On Thursday morning, the Senate Agriculture Committee voted to approve the nomination of Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
NCC Pleased With EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Action
EPA released an order on March 29 denying in full the petition requesting that the agency revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. EPA now will move forward on updating and revising the human health assessment for chlorpyrifos under the standard procedures of the ongoing registration review process.
$1.9 Million for Alfalfa and Forage Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of $1.9 million in funding for research and development to improve the agricultural productivity, profitability, and conservation of the U.S. alfalfa forage industry. Funding is made through NIFA’s Alfalfa and Forage Research Program (AFRP).
New Funding Opportunities for Higher Education
USDA Announces $4.5 Million for Higher Education Support The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of $4.5 million in funding to help higher education institutions teach the next generation of food and agricultural science professionals. Funding is made through NIFA’s Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program.
USDA Offers Renewal Options for Expiring Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts
NRCS is accepting applications for agricultural producers wanting to renew existing Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts. The renewal is for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands. Applications to renew expiring contracts are due by May 5.
Financial Assistance Helps Ag Producers Improve Water Quality
Application Deadline is May 19 Agricultural producers in three watersheds can apply for financial assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) until May 19 to improve water quality in high-priority streams and rivers.
Farm Bureau Cheers Perdue Committee Vote, Urges Full Senate to Confirm
The following may be attributed to Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation:
Duvall Urges Swift Confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall urged swift confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court in a letter to the full Senate.
Senate Agriculture Committee Swiftly Advances USDA Secretary Nominee Perdue
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced the Committee voted to favorably report nominee Sonny Perdue to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Perdue may now be considered by the full U.S. Senate for confirmation. “I’m pleased our Committee has made swift strides to move Governor Perdue’s nomination closer to …
Farm Bureau Praises EPA Chlorpyrifos Decision
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today applauded Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt for rejecting a petition that would have eliminated the use of chlorpyrifos in agriculture.