Policy Articles
U.S. and China Trade Discussions Continue
Published March 13, 2019
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer hopes a final trade deal between the U.S. and China will be finalized within a matter of weeks. Lighthizer told members of the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday if there’s an agreement between the U.S. and…EPA Proposal Offers Year-Round E15, Reforms RIN Markets
Published March 13, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule Tuesday afternoon that would allow retailers to sell E15 year-round. The proposed rule would also reform the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) markets. The National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. ethanol…Lawmakers Consider Updated ND Revenue Forecast
Published March 13, 2019
The North Dakota IHS Markit forecast was released Tuesday. The forecast is considered a second opinion for state lawmakers. North Dakota Senator and Jamestown, North Dakota farmer Terry Wanzek has a more conservative view. "Our budget as it stands is…Cell-Cultured Protein Bill Signed by Burgum
Published March 13, 2019
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed legislation that defines meat and prevents cell-cultured products to use deceptive marketing tools. New technology is being developed to produce meat-like proteins in the lab by using just a few cells from an…USDA Narrows List for ERS-NIFA Relocation
Published March 13, 2019
As USDA considers the relocation of the Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture out of the Beltway, the list of cities still under consideration has been cut from 136-to-67. Three sites in Minnesota are still being…Lighthizer Briefs Congress on China Trade Deal
Published March 13, 2019
During testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said he hopes a final trade deal between the U.S. and China will be finalized within a matter of weeks. "I think there is a bright light on…MFBF Update
Published March 12, 2019
Here’s the latest from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. The Minnesota Legislative Session is moving fast and furious as the March 15 policy deadline approaches. Hear more from MFBF Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser.Budget Proposal a Symbolic Gesture
Published March 12, 2019
President Trump is proposing cuts to USDA’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget. Combest, Sell and Associates partner and lobbyist Tom Sell said this is a symbolic gesture. "Congress has the constitutional authority to set the budget, but with a divided Congress,…Boost in ND Revenue Forecast
Published March 11, 2019
The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget released a revised revenue forecast Monday. The state is taking in more revenue than originally forecast November 2018. General fund revenues are estimated at $4.3 billion for the 2019-2021 biennium. That’s an…