Farm bill coming in a ‘timely manner’
House Agriculture chairman Glenn Thompson acknowledged on Monday that time is tight for enactment of the new farm bill by Sept. 30, when the current law expires. But he stuck to his frequent forecast of a bipartisan and bicameral bill “on time,” which might mean a floor vote in the House.
India is playing games with world rice supply’
The U.S. rice industry sharply criticized India, the world’s largest rice exporter, for cutting off three-quarters of its overseas shipments. “This is another example of India playing games with global food security,” said Bobby Hanks, a Louisiana rice miller and a USA Rice Federation official on Monday.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Wildfire defense grants: The Forest Service opened a 90-day application period for $250 million in Community Wildfire Defense grants for communities, nonprofit organizations, and state forestry agencies to plan for and mitigate wildfire risks. (USDA)
Spanberger plans governor race: Third-term Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, a centrist Democrat and member of the House Agriculture Committee, “has told multiple people she will run for governor in 2025.” (Politico)
Nitrate reduction program stalls: A Nebraska program to educate farmers on ways to reduce nitrate pollution in water, approved in 2022, has yet to go into action despite widespread problems with water quality. (Nebraska Examiner)
Tau fruit fly quarantine: California agriculture officials declared the first tau fruit fly quarantine in the Western Hemisphere in hopes of eradicating an infestation in the Santa Clarita Valley. (Los Angeles Times)
Money follows power: One out of every $7 in PAC donations to Rep. Glenn Thompson’s campaign fund this year came from companies or organizations who had never given him money until he became House Agriculture chairman. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
