The United Soybean Board held the 2014 Biobased Products Stakeholders Dialogue June 17-18 at George Washington University in Washington, DC with the theme of “Innovation and Agriculture Grow Together” 2014 USB Soy Biobased Dialogue Photo Album Past and Present USDA Deputies at USB Event – Soy Biobased About Customer Focus – Millennial Views of Biobased and Sustainability – Elevance Exemplifies …
Secretary Vilsack from Brussels
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is in Europe this week meet with European agricultural and trade officials and other industry stakeholders. Vilsack is visiting with officials in Brussels, Luxembourg, Paris, and Dublin to discuss the expansion of agricultural trade, the importance of agriculture’s role in the U.S.-European Union (EU) Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and the benefits the trade agreement …
New USDA Conservation Investments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Kellogg Company Diane Holdorf and North American Agriculture Program Director at The Nature Conservancy Sean McMahon hosted a media call today to announce substantial investments in conservation projects across the country. The program was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and will be up and running beginning …
USDA Defends Healthier School Lunch Program
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, William S. Wallace, General, U.S. Army (Retired), James A. “Jamie” Barnett, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) and School Food Service Director Donna Martin of Burke County, Ga. participated in a media call today to “discuss efforts by some Members of Congress and special interest groups to undermine childhood nutrition standards and the effect that would have …
USDA Ag Trade Mission to China
USDA just concluded a trade mission to China promoting U.S. biofuels and agricultural products. Kelly Davis with Renewable Fuels Association, Jim Miller of Growth Energy and Roger Johnson president of National Farmer’s Union all participated in the trade mission and held a press conference today to discuss the results. Opening comments:
Call to Reform Immigration for Farm Workers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined President of the United Farm Workers Arturo Rodriguez and President of Nisei Farmers League Manuel Cunha today on a conference call to discuss the importance of commonsense immigration reform for California’s agriculture economy and rural communities. There are over 81,033 farms in California that sell approximately $33.9 billion in agricultural products. Immigration reform would provide …
2012 Census of Agriculture Report
USDA released the majority of data collected for the 2012 Census of Agriculture on Friday. The data was released at noon via webcast. There are now 3.2 million farmers operating 2.1 million farms on 914.5 million acres of farmland across the United States, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agriculture …
Interview with NASS Census Official
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced it will publish the 2012 Census of Agriculture full report on May 2. The announcement was made this week as NASS Census and Survey Division Director Renee Picanso was attending the National Agri-Marketing Association conference in Jacksonville, Florida.
USDA Announces Small Farmer Help
During an appearance at the National Farmers Union (NFU) convention today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new and expanded efforts to connect smaller farmers and ranchers with USDA resources that can “help them build stronger businesses, expand to reach new and larger markets, and grow their operations.” Vilsack held a press conference from the NFU convention following his remarks, joined …
Vilsack Discusses 2015 USDA Budget
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today hosted a media conference call to discuss President Obama’s FY15 budget for the USDA. “The President’s 2015 USDA budget proposal achieves reform and results for the American taxpayer; fosters opportunity for the men and women living, working and raising families in rural America; and supports innovation through strategic, future-focused investments,” said Vilsack. Listen to or …
Vilsack on Farm Bill Priorities
The U.S. Senate today passed the long-overdue 2012 Farm Bill by a vote of 68-32. According to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, the Agricultural Act of 2014 will “reform agriculture programs, reduce the deficit, and help farmers, ranchers and business owners grow the economy.” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the bill includes “meaningful reform and billions of dollars in …
USDA Offers Drought Help for California
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA is making $20 million available for agricultural water conservation efforts throughout California to combat the effects of drought. Interested landowners and managers have until March 3, 2014 to apply for available funds. Vilsack held a press conference today with Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.
Livestock Groups Address Farm Bill Concerns
Livestock organizations and food associations are opposing the farm bill out of conference committee this week because makes no changes to the Country of Origin Labeling law (COOL), which is being challenged by Mexico and Canada over world trade violations. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Scott George, National Association of Manufacturers director of international trade policy Jessica Lemos, and National …
MGEX Call on WASDE Report
USDA released the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report on January 10. Minneapolis Grain Exchange hosted a conference call with Brad Paulson of Northern Crops Marketing and Investment to analyze the numbers.
USDA Call on Exports and Farm Bill
USDA Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse held a telephone media call today to highlight the need for a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill to promote U.S. agricultural exports. Joining him was Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast Executive Director Tim Hamilton and Dave Ramirez, Export Sales Director of Ohio-based Trophy Nut.