Second round of USDA awards aims to expand domestic fertilizer production
Seventeen new projects will receive funding from a $900 million grant program created to expand U.S. fertilizer production in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Monday. Fertilizer prices soared on fears of wartime disruptions in shipments from Russia, the world’s largest fertilizer exporter.
Ethanol supporters argue for fuel diversity
Rather than promoting electric vehicles, the government should adopt “a diversified portfolio of approaches” in the transportation sector such as flex fuel vehicles, said three ethanol advocates on Monday. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge of the Minnesota rule that requires new-car dealers to bolster their stocks of hybrid and all-electric vehicles.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Farm bill on Jordan’s list: The Republican nominee for House speaker, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, has never voted for a farm bill but agreed on the need to pass “important legislation like the farm bill,” said House Armed Services Committee chairman Mike Rogers, a key vote in the speaker’s race. (Rogers)
Pritzer would veto fin tax: The issue is not on the table, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he does not support a financial transaction tax and would veto one if it reached him; such a tax could prompt the futures markets to leave Chicago. (Bloomberg)
Hefty fees for EVs: Eight states, including No. 1 oil-producer Texas, require owners of electric vehicles to pay annual registration fees of $200 or more. The states cite the need to make up for the loss of gas tax revenue, but there are culture war overtones. (Washington Post)
Food-forward cities: Based on factors that included the variety of cuisines, “emerging” foods, and diners with a taste for novelty, San Francisco is the most “food forward” U.S. city, followed by Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, and San Diego, says consultancy Datassential. (Axios)
Double regenerative ag goal: Food processor ADM and Farmers Business Network said they intended to double, to 2 million acres, enrollment in a program that pays farmers to reduce emissions and adopt practices such as cover crops and conservation tillage. (FBN)
