Policy Articles
COVID-19 Relief Helps, But More Potato Resources Required
Published May 20, 2020
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles thinks it's good to have clarity on the direct payment portion of COVID-19 relief, but more help is needed to help potato growers. Quarles says its important the payments go out effectively and hopefully,…What the COVID-19 Direct Payments Mean for Dairy
Published May 20, 2020
According to University of Minnesota Assistant Professor in Applied Economics Marin Bozic, the USDA provided generous Coronavirus Food Assistance Program direct payments to dairy farmers. The payment rate is $6.20 per hundredweight applied to first quarter milk production. "You take…Policy Issued for the Use of Common Food Names
Published May 20, 2020
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has implemented new guidelines regarding the use of common food terms, such as Parmesan or Havarti. The European Union takes a protectionist stance on the use of geographic-based food names while the U.S. wants…CFAP Signup Set to Begin May 26, Program Details Released
Published May 19, 2020
Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will begin after Memorial Day on Tuesday, May 26. That is according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who says $16 billion in direct payments will be sent to farmers as soon as one…MFBF Update
Published May 19, 2020
The 2020 Minnesota legislative session in the the books. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Associate Director or Public Policy Josie Lonetti has more in the MFBF Update.US-UK Trade Talks Underway
Published May 19, 2020
The United States and United Kingdom will return to the bargaining table in mid-June. Agriculture was part of the trade negotiations in early May and will be part of the ongoing discussions.Lawmakers, FEMA Assess Wrecked Roads in Stutsman County, ND
Published May 18, 2020
Extremely wet conditions have caused soils to remain saturated and excessive water run-off, causing damage to county, township, and city roads in Stutsman County. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, along with state Senator Terry Wanzek and Representative Craig Headland,…Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill Gains House Passage
Published May 18, 2020
With a 208-to-199 vote, Congress has passed a $3 trillion coronavirus assistance bill. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson supported the bill, but does not expect it to pass in its present form in the Senate. This bill includes emergency…BWSR Appointments Announced
Published May 18, 2020
Minnesota Tim Walz has appointed four individuals to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Nathan Redalen of Rochester and Joseph Collins of St. Paul were reappointed. The new members of the BWSR board are Jayne Hager Dee of Northfield…