The 2017 Alabama Legislative Session officially kicked off this week as Governor Robert Bentley delivered his State of the State address. According to information provided by the Alabama Agribusiness Council, the Governor touted the accomplishments of his administration and renewed his commitment of focusing on opportunities for Alabama’s future.
Bill Introduced in Georgia Legislature to Clarify Tax Law
The Georgia legislative session continues to move along, and according to Bryan Tolar with the Georgia Agribusiness Council, a bill was introduced this week to help clarify a tax law.
State Agriculture Leaders Call Food Safety a Farm Bill Priority
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has listed food safety as a 2018 farm bill priority. Specifically, NASDA prioritized the need farmers and ranchers may have for low-cost loans to upgrade infrastructure to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Congressman Gaetz; Why Abolish the EPA
Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz will file a bill today proposing to abolish the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since 1970, the EPA has worked at the federal government level to ensure that human health and the environment are protected. However, Congressman Gaetz believes this protection can better be served by the state and by private citizens.
House Agriculture Committee Discussing New Farm Bill
The push for a new farm bill has gotten off the ground quickly with announcements and commitments by leaders of the House Agriculture Committee in their first meeting of the 115th Congress.
Broad Support for Georgia Storm Victims
The series of deadly storms that moved across the Southeast this past week, including through southwest Georgia, has brought broad support from many for those victims. And Georgia Agribusiness Council President Bryan Tolar says that includes those in the state capital.
First Farm Bill Field Hearing in Kansas
U.S. Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts, a Kansas Republican, and ranking member Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, announced the first field hearing on reauthorizing the Farm Bill will be in Manhattan, Kansas.
USDA Proposes Revisions to Genetic Engineering Policy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to revise regulations (7 CFR Part 340) regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms. The update to the regulations is in response to advances in genetic engineering and the accumulated experience in implementing the current regulations, as well as to …
Interesting Debates Expected over New Farm Bill
The next farm bill has been a major topic for many agriculture as conversations have been underway by commodity groups concerning issues that affect them. And while the next farm bill is not really expected until sometime in 2018, there are reports indicating some are considering writing a new farm bill to replace the current one and passing it a …
Discussing an Earlier Farm Bill
There are reports that some in Washington are considering writing a new farm bill to replace the current one and passing it a year before the Agricultural Act of 2014 is scheduled to expire. Tyron Spearman has the story.