Bayer is taking its disagreement with the Environmental Protection Agency over registrations for the pesticide flubendiamide, marketed as Belt® in the United States, to the administrative level. This week, the company formally requested a hearing before EPA’s Administrative Law Judge to argue their case. Bayer has already rejected a request by EPA to voluntarily withdraw registration for flubendiamide-containing products, which … Read More
$103 Million Going to Vital Watershed Projects
The USDA has announced an investment of $103 million for the recovery and rehabilitation of aging dams in the U.S. The program will cover problem areas in 19 states, with the hard-hit states of Texas, Mississippi and Utah receiving the most assistance for damage caused by 2015’s excessive rains and other natural disasters. “The Emergency Watershed Protection program is vital to … Read More
Rep. Lummis Honored with Excellence in Soil Award
To recognize her support and efforts on the Congressional Soils Caucus, the Soil Science Society of American (SSSA) is presenting Congressman Cynthia Lummis with the 2016 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award. The award is given to policy makers who strengthen the U.S. agriculture industry by protecting the natural resources that make agriculture possible. The mission of the Congressional Soils Caucus … Read More
#GMO Labeling Bill Fails to Advance in Senate
Despite the best efforts of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Bill in a 48-49 vote Wednesday, blocking advancement of the legislation that would create a voluntary federal standard for labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients. Roberts expressed his disappointment at the inability to come to agreement on … Read More
Senate Debates GMO Labeling on #AgDay
After hearing debate on National Ag Day, the Senate is set to vote today on legislation proposed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) to provide a voluntary national standard for foods containing genetically modified ingredients as well as an incentive to provide more information on biotechnology to consumers. During his floor speech on the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions bill, … Read More
Debate Begins on Food Labeling Bill
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, has announced that the Senate has proceeded to floor debate on his proposed food labeling bill. The bill was created to set a national standard for providing consumers with information about biotechnology. “This legislation is a true compromise,” said Chairman Roberts. “I have worked with my colleagues … Read More
SoyGrowers Focus on GMO Labeling in Washington
This week the American Soybean Association (ASA) and its Board of Directors will hold their annual meeting in Washington D.C. This year’s meeting coincides with the introduction of Senate bill S.2609, the national standard for labeling of bioengineered food set forth by the Agriculture Committee Chairman, Senator Pat Roberts. The organization will be focusing much of its efforts on this measure, … Read More
USDA Puts $20 Million into Conservation
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is now offering up to $20 million in competitive grants, says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The USDA hopes the grants will increase the development and adoption of the latest technology in conservation methods for farmers, ranchers and landowners. “The Conservation Innovation Grant program has an impressive track record of fostering innovative conservation tools and … Read More
Industry Applauds Senate Ag Labeling Bill
The Senate Agriculture Committee today held a business meeting where the Chairman’s Mark on Biotechnology Labeling Solutions was favorably reported with a bipartisan vote of 14-6. The legislation, which creates a voluntary national labeling law for genetically modified products, now heads to the full Senate for consideration. “This is really a conversation about a few states dictating to every state … Read More
New Watersheds Added to NWQI Program
An allocation of $25 million by the USDA is being used to improve water quality in rivers and streams throughout the U.S. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will help agriculture producers in 187 watersheds integrate conservation practices to improve downstream waters through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) program. “Clean water is in everyone’s interest, and the National Water Quality … Read More