Put more money into land stewardship
The 2023 farm bill should expand funding for USDA soil and water conservation programs and allow payments to the so-called early adopters of climate-smart farming practices, said the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on Tuesday. NASDA said the farm bill “must remain unified” by pairing farm support and public nutrition programs in one piece of legislation.
USDA publishes organic enforcement rule
The largest update to the National Organic Program since its creation, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, will be published as early as Wednesday, said The Packer. It said USDA confirmed on Tuesday that publication was imminent of the rule that has been under consideration since summer 2020.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Imperial Valley standoff: Clean energy advocates see the Imperial Valley in southeastern California, a source of intensively irrigated fruits and vegetables, as the ideal place for solar farms but the families who own the farmland say it’s a disguised water grab. (Los Angeles Times)
Danone targets dairy emissions: International food company Danone set a goal of reducing methane emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 30 percent by 2030 through regenerative dairy practices and other innovations. (Danone)
Virginia mulls free school meals: A bill filed in the House of Delegates would make school meals free for all K-12 students in Virginia and a separate budget amendment would cover the estimated cost of $271.5 million for one school year. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Food reserves worry Putin: Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, needs to maintain stable food reserves and “cannot allow everything to be dragged abroad,” said President Vladimir Putin in comments that may portend restrictions on some of its exports. (Reuters)
Pro athletes buy farmland: New York-based investment company Patricof Co. has nearly 200 professional athletes as clients and is buying farmland from the Corn Belt to the Pacific Northwest as a source of annual income and a hedge against inflation. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
