Steel and aluminum tariffs crafted by the Trump administration based on national security have “severely damaged” the multilateral trade system, according to officials from China. In a translated news release, a Chinese trade official says the nation will take legal actions through the World Trade Organization to “maintain the stability and authority” of multilateral trade. The comment came late last …
Trade Tiff with China Serves as Negotiating Primer
A leading U.S. agricultural economist suggests that the trade issues with China serve as a vehicle for negotiations. Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt says China may be simply signaling the U.S. that the nation wants to negotiate, just as the U.S. has seemed to signal to China in crafting the tariffs. That seems to be the case, too, according …
AEM’s Slater: Lift Steel Tariffs to Support Manufacturers
AEM President Dennis Slater issued the following statement last week Friday in response to President Trump’s import tariffs on steel taking effect: Equipment manufacturers remain disappointed at President Trump for allowing harmful steel tariffs to go into effect today. While exemptions for our strategic partners are encouraging, AEM opposes any steel tariffs as they will disrupt the entire global trading …
Easter Eggs for Your Basket Will be a Bit Higher This Year
Higher retail prices for several foods including eggs, orange juice, meat products, bagged salad, shredded cheddar and vegetable oil resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Spring Picnic Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey showed the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $51.05, up $1.02 …
Georgia Peanut Commission Increases Funding for Research Projects in 2018
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $581,896 in research project funding for the 2018-19 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 34 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the …
USDA Announces $8.4 Million to Support Veteran and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) announced up to $8.4 million in available funding for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 …
Scott Signs Measure Targeting Invasive Species
Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill aimed at reducing the number of pythons and other invasive species that cause damage in parts of the state, including the Everglades. The bill (SB 168), which Scott signed Friday after it was unanimously approved this month by the Legislature, sets up a pilot program targeting pythons and species such as tegu lizards …
Vidalia Onions to Arrive in Stores After April 20
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Sets Official Pack Date Gather your favorite spring and summer recipes, Vidalia® onion fans! The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced that the pack date for the 2018 Vidalia Onion season is 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2018. Beloved by world-renowned chefs and home cooks alike, the versatile Vidalia will be available in …
Register Now for Ona Field Day
Producers interested in seeing the many features of laboratories that will soon open at the University of Florida/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona are urged to register for their Annual Field Day. The event will be held April 5 at the new facility, which now totals over 2,500 square feet. The Field Day runs from 8 a.m. …
Omnibus Bill Includes Several Ag Provisions
The omnibus spending bill passed by the House and Senate last week includes many victories for agriculture. Farm groups applauded the inclusion of the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method, or FARM Act. That Act exempts air emissions from animal waste from being subject to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, reporting requirements. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat …