AgClips
Recent AgClips
Washington's Inslee vows resistance on federal marijuana policy
Capital Press | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsWashington Gov. Jay Inslee berated U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Trump administration Thursday for changing the Justice Department’s hands-off attitude toward the state’s marijuana trade. Inslee said Washington won’t be “intimidated” and will oppose federal intervention.“We should all be dedicated to that uproar of resistance on this wrong-headed, backward, antediluvian, below the Mason-Dixon line (policy) by Jeff Sessions,” Inslee said.Besides Washington, five states — Oregon, California, Nevada, Alaska and Colorado — have approved the recreational use of marijuana.
What does Sessions’ policy mean for the future of weed?
Capital Press | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsEven as a series of states legalized the recreational use of marijuana, the possession, use or sale of the drug remained a federal crime. Still, the Justice Department, under President Barack Obama, took a hands-off approach. That changed Thursday. Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked an Obama-era policy that was deferential to states’ permissive marijuana laws.
Oregon sues Monsanto over PCB pollution in waterways, soil
Capital Press | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Agriculture NewsThe lawsuit cites internal memos and correspondence indicating that Monsanto knew early on about the toxic effects of PCBs. The lawsuit seeks $100 million to use to mitigate pollution, particularly along a 10-mile stretch of the Willamette River in Portland that will be the target of a $1 billion cleanup announced by federal authorities in 2016.
ASPCA Runs Afowl in Game Bird Case
Cavalry Group | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Agriculture NewsThe federal agents had a warrant. They were looking for evidence of cockfighting. Carrano was made to sit in his kitchen while they searched the premises. There was no evidence because, well, Mr. Carrano isn't a cockfighter. Unfortunately, that didn't protect his birds. Carrano's birds are housed some 300 feet from his driveway.
Supercharged antibiotics could turn tide against superbugs
Science Daily | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Agriculture NewsAn old drug supercharged by researchers has emerged as a new antibiotic that could destroy some of the world's most dangerous superbugs. The supercharge technique potentially could revitalize other antibiotics.
The ‘bomb cyclone’ is contradicting Rick Perry’s argument for coal
The Washington Post | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Energy NewsThe cold weather and swirling winds gripping the northeastern United States have created the sort of winter scenario that Energy Secretary Rick Perry has cited as a reason to bolster the reliability of the grid by boosting coal and nuclear power plants. Perry said that only those power plants could assure reliability because only they could keep 90 days’ fuel supply on site.
Report from Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
USDA | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Federal, Rural NewsThe task force identified over 100 recommendations for the federal government to consider in order to help improve life in rural America. The recommendations centered around these five areas:Economic Development, Innovation and Technology, Workforce, Quality of Life and 5 Calls to Action: Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America, Improving Quality of Life, Supporting a Rural Workforce, Harnessing Technological Innovation and Developing the Rural Economy
“Milk” Comes from Breasts/Udders
OFW Law | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Food NewsThe point is that each of these “milk” food names is legally established/recognized and refers to a lacteal secretion derived from mammals—not from plants. In contrast, “almond milk” (and “cashew milk” and “rice milk”) has no such legal/regulatory basis. So, contrary to being consistent with federal law, a “[plant-derived] milk” food name violates it.
NAFTA- Recent Developments as President Trump Addresses AFBF Members on Monday
Farm Policy News | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Federal NewsPresident Donald Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 99th Annual Convention. The AFBF noted recently that, “After three consecutive years of decline in farm sector profits, President Trump will speak to Farm Bureau members during a period of prolonged economic challenge across farm country.” In fiscal year 2017, the U.S. exported $140.5 billion worth of agricultural products; and, the U.S. Department of Agricultureexplained recently that, “Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S.
Sneakers Made from Corn? Seat Cushions From Soybeans?
Wall Street Journal | Posted onJanuary 11, 2018 in Agriculture NewsRobust demand for processed foods, animal feed and biofuels isn’t keeping up with a record glut of crops in the U.S. and around the world, after several years of bumper harvests and largely benevolent weather. To sell the surplus, farmers and trade groups are wooing new customers, from car makers to toy companies. In recent years, corn and soybeans have been added to the recipes for Ford Motor Co. seat cushions, IKEA mattresses, Danone SA’s yogurt cups and Procter & Gamble Co.’s Olay moisturizers. Adidas AG’s Reebok brand recently unveiled sneakers made with corn.