Trade officials gathering this week in Tokyo are trying to forge ahead on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) without the United States but are bogged down by Canada. The member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, also known as TPP 11, reached a basic agreement on the pact in November. But, Canada is holding out to secure …
Another Round of NAFTA Talks Getting Underway
Trade negotiators are in Montreal for the next round of talks regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The session could be the last round of significant talks before the Mexican presidential campaigns which lead up to a July first election, making negotiations too difficult, according to the Hagstrom Report. The talks will last until January 29th, when the …
Senate Votes to End Government Shutdown
Senate leaders have reached an agreement to end the government shutdown, passing a bill to fund the government until February 8th. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed to end a filibuster on the spending bill, in exchange for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s word that the Senate will begin debating immigration by the day the short-term spending bill expires. The Senate vote …
Government Shutdown Likely to Take Toll on Agriculture
The government shutdown and its aftermath is likely to continue taking a toll on agriculture, including efforts to write a new farm bill. The loss of trust is an obvious casualty of the government shutdown, and will be in its aftermath, as lawmakers struggle to craft a long-term budget solution, along with a “fix” for illegal child immigration, passing disaster …
Farmers Union Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of Directors recently passed a resolution to this effect, outlining requirements for a farm …
USDA-APHIS to Review Research for Determination of Non-Regulated Status for Ultra-Low Gossypol Cottonseed
Ultra-Low Gossypol Cottonseed Part of Cotton Incorporated Research Activities Cotton Incorporated-funded research into the suppression of gossypol in cottonseed is being reviewed by USDA-APHIS for a determination of non-regulated status for a specific type of ultra-low gossypol cottonseed (ULGCS) referred to as TAM66274. Cotton Incorporated has funded research at Texas A&M AgriLife Research of College Station on this technology because …
Root Biologist Joins UF Fight Against Citrus Greening
An inventive fruit tree researcher has joined the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center. Lorenzo Rossi is the center’s first-ever root biology professor and will support the university’s statewide Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ commitment to restore Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. “Healthy roots are essential for a healthy plant. Dr. Rossi’s root biology research will …
Cotton Market Rally Not Related to Fundamentals
Dr. Jody Campiche vice-president of economics and policy analysis for the National Cotton Council, says the recent price rally is not really related to longer term fundamentals. Market Overseas issues are also affecting prices. Prices Are prices likely to remain high for a while? Trend As for planted acreage this season. Acreage That’s Jody Campiche of the National Cotton …
Pork Checkoff Invests in International Markets
This past year was a very successful year for pork exports. National Pork Board President Terry O’Neel says the Pork Checkoff has made a significant investment in building international markets. Markets O’Neel, who raises hogs at Friend, Nebraska, says the National Pork Board ended this past year in strong financial shape. Many pork producers also enjoyed positive margins. Margins For …
Farm Bureau Statement on WOTUS Jurisdiction Decision
The following may be attributed to Ellen Steen, General Counsel of the American Farm Bureau Federation: “The U.S. Supreme Court ruled correctly that federal district courts—not federal courts of appeals—have jurisdiction to review the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. This Supreme Court decision brings greater clarity to an important issue that has bogged down the litigation over this …