SNAP costs too much, program needs revisions, say House Republicans
Warning that “pandemic aid is morphing into endemic aid,” the Republican leader on the House Agriculture Committee said on Wednesday that it was time to rein in food stamp spending. Other farm-state Republicans called for stricter eligibility rules as a way to push people into the workforce and said SNAP “promotes a perverse business of poverty.”
Vilsack adviser nominated for U.S. chief agricultural negotiator
In his second attempt to fill the post, President Biden nominated Doug McKalip on Wednesday to be the U.S. chief agricultural negotiator, working with U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai. The post has been vacant since Biden took office, to the increasing dismay of farm-state lawmakers and the agribusiness sector.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Axne race shifts: While Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne has a larger campaign fund, the redrawn 3rd House District in Iowa “may be too red” for her in the race against the Republican nominee, Zach Nunn. That race, formerly a toss-up, is now rated “leans Republican.” (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
Atlas buys Foster Farms: Private equity firm Atlas Holdings purchased family-owned Foster Farms, a California chicken processor, and hired Donnie Smith as chief executive, the same job he held at Tyson Foods from 2009-16. (Food Dive)
Stabenow buys electric car: After Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow said she had purchased an electric car made by Chevrolet, she was criticized for being out of touch with gasoline prices. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Slim lead for Valadao: With one-third of the vote counted, California Rep. David Valadao, a member of the House subcommittee in charge of USDA and FDA spending, has a 1,223-vote lead over Trump supporter Chris Mathys. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
New NPPC logo, direction: The National Pork Producers Council announced a new logo and a strategic repositioning to “drive momentum in shaping the future of the next generation” of hog farmers and businesses. (Agweek)
