Columbia Grain Launches the “Columbia Grain Legacy Program” to Cultivate Agriculture Education with Local FFA Chapters
PORTLAND, OREGON (JUNE 2023) — According to the USDA, the average age of farmer producers in the U.S. in 2017 was 57.5[1]. This statistic highlights the need for investment in education and the development of a new wave
Tentative Agreement Reached on West Coast Port Labor Contract
On Wednesday night, a tentative agreement was reached between The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union that would bring an end to year-long labor negotiations at west coast ports. The negotiations had recently
Farm Action Condemns Attack on USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Act Authority in U.S. House Ag Appropriations Process
Washington, D.C. — Today the FY24 Agriculture Appropriations bill passed out of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations with a policy rider that prevents the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from “promulgating, implementing, or enforcing” its proposed
Legislation Would Bring Whole Milk Access to All Schools
Senator Roger Marshall this week introduced legislation that amends the Richard Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole milk. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that nearly 90 percent
US House Panel Challenges Biden on Go-It-Alone Trade Policy
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee issued a strong rebuke to President Biden’s go-it-alone approach to a first-round trade deal with Taiwan, passing a bipartisan bill to intervene in the effort. The committee advanced 42 to
USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Substantiation of Animal-Raising Claims
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday began implementing a multi-step effort to strengthen the substantiation of animal-raising claims. The agency says the effort builds on the work of USDA to protect consumers from false and misleading labels. Agriculture
Biden Administration Outlines Strategic Priorities for Wildfires
The Biden administration Wednesday announced guidance to federal agency leaders with wildfire responsibilities outlining their vision and goals for managing wildland fires this year. The guidance comes from a joint memo issued by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
CRP Reaches 22 Million Acres in 2022
USDA’s Economic Research Service reports that in 2022, Conservation Reserve Program acreage rose to 22 million acres. USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program was established by Congress in 1985. By 1986, the program began to use contracts to retire
USDA Seeks Fiscal Year 2024 Suggestions for Plant Protection Projects
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks input for fiscal year 2024 Plant Protection Act funding to protect American agriculture and natural resources. The open period for submitting suggestions for Plant Pest and Disease Management and