percent in the past year. The report announced last week says the plant-based market is worth $4.5 billion. The total U.S. retail food market has grown just two percent in dollar sales during the same period. The association says the data proves plant-based …
Large Loans Drive Further Increases in Farm Lending
(NAFB) — Growth in the average size of farm operating loans boosted agricultural lending in the second quarter of 2019. A Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank report shows the volume of loans increased 11 percent compared with 2018. The pace of growth is the fastest in the second quarter since 2011. Operating loans continues as the majority of non-real estate …
EPA Not Banning the Use of Chlorpyrifos
(NAFB) — The Environment Protection Agency last week announced it would not ban chlorpyrifos, although court battles likely are ahead to fight the action. EPA denied objections to the agency’s 2017 order denying a 2007 petition from the Pesticide Action Network North America, and the Natural Resources Defense Council to cancel all registrations for the insecticide. CropLife America says the …
USDA Awards Agricultural Trade Promotion Funding
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100 million to 48 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets. In May, President Trump authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs to support farmers, which …
U.S., Japan, Working Hard Towards Trade Deal
(NAFB) — Japan and the U.S. are “working hard” to reach a trade agreement, according to those close to the negotiations. A Japanese official told Reuters this week, “Our team is now working pretty hard, so we are looking forward to some news in the near future.” The U.S. and Japan are reportedly working on a small trade deal involving …
CBB Executives Detail Recent Beef Leadership Trip to Taiwan and Japan
CENTENNIAL, CO (CBB) — Chuck Coffey, chairman, and Jared Brackett, vice chairman, of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB) recently traveled to Taiwan and Japan as part of a U.S. contingent exploring opportunities for U.S. beef in those countries. The week-long trip took place May 4-May 11, 2019. “Taiwan and Japan are in prime position for further market …
DeSantis, Cabinet Eye Land Purchases
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet members next week will consider spending just over $11 million of Florida Forever conservation funds to acquire more than 900 acres in three parts of the state. The pieces of land targeted for conservation are 717 acres within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone in Wakulla County, 129 acres in Charlotte County and the …
WTO Rules against US over Pre-Trade War Dispute with China
(NAFB) — The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled against the United States in a pre-trade war dispute with China, opening the door for more retaliatory tariffs. The ruling says some U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods do not comply with WTO rules. The case opened in 2012 when the United States implemented tariffs aimed at products the U.S. claimed “were unfairly …
Bayer to Move Crop Science Headquarters
(NAFB) — Bayer plans to move its crop science headquarters to St. Louis and close its Research Triangle Park facility. Bayer, which acquired St. Louis-based Monsanto for $63 billion, will move 500 jobs to the former Monsanto campus in Missouri. The announcement comes after Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s first European Trade Mission. The trip included a stop in Germany to …