…(RENEW WIIN) Act is Valadao’s first legislative action since his return to Congress. The legislation is designed to extend the general and operations provisions of the WIIN Act. “The RENEW…
Industry Members Discouraged by Blueberry Investigation Verdict
…market, especially during our critical growing and harvest seasons.” The investigation was initially launched in September 2020 at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative. ABGA actively participated in the…
NASDA Seeks More Flexibility for Specialty Crop Block Grants
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is asking for additional flexibility when it comes to Specialty Crop Block Grants. NASDA has sent a letter to U.S. Acting…
Blueberry Growers Divided at Recent Trade Commission Hearing
…biggest impact on prices. Prior to the January 12 hearing, the coalition voiced concern about the investigation and how it will impact the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Several industry groups and lawmakers…
CFAP Changes Provide Additional Assistance for Producers
…Those who are now eligible or need to revise existing applications can contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between January 19 and February 26. The updates…
USDA Urged to Prioritize Agricultural Worker Safety
…to ensure the well-being of our agricultural producers and workforce.” H.R.133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, directs USDA to spend at least $1.5 billion on two specific areas of…
Industry Groups Urge New Administration to Address Water Infrastructure
…The coalition notes several priority areas that would benefit from federal support. Water conservation, watershed management, and habitat restoration are listed as recommended actions. The group also explains the need…
Natural Disaster Assistance Offered Through QLA Program
…the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. “Farmers and livestock producers nationwide experienced crop quality losses due to natural disasters in 2018 and 2019,” USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production…
SGMA and Land Use Workshops Happening This Week
Two online workshops focused on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) are taking place later this week. The Zoom workshops will be offered in both English and Spanish. They are…
Farmers to Families Food Box Program Continues with Fifth Round
…program. Funding for the additional round of the program has been made possible through the COVID-19 relief package that was included as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program…
Industry Groups Push Back on Emergency Safety Standards
…a fact sheet, the plaintiffs suggest the Board has no authority to implement such sweeping standards as there is no necessity for them. The coalition highlights the fact that the…
Critical Habitat Definition and Exclusions Finalized Under ESA Rules
…will be used for identifying critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The updated definition will go into effect in 2021. There had previously not been a clear and…
Monarch Butterfly Not Endangered, But Will Continued to Be Monitored
…the Endangered Species Act (ESA). “We conducted an intensive, thorough review using a rigorous, transparent science-based process and found that the monarch meets listing criteria under the Endangered Species Act….
FDA Extends Comment Period for FSMA Food Traceability Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for commenting on the Food Safety Modernization Act’s traceability rule. The original comment period was set to close on…