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” session held during the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Virginia.
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 has made it a top priority to ensure all farmers are treated fairly and equally. We have worked hard to address USDA's checkered past so we can get to the business of helping farmers succeed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Review the press release.
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 “Improving Information on Organics.”
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 Risk Management Agency — which administers the Federal Crop Insurance Program — and crop insurance companies. The first draft of the agreement was released last December and was met with resistance from insurance companies based on the Obama administration’s budget proposal to cut government subsidies to crop insurance companies. The cuts are expected to save $8 billion over 10 years. Read more.
Ask for Leroy Beck on this farm in the Northern California community of Afton and two men will answer. Leroy J. and Leroy D. are father and son. They share a first name, a last name and a long farming tradition.
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 time the USDA has helped more than 38 million Americans who needed food assistance, provided 2,636 loans to farmers and ranchers to keep their farming operations, created green jobs and awarded $50 million in grants that will power 223,000 homes. Review past accomplishments and future projects.
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 Reinvestment Act, will assist companies like Big Island Biodiesel, LLC, which was selected to construct a biodiesel production plant in Keaau, Hawaii. Organic Renaissance, LLC, in Athol, Mass., also will receive money to facilitate the provision of fresh, locally grown farm products to restaurants, retailers and other buyers. View the list of businesses to receive funding.
After 42 years, the Racine-Kenosha-Milwaukee County Farm Service Agency is losing a member of its family. Linda Feldkamp, a federal program technician, is retiring this month leaving behind the first and only job she has had since graduating high school. She takes with her more than four decades of experience, but leaves behind a host of farmers and coworkers she considers to be a part of her family. (The Journal Times, Kenosha News) Read more.
Animals must graze pasture at least 120 days a year in order to be considered organic, according to a final rule issued by USDA. The final rule amends the National Organic Program regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic livestock. Other components of the rule include developing a pasture management plan to meet the feed requirements for grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality, and allowing animals to obtain a 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture. Review the press release or read the Federal Register notice.
