The USDA is making $10.7 million available to fund research for water problems in rural and agricultural watersheds in the U.S. The funding is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). “Finding solutions for dealing water scarcity as well as maintaining water quality is critical for communities … Read More
One Year Results for Building Blocks for Climate Smart Ag
One year after the unveiling of the Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is sharing the results. He also announced an additional $72.3 million investment in carbon storage in healthy soils. “American farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners are global leaders in conserving rural America’s natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Vilsack. … Read More
Boaters Tell Congress: Ethanol is Best
Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen spoke to members of Congress this week to explain the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment. Fuels America hosted the briefing in an effort to dispel myths and promote full implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. “I want to take my grandkids fishing someday. That means having clean water and … Read More
Bio-Based Oil Being Tested in Federal Vehicles
According to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) the Department of Defense is now testing bio-based oil in federal vehicles, reports the American Soybean Association. Currently tests include oil made from a 25-40 percent mix of products derived from canola or soybean oil, as well as animal fat. Tests are being conducted at four Air Force bases and a Department of … Read More
USDA Announces Conservation Program Results
More than 800,000 acres of land have been enrolled in the CRP program through the 49th sign up period. Farmers and ranchers continue to participate in the program to provide benefits offered by restoring land, protecting wildlife, and improving water quality. “The Conservation Reserve Program provides nearly $2 billion annually to land owners – dollars that make their way into … Read More
GMA Calls on Senate to Stand Up for Biotechnology
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is calling on Congress to pass a uniform national labeling law. Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the GGMA, reminded lawmakers that the stigmatization of on-package labels will create confusion, an increase in consumer coast, and a shift away from biotech crops. Moving forward as we are now will turn the clock back on … Read More
Trade Secrets Act May Impact Agriculture
Big Data is a hot topic, especially among precision growers. The opportunity to share data on your own terms is getting a lot of attention and now even Congress is getting in on it with the Defend Trade Secrets Act. Data from agriculture business can be considered a “trade secret” of a business because it adds intangible value to the … Read More
NCGA Asks EPA to Delay Pesticide Review
The EPA has scheduled an April 19-21 meeting of the Science Advisory Panel to review the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Forty-two ag groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, have responded to this action by sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The organizations say the meeting was “hastily called” and is an attempt to “fundamentally alter [the … Read More
AFBF Tells Congress About Farm Financial Pressure
The continued commodity price slump is hurting American farmers and Zippy Duvall is trying to make sure Congress understand just what that means to agriculture. The American Farm Bureau Federation President (AFBF) explained to the Agriculture Subcommittee that, while all farmers and ranchers will be affected, new and young farmers will struggle most as they work to build equity, write … Read More
Ag Groups Urge Congress to Back TPP
More than 200 farm and food groups have come together to send a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan; Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi; Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell; and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The letter encourages Congress to finish the work of approving TPP in 2016. “If faithfully implemented, TPP will … Read More