Policy Articles
DIRECT Act Aims to Help Meat Processors and Producers
Published June 30, 2020
Congress has introduced legislation to create new direct-to-consumer options for livestock producers, processors and small meat markets. The Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions, or DIRECT, Act would amend retail exemptions to allow state-inspected meat products to be sold…Agriculture Groups Challenge Fuel Efficiency Rule
Published June 30, 2020
A coalition of agriculture groups are challenging a fuel efficiency rule for vehicles from the Environmental Protection Agency. One of those organizations is Farmers Union, who says the rule fails to recognize the benefits of mid-level ethanol blends for achieving…EPA Nomination on Hold
Published June 29, 2020
A vote on the nomination of Douglas Benevento as EPA’s deputy administrator is on hold. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst said she will oppose the nomination until she finds out how the agency is handling future blending requirement waivers for small…Possible Trade Friction Between the U.S. and China
Published June 29, 2020
The Chinese government announced today it will impose restrictions on visas for U.S. citizens. This follows last week’s decision by the U.S. to restrict visas for Chinese officials. The dispute centers on China’s authority over Hong Kong. The conflict could…Senate Ag Committee Discusses Climate Solutions
Published June 27, 2020
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the Growing Climate Solutions Act last week. The bill directs the USDA to create a program to help private landowners generate carbon credits. Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow is a co-author of…Malting Barley Endorsement Changes Approved
Published June 26, 2020
USDA’s Risk Management Agency and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation have approved changes to the malting barley endorsement. Starting in 2021, quality adjustments will be determined using local market prices. The North Dakota Grain Growers Association and North Dakota Barley…Peterson Gives Turkey Growers an Update on COVID-19 Assistance
Published June 26, 2020
Following the Minnesota Turkey Growers annual meeting on Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson gave an update on COVID-19 assistance. "The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payment is based on how much damage was done by the coronavirus. There were…Senators Ask EPA to Reject Small Refinery Waiver Petitions
Published June 25, 2020
A bipartisan group of 16 senators, including Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith from Minnesota and Mike Rounds and John Thune of South Dakota, sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to reject petitions for Small Refinery Waiver exemptions.…Potato Industry Submits Formal CFAP Feedback to USDA
Published June 24, 2020
Monday was the deadline for commodity groups to plead their case to be part of the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. In a Notice of Funding Availability, the National Potato Council said the industry faces an unprecedented crisis due to…