The Enabling Farmer, Food worker, Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, and Equitable (EFFECTIVE) Food Procurement Act introduced proposes a value-based approach for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) …
Farm Bill, Specialty Crops Discussed During House Ag Member Day
The House Agriculture Committee met for Member Day, Wednesday, a day when all Members of the House are invited to share legislative interests and priorities with the Chairman and the …
Specialty CROP Act Seeks to Bolster Ag Export Opportunities
The Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act) was recently introduced in Congress. It seeks to address challenges faced by U.S. specialty crop exporters, such as …
New Proposed California Anti-Ag Measure Could Have National Implications
A proposed northern California anti-ag measure could have an effect nationwide. The measure in Sonoma County would eliminate animal agriculture in that county. “It would outlaw all animal agriculture in …
New Paid Sick Leave Requirements to Become Effective January 1, 2024
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 616 into law, ushering in significant changes to paid sick leave (PSL) requirements. Effective January 1, 2024, this legislation, put forth by state …
Speaker Johnson a ‘Real Win for Cattle Producers’
The nation has a new Speaker of the House, and he’s someone already trusted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane said …
Senator Cramer: The Clean Water Act Definitions Remain Muddy
The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing on the Waters of the U. S. Rule (WOTUS) to look closer at the rule and the actions taken …
New House Speaker Mike Johnson Sets Sights on Farm Bill
House Republicans have navigated a tumultuous three-week process to elect a new Speaker of the House. The party’s fourth nominee, Representative Mike Johnson from Louisiana, will now be filling the …
Farm Bill Extension Expected
As the House continues its search for a new speaker, some members of the Senate are watching and waiting for the legislative work to continue, especially when it comes to …
CIAO Standards Act to Streamline Revisions to Organic Standards
Several industry groups have welcomed the introduction of the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic (CIAO) Standards Act 2023 in Congress. The bipartisan legislation aims to enhance and update organic …
Lawmakers Seek Fresh Produce Procurement Reform
The Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2023 seeks to improve federal food distribution while also supporting farmers and ranchers. Introduced last month, the legislation would bolster the U.S. Department …
Search for Speaker Another Delay for Farm Bill
Another delay for the farm bill, as the House must now spend time electing another Speaker after the ousting of Representative Kevin McCarthy of California. During an address on student …
Conditions ‘Too Good’ for Fast Farm Bill
An ag economics expert says this year’s farm bill battle is a repeat of bills gone by. Dr. Joe Outlaw is a Regents Fellow, Professor, and Extension Economist in the …
Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment Fails
The controversial anti-checkoff amendment to the Ag Appropriations Bill failed before the full House late Wednesday. The amendment proposal was led by Representative Victoria Spartz (R-IN), who defended it on …