TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today delivered remarks at the Rural Economic Development Summit in St. Augustine. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The goal of rural economic development is not to turn our rural communities into urban communities. The goal of rural economic development is to embrace the things that make our communities strong …
House Agriculture Committee Launches Farm Bill Landing Page
Ahead of the 2018 Farm Bill, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) today announced the launch of a new online resource which can be accessed through the committee’s current website, https://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill. This landing page is designed to provide updates and information related to the 2018 Farm Bill. Following its launch, Chairman Conaway offered the below remarks: “I’m committed to completing a …
This is the Farm Bill
Whether it is farm to table or field to fork, Americans have options when it comes to the food we eat. Options that provide us with unparalleled variety and access to the lowest cost food in the world. Every day, constant innovation and advancements in technology are making it easier and more affordable for Americans to access the food our …
Environmental Proposal Delayed Amid Business Outcry
A proposed constitutional amendment that would redefine legal standing for Floridians when environmental problems occur was put on hold Tuesday as opposition mounts from powerful business groups. With critics arguing the measure is too vague and would create legal gridlock, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, a member of the state Constitution Revision Commission, said she requested more time to work on her proposal …
Optimism for a 2018 Farm Bill is Fading
A Senior GOP Ag Senator says his optimism for a 2018 farm bill is fading, after months of delay in starting to write a bill in committee. Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s less hopeful now than a few months ago, that the Senate will pass a 2018 farm bill soon. Farm Bill But, that was before the Senate got mired …
Farm Bill Coming Early Next Year
House Agriculture Committee leadership says the 2018 farm bill should be ready to move in the first quarter of next year. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson told the Red River Farm Network that markup on the bill will begin at the end of January, or the first part of February. A spokesperson for Committee Chairman Mike Conaway could …
Secretary Perdue Hears from Youth in Ag
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue hosted a roundtable meeting about youth in agriculture at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on Dec. 8 in Tallahassee. Those involved in the discussion included FAMU President Larry Robinson, Florida Congressman Al Lawson, FAMU students, Florida FFA state officers and members of Florida 4-H. Perdue began the meeting by asking the participants what …
Newhouse Remains Confident Farm Bill Will Pass on Time
There’s been speculation by some in different ag circles that the new Farm Bill will not pass on-time. Some have speculated it won’t pass until 2019. Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington State recently acknowledged he’s heard those rumors, but cannot substantiate them. In addition, he says he doesn’t believe they are true. The Central Washington republican says House Agriculture Committee …
Tax Reform, Crop Yields, Commodity Prices
There’s lots of talk about tax reform, crop yields, and commodity prices these days, but little about a 2018 farm bill. And it now appears formal writing of a new farm bill may have to wait ‘til next year. Earlier in the year, there was lots of talk about a new farm bill. That was August. Two months later, Democrat Debbie …
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 …