Monsanto announced that it’s on track to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2021. The company expects to meet the commitment it first made in December of 2015. Operational improvements have already reduced Monsanto’s carbon footprint by more than 200,000 metric tons. That’s a reduction about equal to burning 200,000 fewer tons of coal. The rate of reduction …
Growth Energy Applauds House Support for Advanced Biofuels
Growth Energy applauds a letter from 18 members of the House to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dealing with cellulosic and advanced biofuels. Donald Payne, Jr., Ruben Gallego , and 16 of their colleagues sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to increase their blending targets for cellulosic biofuels and biodiesel for the final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations. …
Oregon Representative Releases Alternative Farm Bill
Oregon Democrat Representative Michael Blumenauer released an “alternative Farm Bill” during a press conference. The news conference was held with Michael Pollan, an author of books criticizing the current U.S. food system. The Hagstrom Report says Bluemenauer has long been advocating for fruits and vegetables, as well as organic and local foods, in previous farm bill debates. His version of …
NAFTA Negotiators Focusing on Cars and Finances
Agriculture will not be a big focus in the current round of talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Bloomberg says negotiators will focus this round on regional content rules for products like cars, as well as financial services. One of the most contentious proposals from the U.S. deals with rules-of-origin for cars. Those rules determine how much …
U.S. Chamber Says NAFTA Withdrawal Will Hurt States
Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Texas, and Missouri could all suffer the most severe hits to their economies if President Trump decides to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Politico says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce listed 12 states that it says will be hit hardest by NAFTA withdrawal. John Murphy, senior vice president of international policy …
Dairy Producers Look for Solutions in 2018 Farm Bill
2018 promises to be a big year for the dairy industry. An important part of the conversation will be managing volatility and how to improve current price support programs. Like all of agriculture, the dairy industry is eagerly awaiting the launch of a new Farm Bill in January 2019. Policies to improve the current economic climate for the nation’s milk …
Judge Sides with Landowner on Disputed Water Permit
An administrative law judge Friday backed a decision to issue a water-use permit to a major Marion County landowner, despite arguments by environmental groups about possible harm to Silver Springs and the Silver River. Judge E. Gary Early, in a 67-page decision, recommended that the St. Johns River Water Management District move forward with issuing a consumptive-use permit to Sleepy …
Biodiesel Board Responds to RFS RIN Concerns
A letter from the National Biodiesel Board to the Trump Administration seeks to clarify issues refineries are wanted addressed. Texas Senator Ted Cruz is holding the nomination of Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey to the Department of Agriculture, asking for a meeting to discuss renewable identification number credits, or RINs. Cruz says refiners call the RINs expensive, “costing thousands of …
Study Says Ethanol Production Creates More Carbon Emissions
A study by the University of Wisconsin says carbon emissions increase when land is converted into crops for ethanol. The study released this week says the carbon emissions increase since the ethanol mandate in 2007 is equivalent to 20 million new cars driving on America’s roadways every year. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the study underscores the unintended consequences of …
Senator Urging Farmers to Stand Up for NAFTA
Republican Senator Jerry Moran penned an open letter to farmers and ranchers this week asking them to “do more” regarding concerns surrounding the North American Free Trade Agreement. The letter urges farmers, farm groups, and others, to “raise their concerns” with President Trump. He challenged the industry to do so via op-eds, letters, social media campaigns, and other venues about …