Policy Articles
Biofuel Blending Standards Announced
Published December 2, 2022
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a renewable fuel standard of 20.8 billion gallons in 2023. That will rise to 22.6 billion gallons in 2025. For advanced biofuels, EPA set the mandate at 5.8 billion gallons for 2023, 6.6 billion…Biofuel Blending Volumes Boosted
Published November 30, 2022
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to increase the 2023 renewable fuel blending mandate to 20.82 billion gallons. That standard moves to 21.87 billion gallons in 2024 and 22.68 billion gallons in 2025. Conventional biofuels, like corn-based ethanol, will have…Stay Engaged With State Lawmakers
Published November 30, 2022
Federal policies often grab the headlines, but action in state legislatures can have a considerable impact on agriculture. Bayer Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy Dave Tierney says the crop protection industry face scrutiny. "Glyphosate and the use of…Mexico Softens Stance on GMO Corn Imports
Published November 30, 2022
After the United States threatened action through the USMCA trade agreement, the Mexican president is now back peddling on his plan to ban biotech corn imports. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the ban will be on corn for human consumption,…U.S.-Mexico GMO Corn Policy Discussed
Published November 29, 2022
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with the Mexican president and discussed a proposed ban on biotech corn imports. Without a solution, Vilsack said the U.S. government will take legal action through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon…Protests Continue
Published November 29, 2022
Commodity markets are expected to remain skittish until it gets a better handle on how the Chinese government will handle the unprecedented protests happening across the country. The demonstrations are against China’s zero-tolerance COVID policy. Protesters have called for President…Congressional Intervention
Published November 29, 2022
At the request of President Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bring the rail issue up for a vote this week. In a statement, Biden said he is “pro-labor,” but a railroad strike would be devastating for the economy. Congress…New Legislators, New Relationships
Published November 28, 2022
Midterm elections are behind us and there will be many new legislators in St. Paul for the upcoming session. Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey says now is the time to build relationships with the 65 first-term lawmakers.…Putnam Prepares to Take Over Senate Ag Committee
Published November 28, 2022
Senator Aric Putnam of Saint Cloud will chair the Senate Agriculture Committee when the Legislature convenes January 3. "This is a new area for me; I have toured a number of farms in my community over the last couple of…