The Natural Resources Conservation Service is conducting a pilot project to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. Leonard Jordan, NRCS regional conservationist for the East, explains more on the study to verify the effectiveness of ‘hoop houses’.
Putnam Co-Sponsors National School Salad Bar Legislation
The Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Act has been introduced in the House aimed at bolstering fruit and vegetable consumption in schools.
Immigration Reform Legislation Introduced
House Democrats have unveiled a new comprehensive immigration reform bill, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009.
Estate Tax Extension Blocked
Recently the House passed a one-year extension of current rates for the estate tax, but it now appears the tax law will expire at the end of the year as Senate Republicans blocked efforts to renew it.
Food Rip-offs
Packaging policies are costly to consumers. Everett Griner explains just how costly and why.
FL Vulnerable to Crop Selection Shift Under a Cap and Trade Program
With climate change legislation still sitting in both the house and senate, Bob Young, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau, says the cap and trade structure could result in tremendous changes to the agricultural landscape.
Some Trade Issues Resolved
The following reports have details on two trade issues that were recently resolved. Banana Trade Dispute Ends Trade Bill Extension Approved
Estate Tax Exemption in Question
As the first of the year nears, Congress still does not have an agreement on preventing the estate tax from expiring.
Conservation Problems
Farmers can not win conservation fights. Everett Griner tells us why.
USDA says Specialty Crops Vulnerable to Climate Change
USDA has released a report finding that fruits and vegetables are at the top of the list of U.S. commodities vulnerable to the effects of climate change.