The American Farm Bureau Federation, addressing a social media myth, says “the current language of the reconciliation bill does not impose a methane tax on agriculture.” Those words from AFBF’s Public Affairs Vice President Sam Kieffer, who says the statement seeks to clear up any confusion. Kieffer says that over the summer, Farm Bureau economists conducted an analysis, at the …
Congress Continues Budgeting Efforts in Washington
Congress continues working on a reconciliation package which does have implications for agriculture. Tyron Spearman reports hopes are to see something passed yet this week. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
Florida Lawmakers Seek Answers on Black Farmer Marijuana License
(Tallahassee/NSF) — Black farmers in Florida have waited more than four years to vie for a license to participate in the state’s lucrative medical-marijuana industry. But it’s still unknown exactly how much longer they’ll have to continue to bide their time. Under the state’s medical marijuana law, one license must go to a grower who had been part of settled lawsuits …
DeLauro introduces Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act
House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro this week introduced the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. The Connecticut Democrat says the legislation will increase and improve the Department of Agriculture’s procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables. The bill would require USDA to partner with growers, distributors, and food hubs to provide fresh, U.S.-grown fruits and vegetables to community organizations like schools, …
NCC Following Committee Markup Process in the House
Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives continue their committee markup process to develop the individual pieces of the budget reconciliation bill that will be assembled in the coming weeks. Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council (NCC), Reece Langley, has more details on the agriculture specific provisions. Langley also explains what is not in the House agriculture package …
“No” to Immigration Reform – Ag Labor in Limbo?
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled against the Democrats’ plan to provide eight million green cards as a part of their $3.5 trillion spending bill. The Hill says that decision makes getting immigration reform to President Biden’s desk that much harder. MacDonough’s guidance all but closes the door on Democrats’ chances to be able to use the spending bill as a …
Leaders Pushing for Failed Changes in Committee
Key ag issues still linger in the wake of House committee action on the president’s massive “Build Back Better” budget. House Democrats completed committee work on the 3.5 trillion-dollar tax and spending plan, though changes could still get made in the Rules Committee and on the House floor. Ag leaders will be pushing for changes that failed in committee, including …
Vilsack, Tai, Meet with Ag Policy Advisory Committee
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai released a statement following a meeting with the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee last week. Ambassador Tai detailed how the Biden-Harris Administration’s trade agenda aligns with the objectives of the agricultural sector. The Ambassador discussed how USTR is working to support the ability of U.S. agricultural producers to expand access to …
Various Issues Being Discussed at Cattle Industry Convention
Cattle producers from across the country are in Nashville, Tennessee this week for the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. It’s all taking place at the Gaylord Opryland. Various issues affecting producers are being discussed, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Natural Resources, Kaitlynn Glover, notes one of those is natural resources. President Biden did sign an executive order …
House Agriculture Hearing Echoes NCBA Push for More Hook Space
The U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing Wednesday to examine urgent challenges within the beef supply chain. After hearing testimony from agriculture economists, land-grant university faculty, and cattle industry stakeholders, many members of Congress echoed the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association‘s (NCBA) longstanding call to expand processing capacity. Members also noted the need for greater transparency in …