AgClips
Recent AgClips
Pioneers of organic farming are threatening to leave the program they helped create
The Washington Post | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsThe pioneers of the sustainable farming movement are mourning what they call the downfall of the organic program, following a Wednesday night vote by a group of government farming advisers that could determine the future of the $50 billion organic industry. At issue was whether a booming generation of hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic farms — which grow plants in nutrients without using soil, frequently indoors — could continue to sell their produce under the “organic” label.In a series of narrow votes, an advisory board to the U.S.
Organic board: aeroponics out, hydroponics, aquaponics in
The Packer | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsBy a vote of 8 to 7, the National Organic Standards Board on Nov. 1 rejected proposals to make hydroponic and aquaponic production methods prohibited under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.The board did vote to make aeroponics a prohibited practice by a vote of 14 in favor of the ban, with one member abstaining. That won’t have an impact on organic supply, Frankel said, as he understands there are no aeroponic operations currently certified as organic.
National Organic Standards Board Decrees That Hydroponic Can Be Organic
Modern Farmer | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsOn November 1st, the National Organic Standards Board finally made a decision on one of the most divisive issues in the organic world: should crops grown in water, containers, or otherwise not in the ground be allowed to call themselves organic? The decision is thus: hydroponic and container gardens will remain eligible for organic certification.This is a debate that’s much more complicated than it seems.
Some Tax Code Changes Would Hamper Farmers and Ranchers
DTN | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsK-Coe Isom, an agricultural accounting and consulting firm, said there were provisions in the tax bill that would hamper growth for farmers and ranchers and could increase their taxes. These include caps on the interest-expense deduction, scaling back carry-back of losses, the elimination of the Domestic Production Activities Deduction and limits on like-kind exchanges.The tax plan would cap business-interest deductions at 30% of adjusted taxable income.
Notes from the Senate: Rural Georgia’s economy
Savannah Now | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Rural, SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe Georgia House and the Senate have appointed study committees to examine issues in rural development. Attendance at the meetings has been strong. Rural hospitals top the list. Communities with no healthcare facilities are pretty much dead in the water for economic development.There’s the fear that an existing hospital will close its doors and a community will be perceived as without a future.This has caused local governments to support their hospitals with local tax dollars.
Despite estimate of no savings, Ohio House cracks down on food stamps
Columbus Dispatch | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Food, SARL Members and Alumni NewsA pair of bills that Republicans say will reduce fraud in food stamp, Medicaid and welfare programs, but Democrats say are misguided, easily passed the House on Wednesday. The goal is “to protect the integrity of the entire SNAP program,” and “get the benefits to people who need them,” Rep.
USDA withdraws proposed biotech rule
Farm Futures | Posted onNovember 7, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsUSDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule to revise the agency’s biotechnology regulations and will re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health.
Veterinarians help reverse K-9 overdoses
WAND | Posted onNovember 6, 2017 in Rural NewsThe opioid epidemic is affecting more than just people. "They're not just dogs I mean the dog lives with me, he's my partner, he's with me 24/7," Deputy Chad Beasley, with the Champaign County Sheriff's Office, says. "I always jokingly say, 'he's with me more than my wife' which is probably true."Arco is Deputy Beasley's partner. He is a 5 year old Dutch Shepherd."I've had him on the street for about 4 years now," Beasley says.Arco helps with tracking people, finding weapons, and seeking out heroin.
Perdue Announces Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors
USDA | Posted onNovember 6, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a slate of Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) State Directors, all serving as appointees of President Donald J. Trump. FSA State Directors help implement U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs in their respective states. They are also responsible for running the day-to-day activities of the state FSA office. Similarly, RD State Directors work to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
Dairy Farmer of America acquires Cumberland Dairy
edairynews | Posted onNovember 6, 2017 in Agriculture, Food NewsDairy Farmers of America, a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, announced Nov. 2 the acquisition of Cumberland Dairy; a family-owned processor of ultra-pasteurized dairy products located in Bridgeton, N.J.