The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued national program guidance that gives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) state operators new flexibility to make their operations more efficient while improving customer service. SNAP is unique among federal programs in that the law requires state civil servants (“merit system personnel”) to certify applicant households for benefits. The …
Improvements to Crop Insurance continue in 2018
USDA Strengthens Crop Insurance Program to keep Rural Economy Viable Changes to the Federal crop insurance program initiated in 2017 will continue into 2018. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) continues to improve the program, increasing its availability and effectiveness as a risk management tool while safeguarding the integrity of the program. In 2017, RMA had …
USDA Announces National Watermelon Promotion Board Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Members newly appointed to serve three-year terms are: Ernesto Chamberlain, Nogales, Ariz. Christian Murillo, Nogales, Ariz. Dan O’Connor, Pompano Beach, Fla. Chadelle Robinson, Las Cruces, N.M. Gerardo A. Lozano, Edinburg, Texas Ward Thomas, McAllen, Texas Members re-appointed include: Mathew Singletary, Alva, Fla. …
Farmers Decline to Get Involved in USDA/GIPSA Suit
Many farmers were upset for months about a U.S. Department of Agriculture decision to withdraw the interim final rule from the Grain Inspections, Packers, and Stockyards Act (GIPSA). Politico says many farmers are also worried about the possibility of retaliation from the large corporations they contract with if they get involved in the lawsuit. As a result, a lot of …
Lawsuit Filed Against USDA Over GIPSA Withdrawal
The Organization for Competitive Markets has joined farmer-plaintiffs from Alabama and Nebraska to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture for cancelling the GIPSA Farmer Fair Practice Rules. OCM Executive Director Joe Maxwell says the lawsuit seeks to reverse USDA’s October decision. He says the GIPSA rules were mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill and should be implemented. Rules He says …
USDA Highlights $40 Million in Infrastructure Investments in Rural Communities
Funding Helps Improve Streets, Transit Facilities and Other Structures to Spur Economic Growth and Create Jobs Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in Fiscal Year 2017 that will help construct or improve infrastructure and boost economic growth in rural communities. “USDA is focused on improving rural America’s infrastructure,” Perdue said. “Investments such as the ones …
Northey Nomination Still on Hold
The nomination of Bill Northey to a top Department of Agriculture post remains on hold following a White House meeting on the Renewable Fuels Standard. The meeting, requested by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, offered no major breakthroughs regarding what Cruz wants to change in the RFS. Cruz told Politico he is still holding up the vote to confirm Northey, …
This is the Farm Bill
Whether it is farm to table or field to fork, Americans have options when it comes to the food we eat. Options that provide us with unparalleled variety and access to the lowest cost food in the world. Every day, constant innovation and advancements in technology are making it easier and more affordable for Americans to access the food our …
Senate Ag Committee Approves Vaden as USDA General Counsel
Despite concerns, the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the nomination of Stephen Vaden as the Department of Agriculture’s general counsel this week. The nomination moves on to the full Senate for a vote. The committee approved the nomination on a 14 to 7 vote, Senate Agriculture ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow, along with fellow Democrats Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, joined all …
USDA Ends Prevented Planting +10 Percent Option
The Department of Agriculture has ended a ten percent higher crop insurance coverage option for prevented planting claims. In a memo sent out to insurers and USDA’s Risk Management Agency field offices, USDA eliminated the Prevented Planting +10 Percent Option for the 2018 crop year and future crop years. USDA kept the five percent option for farmers, though analysis shows …