Policy Articles
Organic Checkoff Rule is Terminated
Published May 14, 2018
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service plans to terminate the rulemaking process for a proposed organic checkoff program. Nearly 15,000 comments were submitted to the Federal Register and the comments highlight a split within the organic industry about the checkoff program.Conference Committee Works on MN Tax Bill
Published May 14, 2018
Members of the conference committee have finalized a tax bill agreement This legislation conforms the Minnesota tax code with the new federal tax law. It includes the first tax rate reduction in nearly 20 years. The bill increases the Section…Corn Groups Eager for E15 RVP Waiver
Published May 11, 2018
North Dakota Corn Executive Director Dale Ihry thinks there could be a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) E15 wavier soon. "For next steps, we need Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt to write regulation, get those published and hopefully, by 2019, those…MDA Schedules Meetings on Proposed Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule
Published May 11, 2018
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has scheduled a series of public informational meetings on the proposed groundwater protection rule. The first meetings will be May 30 in Thief River Falls and Fergus Falls. These meetings will continue throughout the state…NAWG Leaders Promote Farm Bill Priorities
Published May 11, 2018
National Association of Wheat Growers leadership met with congressional leaders to provide input on the farm bill. NAWG Chief Executive Officer Chandler Goule questions if there will be enough votes in the House to block harmful amendments. In the Upper…FSA Administrator Named
Published May 11, 2018
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has appointed the new administrator for the Farm Service Agency. Richard Fordyce is now serving as the Missouri FSA state executive director. Previously, Fordyce was the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. In addition, Fordyce…Numerous Farm Bill Amendments Offered
Published May 11, 2018
Nearly 100 farm bill amendments have been submitted to the House Rules Committee. The amendment with the most co-sponsors calls for reform of the federal sugar program. The language would remove barriers to domestic sugar production, which is opposed by…UM Regent Elected
Published May 11, 2018
Minnesota lawmakers have elected Randy Simonson of Worthington to fill an open seat on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Simonson leads an animal health company and has served as an adjunct professor at the university.Buffer Tax Credit: Dayton Response
Published May 11, 2018
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has sent on open letter to state farm leaders, clarifying his position on the buffer tax credit. Dayton supports the use of general funds to pay for this tax credit, but said he would support any…