Farm lobby pushes for new farm bill in early 2024
Farm groups called for Congress on Thursday to overcome a months-long impasse and enact a new farm bill early next year. President Biden was expected to sign legislation that extends current farm law until next Sept. 30 but the farm groups want to keep the pressure on for prompt action.
USDA eyes non-traditional markets for ag exports
The Agriculture Department will counter a decline in farm exports by seeking sales in new markets, including non-traditional destinations, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Glyphosate for 10 years: After two indecisive votes by EU nations, the European Commission approved use of the weedkiller glyphosate for 10 additional years with some new restrictions on its use. (European Commission)
Telehealth vs. hospital deserts: With rural hospitals closing due to financial stress, worker shortages, and fewer patients because of population decline, “telehealth offers a chance to bridge the gap in hospital deserts.” (Roll Call)
Lawsuits challenge WOTUS revisions: The EPA did not adequately comply with the Supreme Court ruling on wetlands, say complaints filed by 26 states and several agricultural interests who oppose the “waters of the United States” regulation. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Tomato bred for machine harvesting: Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a tomato variety that produces compact fruit that matures at the same time and is ideal for harvest by machine. (The Packer)
Big soybean sales week: U.S. exporters sold 3.9 million metric tons of soybeans to foreign buyers — a marketing-year high — in the week ending Nov. 9, with two-thirds of it going to China. (USDA)
Red Cup Rebellion: On Thursday, thousands of Starbucks workers walked off the job to protest the coffee giant’s alleged union-busting efforts, disrupting Red Cup Day, one of the chain’s busiest days of the year. (AP)
Farm fined for seizing worker passports: The Department of Labor has fined two North Carolina employers over $139,000 in penalties after they failed to pay 65 H-2A farmworkers the required wage rates, then tried to intimidate them by seizing their documents. (Department of Labor)
