…however the pandemic made it necessary to cut funding for nearly every state agency as well as the UC system. There is hope that Congress will be providing funding support…
Climate Crisis Action Plan Recognizes Value of Agriculture
…Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America,’ outlines ambitious policies to combine economic growth with the development and implementation of…
USDA Misses Deadline on Origin of Livestock Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has missed the deadline that was given by Congress to finalize the Origin of Livestock Rule. A coalition of industry groups…
More Targeted COVID-19 Relief Sought by Agricultural Industry
…care. “The American Farm Bureau Federation commends your ongoing work to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bipartisan efforts in Congress have delivered critical resources and support to individuals…
Great American Outdoors Act Facing Significant Opposition
…in the Senate, several industry groups have voiced significant concern over the legislation and have sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to reject the bill. “As introduced, the…
Lawmakers Raise Questions About Food Box Program Administration
…Horticulture, and Research Chair Stacey Plaskett questioned how the food box program is being managed. The three members of Congress are asking how the $1.2 billion in contracts were awarded…
Ag Producers Can Now Apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
…is being made possible through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act authorized by Congress. Agricultural businesses are defined as those involved in the legal production of food and…
USMCA Implementation Scheduled for July 1
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be ready to be put into effect on July 1. Ambassador Lighthizer sent a notice to Congress on…
Disaster Loan Program Needs ‘Several Changes’
A coalition of agricultural groups and businesses are encouraging Congress to make some adjustments to the disaster loan program being made available to address the impact of COVID-19. In a…
Market Disruptions: ‘We’re Not Out of It by Any Stretch’
…relieve some of the pressure put on farmers and ranchers. Congress has authorized several stimulus packages in an attempt to keep the agricultural industry solvent, with billions of dollars being…
USDA Taking Proposals for Buy Fresh Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to implement the Buy Fresh program that has been developed as part of the coronavirus stimulus package in which Congress allocated $19…
150 Ag and Water Groups Call for Water Relief
…and members of Congress highlight the importance of providing support for enhancing water management, particularly in light of the tumultuous conditions created by COVID-19. “An important step in combating the…
Lawmakers Urge Governor Newsom to Reconsider Incidental Take Permit
Several Congressional leaders sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom expressing disappointment in the decision to issue an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for long-term operations of the State Water Project. …
$5 Billion in Relief Sought for Produce Market Stabilization Program
…more than 100 members of Congress who are urging USDA to provide immediate relief to the industry. “Over a five-day period, 30 million school lunches, 15 million school breakfasts, and…