U.S. to connect rural areas with development funding
The U.S. government will put field staff in more than two dozen rural communities to provide a link between local leaders and federal economic development programs, said the White House on Wednesday. The Rural Partners Network will be run by USDA but will have a “whole of government” approach, working with 10 federal departments.
Ukraine farm output to shrink by one-third
One-third of Ukraine’s crops and agricultural land may not be harvested or cultivated this year because of the Russian invasion, said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on Tuesday. It asked for donations of $115.4 million, more than double its initial request, to support Ukrainian agriculture.
Today’s Quick Hits
Colorado River endangered: Conservation group American Rivers named the Colorado River, source of irrigation water for 5 million acres of farmland and drinking water for 40 million people, as the most endangered river in the country. (Colorado Public Radio)
Poultry farmers really employees?: In a class-action suit, Michael and Jean-Nicole Diaz say their contract with a poultry processor to raise broiler chickens was so detailed and their work so closely supervised they should be treated and paid as employees, not independent suppliers. (The American Prospect)
Nebraska seeks Colorado canal: Nebraska will invoke a century-old clause in a water compact with Colorado to complete construction of a canal in Colorado to assure access to water from the South Platte River. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Chocolate milk in NYC schools: New York Mayor Eric Adams backed off a proposed ban on chocolate milk in city schools and instead will let school principals decide whether to allow flavored milk. (New York Post)
Vilsack, Landrieu rural tour: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House infrastructure coordinator Mitch Landrieu were scheduled Thursday to join Rep. Sanford Bishop, chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees USDA spending, to announce funding for rural infrastructure projects in Georgia. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
