(NSF) — A proposal to help shield farmers from “nuisance” lawsuits was approved Thursday by the Florida Senate, as some critics contend it is intended to protect the sugar industry around Lake Okeechobee. A priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, the measure (SB 88) was approved in a 37-1 vote. It would expand Florida’s “Right to Farm” law, which …
NCBA Endorses Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act of 2021
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021 on Wednesday. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Tester (D-MT), Sen. Wicker (R-MS), and Sen. Smith (D-MN) and would deliver flexibility for livestock haulers. “One year after COVID-19 began to disrupt daily life across the country, U.S. cattle …
‘Right to Farm’ Expansion Gets House Support
(NSF) — A priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson to give farmers more protection from “nuisance” lawsuits started to move forward Wednesday in the House. Over the objections of environmentalists who contend the proposal is intended to protect the sugar industry around Lake Okeechobee, the House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee voted 14-4 to support a measure (HB 1601) …
Legislation Introduced to Repeal Federal Estate Tax
Federal lawmakers have introduced legislation that would repeal the federal estate tax, often referred to as the death tax. U.S. Senator John Thune and U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop and Jason Smith recently introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021. The bipartisan legislation has the support of nearly 150 lawmakers in both houses of Congress. Multiple agricultural groups have also …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack on Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature. For a detailed review, see the USDA fact sheet (see below). “President Biden wasted no time fulfilling his pledge to the American people to bring substantial financial relief within …
Support the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 Shown by Agriculture Groups
AFBF Applauds Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House. Both are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25cosponsors introduced S. 617 and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop …
Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act Introduced in U.S. House
The legislation was introduced this week in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reform the H-2A visa program to address the agricultural labor shortage. The “Farm Workforce Modernization Act”, introduced by Representatives Zoe Lofgren from California and Dan Newhouse of Washington, would amend the H-2A program to allow a capped number of visas for farmworkers to work year-round. In …
Georgia Legislature Deals with Certain Ag Issues
Week eight of the 2021 Georgia State Legislative Session was a week where lawmakers spent time dealing with various issues of interest to agriculture. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley explains what some of those issues and bills were. Go to the GAC website to keep track of any bills during the 2021 legislative session. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly …