Policy Articles
Senators Want Ag Trade Nominees Named Soon
Published April 6, 2022
Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman, along with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo sent a trade letter to President Biden. The leaders asked Biden to quickly nominate a Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of…Walz Seeks E15 Emergency Waiver
Published April 6, 2022
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wants EPA Administrator Michael Regan to allow the use of E15 during the summer driving season. In a letter, Walz says the EPA can use its emergency waiver authority. Walz also says allowing the use of…Regan Confirms EPA Considering Summer E15 Use
Published April 6, 2022
In a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, EPA Administrator Michael Regan indicated the Biden administration is considering allowing the summertime use of E15. "President Biden has indicated correctly, that we're looking at all of the tools in…Global Food Crisis Storm is Coming
Published April 6, 2022
The impact of the war in Ukraine on global food security was part of the House Agriculture Subcommittee’s hearing on international trade on Wednesday. Subcommittee Ranking Member Dusty Johnson said a storm is coming. "I think we see a global…MN Senate and House Differ on Budget Surplus Plans
Published April 6, 2022
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing forward on the supplemental budget and tax bills. Minnesota AgriGrowth Lobbyist Cory Bennett says there are differing views in both chambers on what to do with the $9.25 billion budget surplus. "On the Senate side, a…Biden Administration Unveils Plan to Improve Trucking Shortages
Published April 6, 2022
Supply chain disruptions during the COVID pandemic highlighted the need for more truck drivers in the United States. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. is short about 80,000 truck drivers. To improve the situation, the Biden administration…Landowner Easement Bill Introduced
Published April 6, 2022
In an effort to make conservation easements more farmer-friendly, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer introduced a new bill called the Landowner Easement Rights Act. The bill would prevent the U.S. Fish…Short-Term and Long-Term Challenges Ahead for U.S. Energy
Published April 6, 2022
Lawmakers discussed geopolitical challenges during the House Agriculture Committee's hearing on the energy title of the farm bill. According to USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small, the Russia-Ukraine war highlights short and long-term challenges for U.S. energy.…U.S. Potato Industry Gets Closer to Fresh Market Access in Mexico
Published April 5, 2022
By May 15, the United States should have full fresh potato market access in Mexico. That’s according to a joint statement from the USDA and Mexico’s Ag Ministry. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says fresh potato exports need to…