The Department of Agriculture last week quietly released an audit report of China’s inspection system for poultry processing. The audit says China’s system is equivalent to U.S. systems and standards….
FSMA Agricultural Water Compliance Extension?
…agricultural water requirements. A summit to address the practicality and efficacy of agricultural water standards is also being planned for early 2018. More information will become available later in the…
OTA Files Lawsuit Against USDA Over Organic Livestock Standards
The Organic Trade Association announced a lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture over its failure to advance new organic livestock standards. The suit alleges USDA violated the Organic Foods Production…
New Cooling Technologies for Dairy Cows
…use by up to 86 percent and electricity usage by up to 38 percent compared to current standards. There are two methodologies that are being tested. One is comprised of…
USDA Restructuring Efforts Move Forward
…moving of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration into one agency, the Agricultural Marketing Service. Other changes include: moving the food standards Codex office from the Food Safety and…
Secretary Perdue Announces USDA Improvements
…development of international governmental and non-governmental food standards. The focus of the Codex Office aligns better with the mission of TFAA. Driving Rural Development The USDA reorganization announced in May…
California Animal Welfare Regulations Increasing?
…requires hens, pigs and calves to have the ability to stand up, lie down and fully extend their limbs. Those same standards were also applied to eggs sold in the…
New Food Labeling Regulation in Development by USDA Should Not Disparage Biotechnology, Mislead Consumers
…consistent with other recognized standards,” according to NMPF’s comments. To avoid consumer confusion and the use of ambiguous labels, NMPF suggested that only two designations be used to disclose bioengineered…
Starting a Hydroponic Garden or Farm
…Now that we know the advantages of this practice, the first step is to pick your system. Some common techniques for beginners include Ebb & Flow, Top Drip System, Deep…
USDA Seeks Public Input on Updates to Animal Welfare Act Licensing Requirements
…The AWA was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 24, 1966. “As a trained veterinarian, humane standards of care for animals are close to my heart and…
First Round of NAFTA Talks Conclude
…The goal is to update the agreement and establish 21st century standards to benefit all citizens. Part of the pressure to get negotiations done as quickly as possible likely comes…
Agriculture’s ‘Do No Harm’ Message Getting Through?
…gains for their farmers and ranchers, they say they want more than minor changes, including better trade flows, labor and environmental standards, and a dispute settlement system some US industries…
U.S., Canadian and Mexican Farm Groups Support Modernized NAFTA
…including the exponential increase in trade flows between its partners; currently NAFTA markets are characterized by high level of complementarity, the possibility to face the challenge of food security in…
Organic Family Farmers Need Strong Standards and Enforcement
American family farmers and ranchers grow and raise organic foods for the nation under strict standards. Those standards are set by the National Organic Program under the guidance of the…