Policy Articles
Stabenow Calls for Farm Bill Extension
Published October 27, 2023
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow is now calling for an extension of the 2018 farm bill. In comments made on the Senate floor, Stabenow said the delays in the House made it impossible to pass the farm bill on…Johnson Calls for December Farm Bill Action
Published October 26, 2023
In a letter to his fellow Republicans, House Speaker Mike Johnson said his plan is to pass a new farm bill in December. Before that, Johnson wants Congress to pass all 12 appropriations bills, including the ag spending bill during…More Americans Going to Bed Hungry
Published October 26, 2023
After trending lower for ten consecutive years, more Americans faced food insecurity issues in 2022. According to a new USDA report, nearly 13 percent of all households struggled to get enough food last year, up more than ten percent from…Animal Welfare Standards Included in USDA Organic Rule
Published October 26, 2023
USDA’s new standards for Organic Livestock and Poultry Production include strong language dealing with animal welfare. To qualify for the organic label, poultry must have access to the outdoors and pigs must have adequate space to move freely. Agriculture Secretary…ND Lawmakers Wrap Up Special Session
Published October 26, 2023
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed all 14 bills approved by the Legislature in its three-day special session. The action was necessary after the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled the Office of Management and Budget bill was unconstitutional. Lawmakers did…A Matter of Timing
Published October 26, 2023
The 2018 Farm Bill expired at the end of September and the likelihood of an extension is increasing. "I think it's fair to say that most people have probably acknowledged that there will be an extension," admitted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.…EU Considers 50% Cut in Pesticide Usage
Published October 25, 2023
Members of the European Parliament environment committee have approved a plan to cut pesticide use in half by 2030. The plan is expected to go before the full parliament in November. A conservative lawmaker spoke against the proposal, saying it…Possible Movement on Ag Spending Bill
Published October 25, 2023
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced a plan to bring the agriculture appropriations bill to the floor. This ‘minibus’ also includes funding for Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. This action is happening three weeks before the continuing…New USDA Report Released on Carbon Markets
Published October 24, 2023
USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie said demand is growing within the carbon market. "You see a lot of the interest from companies that buy commodities in creating their supply chain (and) you see producer groups, whether…