Policy Articles
Lenders Challenge USDA Debt Relief Plan for Minority Farmers
Published May 20, 2021
The American Banker's Association, the Independent Community Bankers of America and the National Rural Lenders Association are asking the Biden Administration to reconsider its plan to pay off the debt of socially disadvantaged farmers. This proposal calls for USDA to…Republican Study Committee Calls for Ag Spending Cuts
Published May 20, 2021
To balance the budget, a conservative House caucus is calling for $14 trillion in spending cuts over the next ten years. For agriculture, the proposal would eliminate the Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage programs. It phases out the…MFU Minute
Published May 19, 2021
Minnesota lawmakers did not complete budget work in the regular session. Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey has more in the latest MFU Minute.Tenth Circuit Court Vacates Three Small Refinery Exemptions
Published May 19, 2021
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated three small refinery exemptions granted by the EPA to Sinclair. Those exemptions were issued the day before President Joe Biden was sworn into office. This court decision follows a petition from the EPA…Trade Leaders Review USMCA Progress
Published May 19, 2021
After their first meeting to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the trade ministers from the three countries downplayed any differences. A joint statement was released emphasizing the importance of an ‘inclusive North American economy.’ The ongoing dispute with Canada and its…Cramer Opposes ‘Land Grab’
Published May 19, 2021
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall have introduced legislation to block the Biden administration’s plan to protect 30 percent of all private lands and waters by 2030. Cramer described the White House proposal as an “attempted…MFBF Update
Published May 18, 2021
The regular session of the Minnesota legislative session has wrapped up. Find out more from Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Associate Director of Public Policy Josie Lonetti in the MFBF Update.U.S., Canada and Mexico Review Trade Issues
Published May 18, 2021
In separate video calls, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai spoke with her Canadian and Mexican counterparts. Tai emphasized Canada must live up to its trade obligations for U.S. dairy products. Tai also called on Mexico to resume the authorization of…GOP Lawmakers Ask DOJ to Investigate Packers
Published May 18, 2021
Sixteen House and Senate Republicans, including the entire congressional delegations from North Dakota and South Dakota, are asking the Justice Department to continue its investigation of the meatpacking industry. Nearly one year ago, the DOJ sent civil investigative demands to…