U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has released a report that outlines the gross overreach of the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers in enforcing the Clean Water Act. The report describes how these groups have expanded the interpretation of their authority to regulate ‘waters of the U.S.’ “The case studies presented … Read More
U.S. to Take Action on Chinese Trade Distorting
The Obama Administration announced last week they plan to launch a trade enforcement action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge trade-distorting domestic supports. The Administration plans to challenge three key crops: corn, wheat and rice. In 2015 China’s “market price support” for these three crops was estimated to be almost $100 billion in excess of what … Read More
USDA Designates $26 Million For Ag Innovation
The USDA is investing $26.6 million in 45 projects across the country. These projects were selected to encourage conservation initiatives in rural and urban areas. The investment will be matched by public and private entities, making the grand total $59 million. The investment will go through the USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. As of 2009 CIG has funded 414 national … Read More
USDA Announces Changes for Conservation Program
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is responding to customer and partner input. They are announcing an update to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the nation’s largest conservation program based on acres. During the new enrollment period later this year CSP will be offering producers more options for improving conditions on working lands. “After hearing from farmers, ranchers, and partners … Read More
RFS Celebrates 11 Years
Monday marks the 11th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). More than a decade later, this program is one of the most successful biofuels programs. “Our government challenged the biofuels industry to produce the world’s cleanest, most affordable and sustainable fuel for cars and trucks. We delivered – and America continues to benefit,” said Adam Monroe, President, Americas, Novozymes … Read More
Democratic Ag, Energy and Environmental Platform
Last week the American Soybean Association helpfully took apart the Republic platform as it pertains to agriculture, energy and the environment for those of us without the motivation or time to read the manuscript ourselves. Now the Democrats have released their platform and ASA has once again summarized the information. Biodiesel – No specific mention of biodiesel, but discusses clean … Read More
Existing Stocks of Bayer Belt® Approved for Sale
An appeals board for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has upheld the decision to cancel registration for Bayer’s insecticide flubendiamide, marketed in the U.S. as Belt®, but retailers are being permitted to sell existing stocks to growers. While Bayer intends to comply with the order, it will fully review the EAB’s decision and evaluate its options going forward. “Bayer maintains … Read More
Farm Groups Praise Obama for Signing Labeling Bill
Multiple farm organizations have released statements, thanking President Obama for signing the food labeling bill into law. The new law was created to protect the food supply from a patch-work of state labeling laws and to offer consumers a more transparent, national system. “We are grateful to President Obama for swiftly signing into law a bill that is crucial for … Read More
2nd Year for USDA Project to Quantify Conservation
Farmers and ranchers may be receiving a national survey from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to assist in measuring the environmental benefits associated with conservation. Researchers hope the results will allow them to further develop science-based solutions for improving the agricultural landscape and the environment. “The survey gives farmers and ranchers the power to provide a more complete … Read More
Republicans Release Ag, Energy, Environmental Platform
The GOP has published its 2016 Party Platform; Democrats will release theirs next week. The document can be seen here, with Agriculture, Energy and Environmental issues on pages 17-22. For those who’d rather not wade through, the American Soybean Association has provided a quick synopsis of topics related to agriculture. Trade – The document offers language about the importance of … Read More