AgClips
Recent AgClips
If Trump builds the wall, what will happen to our food system?
Modern Farmer | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Federal NewsOne of the most comprehensive studies on how immigration policy impacts the food system was commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2014. Their report examines several policy scenarios, including what the authors refer to as the “enforcement only” option, which they define as “strengthened border security and…more aggressive use of deportation”—essentially Trump’s plan to date.
America needs a real farmer as secretary of Agriculture
The Hill | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Federal NewsIf there is one clear message to take from this election, it is that Americans are angry. They feel that politicians in Washington are out of touch with their lives and their communities. It is a problem that is felt even deeper in the farms that drive our economy and the lives of rural Americans. We don’t read about farming anymore.
Sustainability and agriculture
Capital Press | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Agriculture NewsSpeaking to reporters earlier this week, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said producers need to speak up and tell the public how they are producing more food with less water, less pesticides and less plowing.
“We need to take back the concept of sustainability, because nobody works harder on sustainability than the American farmer and rancher,” he said.
He says agriculture has never been more sustainable.
Trade experts: barriers stand in way of US exports to Cuba
The Progressive Farmer | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Federal NewsThough a future agriculture commodity market in Cuba holds promise, it will depend on whether the industry can convince the new administration and Congress about the benefits to U.S. farmers and ranchers of normalizing trade with the communist island. There are a number of additional barriers that will need to be removed to open agricultural trade with Cuba. Three trade experts highlighted the issues for farmers and ranchers Monday at the American Farm Bureau Federation national convention in Phoenix.
ChemChina, Syngenta submit minor concessions to EU watchdog
Reuters | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Agriculture NewsChina National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) [CNNCC.UL] and Swiss pesticides and seeds group Syngenta AG (SYNN.S) have proposed minor concessions to the EU's competition watchdog to address concerns over their $43 billion merger plan, sources told Reuters. One person close to the deal said it was unlikely ChemChina would have to sell its Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd (ADAM.N) unit.
As Trump meets biotech CEOs, farm advisers fret over empty USDA spot
Reuters | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Federal NewsU.S. President-elect Donald Trump has left the agriculture secretary as the last department head to be named to his Cabinet, while a meeting with the chief executives of two agribusiness giants gave a hint at a roster of farm issues the incoming president will face.
China hikes anti-dumping duties on U.S. animal feed in final ruling
Reuters | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Agriculture NewsChina has increased punitive tariffs on imports of a U.S. animal feed ingredient known as distillers' dried grains (DDGS) from levels first proposed last year, potentially escalating a trade spat between the world's two largest economies. The ruling is a major victory for China's fledgling ethanol industry, which had complained the U.S. industry was unfairly benefiting from subsidies, and followed a year-long government probe. It also deals a blow to U.S. ethanol manufacturers already bracing for Beijing's higher import taxes on their main product.
Big OPEC oil producer is spending billions to go green
CNN | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Energy NewsThe country, a core member of OPEC, plans to invest $163 billion to boost its use of alternative energy over the next three decades. That should increase clean energy's share of UAE consumption from 25% to 50% by 2050. The country also hopes to increase energy efficiency by 40% over the same period.UAE vice president and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the new energy strategy should save the emirates $190 billion over three decades. Low oil prices are forcing major producers, including Saudi Arabia, to rethink their economic strategies.
New York is betting on renewables to replace a major nuclear power plant
Think Progress | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Energy NewsNew York governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans this week to close the Indian Point nuclear power plant, which supplies electricity to New York City and surrounding areas.
Was 2016 the Worst Weather Year Ever?
Growing Produce | Posted onJanuary 12, 2017 in Rural NewsAccording to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. just logged its second warmest year on record – a span covering 122 years of data. The average annual temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 54.9°F, which was 2.9°F above the 20th century average. 2016 ranks only behind 2012 (55.3°F), and it represents the 20th consecutive warmer-than-normal year for the U.S. Globally, 2015 holds the current title of warmest year on record. In addition to the near all-time record warmth, during 2016, the U.S.