USDA debt relief for minority farmers is a certainty
In just one month, a proposal for $4 billion in debt relief for Black and other socially disadvantaged farmers went from just-introduced legislation to a near-reality, needing only a final vote in the House as early as Tuesday. The Democrat-authored initiative to retire the farmers’ debts on USDA loans is part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan backed by President Biden.
USDA allows more time to discuss regulation of GE animals
The USDA announced an additional 60 days for public comment on a proposal that originated in the final weeks of the Trump administration to put USDA, rather than FDA, in charge of regulating livestock and poultry created through genetic engineering.
Rural prosperity official becomes White House ag adviser
Kelliann Blazek, a former congressional staffer who was the first director of Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity, will serve as the agriculture and rural policy adviser to President Biden, announced the White House.
Today’s Quick Hits
‘Several weeks’ on CFAP: Speaking to the Commodity Classic farm show, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said it would be “several weeks” before USDA decides how to divide $13 billion in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding for producers. President Biden issued a regulatory freeze when he took office that included a Trump plan to disburse $3 billion of the funds. (Ag Insider)
Safer food for youngsters: The FDA will take additional action to prevent or reduce chemical hazards in foods for babies and young children, including new guidelines on tolerance levels for contaminants, more research into toxic elements in food for children, and more inspections and sampling of foods. (FDA)
Covid role of feds, meatpackers: The USDA’s inspector general will review the department’s actions that may have contributed to the spread of the coronavirus at meatpacking plants and other agricultural processing facilities. (Sen. Michael Bennet)
Texas storm losses: The mid-February snow and ice storm caused at least $600 million in agricultural losses across Texas, including $230 million in citrus crops, $228 million in livestock and $150 million in vegetables. (Texas A&M)
Quality Loss extension: Farmers have an additional month, until April 9, to apply for Quality Loss Adjustment payments to compensate for damage to crop quality due to natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. (USDA)
On The Calendar
Monday
The School Nutrition Association holds annual legislative action conferences online, through Wednesday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to speak to the conference Tuesday. The group, which represents school food directors, supports free meals for all students.
Animal AgTech Summit, online, with theme “Accelerating innovation in animal health and welfare.”
Tuesday
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack speaks to the online World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, noon ET. Summit theme is “Toward net-zero agriculture and supply chain resilience.”
USDA releases monthly Crop Production and WASDE reports, noon ET. Traders expect further tightening of U.S. soybean supplies.
Chief executive Emily Skor of biofuels trade group Growth Energy speaks to a webinar sponsored by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, 2 p.m. ET.
OECD releases interim economic outlook for industrialized nations, Paris.
U.S. Canola Association annual meeting online, through Thursday.
Wednesday
The Labor Department releases the monthly Consumer Price Index report, 8:30 a.m. ET.
Thursday
House Agriculture Committee hearing, “A look at food insecurity in America,” 9 a.m. ET, 1300 Longworth.
Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, “Farmers and foresters: Opportunities to lead in tackling climate change,” 10:15 a.m. ET, 106 Dirksen.
Deadline for public comment on EPA proposal to give small refineries six additional months, until Nov. 30, to show compliance with the RFS for 2019.
Future Food-tech, with the theme “Moonshot solutions for a food system under stress,” is held online.
Sunday
Daylight Savings Time begins, through Nov. 7.
