Author Archives: tanya brown

Mississippi farmers and farm officials said subsidies provided through the U.S. Farm Bill keep farmers in business and help provide a sustainable food supply at an affordable price. According to local farmer Ross McGehee, “this is not corporate welfare by … Continue reading →

A panel of leaders from Whole Foods, Sysco Corporation, Bon Appetite Management Company and the science and technology advisor to the secretary of state joined USDA during its annual Agricultural Outlook Forum — held Feb. 18-19 in Arlington, Virginia — … Continue reading →

The complexity of risk management programs needs to be simplified and streamlined to effectively support the farmers and ranchers they serve, according to Vincent Smith, professor of economics at Montana State University, who spoke during the Jan. 19 “Risk Management” … Continue reading →

USDA has resolved a longstanding litigation that will give $1.25 billion to African American farmers who allege that they suffered racial discrimination when applying for farm loans. The agreement, which was reached yesterday, is contingent on appropriations by Congress. “USDA … Continue reading →

Information on organic food for producers and consumers has improved significantly in the past decade, but more work needs to be done. That was the consensus among presenters at the Agricultural Outlook Forum on Jan. 18 during a session on … Continue reading →

A second draft of the proposed crop insurance agreement was released today and includes several changes designed to protect farmers from higher costs and improve access to crop insurance. Updates to the second draft were developed after negotiations between USDA’s … Continue reading →

One year ago President Obama gave birth to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help thwart one of the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression. This week marks the one year anniversary of its signing and since that … Continue reading →

With record-breaking snowfall and temperatures dipping below zero in some areas, farmers are concerned that the unpredictable winter could stretch into spring, delaying the planting season. (The Grand Island Independent) Read more.

Rural businesses in Alabama, Iowa and Nevada are among 54 companies across the U.S. to receive part of the $144 million in loan guarantees to help rebuild and revitalize rural America. The funding, made available through the American Recovery and … Continue reading →