epa

EPA and Army Finalize Rule Establishing Definition of WOTUS

Dan Irrigation, Legislative, USDA-EPA, Water, Wetland, WOTUS Act

In an issue of contention across the ag industry, and on the opposite side, environmental groups alike, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). In a news release, the EPA and Army state that it will reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory …

Farm Bill listening session

AFBF: Risk Management Tools a Farm Bill Priority

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Farm Bill, Legislative, This Land of Ours

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says risk management should be a farm bill priority. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. During volatility in the markets, managing risk remains a priority for farmers and ranchers. New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation examines several farm bill risk management tools included in Title 1 and explains the impact …

new report

New Report Lays Out Priorities for U.S. Dairy Reform

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Dairy, Farm Bill, Legislative, Marketing

A new report from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) lays out priorities, principles, and recommendations for reforming dairy policy. A Farm Bureau Working Group explored options for strengthening the dairy industry through the 2023 Farm Bill and modernizing the current Federal Milk Marketing Order. Some of the priorities for FMMO reform include returning the Class 1 mover to a …

government shutdown

Federal Omnibus Deal Fails to Include Farm Labor Act

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Florida, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), Funding, Georgia, Labor and Immigration, Legislative, Regulation

On Dec. 22, the U.S. Senate passed the omnibus appropriations bill. The $1.7 trillion measure would fund the federal government through the remainder of 2023. The measure now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote to avoid a government shutdown on the evening of Dec. 23. Much to the dismay of farm groups nationwide, the Senate Affordable …

safety nets

Florida Senate Passes Property Insurance Overhaul

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Florida, Funding, Legislative, Regulation

(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/December 14, 2022) — The Florida Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at shoring up the troubled-property insurance system by curbing lawsuits, injecting tax dollars into reinsurance coverage and trying to shrink the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The Republican-dominated Senate voted 27-13 largely along party lines to approve the bill (SB 2-A), which is expected to …

Workforce Modernization Act

Workforce Modernization Act Could Save Billions in Labor Costs

Dan Agri-Business, Labor and Immigration, Legislative, Regulation

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act awaits Senate action during the lame-duck session, and it’s the closest meaningful immigration reform has come to the finish line in years. Research by David Bier, Cato Institute associate director of immigration studies, shows farmers would save billions over the next few years if the Senate passes the legislation. “The Farm workforce Modernization Act would …

desantis

Florida Holding Special Legislative Session

Dan Florida, Legislative

Florida lawmakers will hold a special legislative session December 12-16 in Tallahassee. Lawmakers were already scheduled to be in the Capitol during that week for committee meetings. According to the News Service of Florida, with the state’s property-insurance system in turmoil, lawmakers could be poised to take major steps to try to stabilize the market during the special session. A …