Food box should be a model for USDA, not scrapped, say GOP lawmakers – March 12, 2021

Food box should be a model for USDA, not scrapped, say GOP lawmakers

The USDA ought to keep President Trump’s glitzy food box giveaway program in operation rather than let it die at the end of April, said Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday. A food bank leader said that while the food box had been helpful in responding to pandemic-caused hunger, it was not as useful as programs like SNAP.

 

Companion bills would prevent faster line speeds

The USDA would be barred from allowing faster line speeds at hog and poultry slaughter plants during the pandemic under companion bills filed in the House and Senate on Thursday. Sponsors said the legislation would protect worker safety.

 

Trade agency approves tariffs on imported phosphate fertilizer

U.S. fertilizer companies are “materially injured” by imports of subsidized phosphate fertilizer from Russia and Morocco, said the U.S. International Trade Commission on Thursday, so it approved, on a 4-1 vote, the imposition of countervailing duties on the imports.

 

TODAY’S QUICK HITS

Failure to protect workers: Even though the Labor Department’s job safety agency said Triumph Foods had failed to protect employees at its Missouri pork plant, where 600 workers tested positive for the coronavirus, it did not fine the company. (Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting)

Glenn will leave NASDA: Barb Glenn, chief executive of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture for seven years, said she will retire in the fall. (NASDA)

 

Farm to School expansion: A House bill would increase funding to $15 million a year for Farm to School grants and expand the range of the program, which funds such activities as purchasing locally produced food for use in school meals. (NSAC)

 

30×30 and Indigenous people: Despite having an enviable record in preserving natural resources, Indigenous communities may be left out of a decision-making role in the drive to protect at least 30 percent of the world’s land and water by 2030. (New York Times)

 

Waiting for vaccinations: In many parts of the United States, farmworkers have to wait for coronavirus vaccinations, despite being considered essential workers, because of state policies that give priority to other groups. (ABC News)

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