Policy Articles
Helping Consumers Understand Sugar Production
Published February 4, 2022
The Sugar Association President and CEO Courtney Gaine continues to inform the public about sugar. "It's an uphill climb to combat some of the public narrative around sugar that's been existing for two decades," says Gaine. "I see this as…America COMPETES Act Passes With 222-to-210 Vote
Published February 4, 2022
The House has approved a $350 billion package to enhance the United States’ competitiveness with China and the rest of the world. It includes $52 billion to encourage the development of the semiconductor chip industry within the United States. There’s…Farmers Fairness Tool Launched
Published February 4, 2022
USDA has unveiled its online tool for farmers and ranchers to report anti-competitive practices. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the new tool will advance the Biden administration’s plan for a fairer and more competitive meat and poultry supply chain. "We…Navigating Farm Policy in 2022
Published February 4, 2022
The past year was a time of significant change for farm policy. American Sugarbeet Growers Association Executive Vice President Luther Markwart says there is a lot of work to do. "How do the disruptions impact the domestic sugar industry and…Drought Relief is Top Priority
Published February 4, 2022
A drought relief package was proposed late last summer, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders were unable to come to terms on a special session. With the regular session underway, House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Sundin said drought…Seeking First Overhaul of Grain Shipping Regs in 20 Years
Published February 4, 2022
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and South Dakota Senator John Thune have introduced legislation to update regulations for the grain shipping industry. This bill would require ocean carriers to certify that demurrage or late fees comply with federal regulations. It prevents…USDA Provides Details on 2020 and 2021 Livestock Disaster Relief
Published February 3, 2022
USDA updated farmers and ranchers about the upcoming disaster assistance for 2020 and 2021 during the Cattle Industry Convention in Houston, Texas. The $10 billion in disaster relief passed in a continuing resolution last September includes $750 million specifically for…GAO Reviews MFP Payments
Published February 3, 2022
In a report on USDA’s Market Facilitation Program, the Government Accountability Office said the Farm Service Agency should have done more to determine the accuracy of the payments. The GAO report also said USDA provided little assistance to specialty crop…Task Force Drafts Climate Guidelines for Farm Bill
Published February 2, 2022
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Farm and Forest Carbon Solutions Task Force released a report proposing new climate guidelines for the upcoming farm bill. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp is on the task force. "We're looking at how agriculture engages…