The National Cotton Council (NCC) looks forward to working with the House and Senate agriculture committees and with other agricultural organizations to gain passage of a farm bill that effectively addresses the needs of all commodities.
Subcommittee Continues Examination of Farm Policy
Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, held a hearing to further examine the effectiveness of farm policy in advance of crafting the next farm bill. Members of the committee heard from witnesses who shared the perspectives of the cotton, rice, peanut, canola, and sugar industries on the importance …
Protectionist Trade Rhetoric Not Beneficial for Global Ag Companies
The CEO of Deere and Company told CNBC trade rhetoric by President Donald Trump and prospects of a border tax are “worrisome” for global companies.
Canada Attempting to Deepen Trade Ties with China
Canada is doubling down on a push to deepen trade ties with China in a new effort that allows the nation to move ahead on a free-trade deal without quickly advancing extradition treaty talks.
Guatemala to Eliminate Tariffs on U.S. Chicken Products
Guatemala has agreed to end tariffs on select U.S. chicken products years earlier than planned. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office Monday said an agreement between the U.S. and Guatemala calls for the elimination of the 12.5 percent tariff on U.S. exports of fresh, frozen and chilled chicken leg quarters this month.
NPPC, Ag Groups Ask for Tax Reform
A coalition of more than 30 agriculture groups is pressing Congress to repeal the estate tax. A letter sent to the House Ways and Means Committee asked that any tax reform package include permanent repeal of the estate tax. Sometimes referred to as the “death tax,” the levy is imposed on the net value – less an exemption – of …
Science Confirms – You Really Should Eat Your Brassica
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have determined your Mom was right. You should eat your Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage and 27 additional varieties of Brassica microgreens. That declaration comes following the identification of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals in all members of the Brassica family that are important to our health.
Report Highlights Changes in Community Supported Agriculture Business Model
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report, Community Supported Agriculture: New Models for Changing Markets, highlighting six case studies of farmers using the community supported agriculture (CSA) direct-to-consumer business model and how that model has changed since the 1980s. Many CSAs still use the traditional business model of a farmer or network of farmers offering consumers regular (usually …
USDA Expands Meat and Poultry Hotline Hours
To Further Provide Food Safety Information to Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is increasing the delivery of safe food handling and preparation information by expanding the hours of its Meat and Poultry Hotline and Ask Karen chat services. As detailed in the Agency’s 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, FSIS is focusing on …
APHIS Announces Public Meetings on Animal Disease Traceability
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a series of public meetings to receive input on the current Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) system. The meetings will allow APHIS to hear from the public about the successes and challenges of the current ADT framework, specifically for traceability in cattle and bison. They …