GOP vs. Democratic split as House nears farm bill markup
Republicans and Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee disagree on three major issues for the new farm bill — SNAP cuts, climate funding, and USDA access to a $30 billion reserve fund — despite recent exchanges of ideas. The committee apparently is headed for a “very partisan” bill-drafting session at the end of May, said a House Democratic staff worker on Tuesday.
Farm practices will open the door to SAF tax credits, for some
Sustainable aviation fuels will qualify automatically for tax credits of up to $1.25 a gallon if they are derived from corn and soybeans grown under a specific set of carbon-reducing practices, said the Biden administration on Tuesday. Farm groups and biofuel producers grumbled at the restrictions — a fraction of U.S. biofuels would be eligible at present — and said they would seek better terms in the long-term regulations now under consideration.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
South led in rural growth: An analysis of Census Bureau data found that counties in the South saw 90 percent of rural America’s population growth — an increase of 108,000 people — in 2023. (Daily Yonder)
Milking parlors a suspect: Disease experts said milking parlors, where the same equipment is used to draw milk from dozens or hundreds of cows, may play a role in spreading the H5N1 bird flu virus from cow to cow; USDA said 36 herds were infected, up from 34 in late March. (STAT)
Drive to reduce antibiotic use: The RENOFARM initiative — Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation — will be implemented in 100 countries to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials in treating human illness. (FAO)
Plant-based foods in ‘bettergoods’: Walmart said its new ‘bettergoods’ line of 300 foods includes plant-based foods, such as oatmilk frozen desserts and a non-dairy cheese alternative, and “Made Without” items that are antibiotic-free, gluten-free, or made without added sugars. (Walmart)
