Agriculture Policy News
From federal agencies to state governments, actions taken by elected officials and policymakers have a direct impact on America’s farmers and ranchers. Stay up-to-date on all things related to policy, including cabinet leadership, the farm bill, farmer-support programs, market access, environmental regulations, labor availability and the health of the ag economy.
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Latest Agriculture Policy News
Reports last week claimed EPA was prepared to suggest lowering the renewable fuel volume requirements below 2020 levels. Monday, biofuels groups provided some clarity on what are the facts of the issue today.
The EPA is expected to recommend to the White House lowering the nation’s biofuel blending mandates below 2020 levels, in what would be a blow to the biofuels industry, two sources familiar with the matter said Friday.
EPA is banning the use on food crops of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. The decision is a victory for environmental activists who have fought to stop the use of the chemical that is applied to row and produce crops.
Biofuels groups are asking for a rehearing on a recent appeals court decision that blocked the sale of E15 year-round. The approval of E15 sales during the summer driving season was made by the Trump Administration.
Solar could supply more than 40% of the nation’s electricity by 2035 if Congress adopts policies like tax credits for renewable energy projects and component factories, according to a memo by the Department of Energy.
A big increase in benefits is on the way for Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The average SNAP benefit will increase for FY 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, according to the agency.
Starting in October, average benefits for SNAP will rise by more than 25% after a USDA released report found the cost of a nutritious, cost-effective diet is 21% higher than the base calculation for SNAP benefits.
Shipping issues continue to surface. The latest is in China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan container port, which is the third-busiest in the world, and has been partially shut down for six days, with no sign of reopening yet.
USDA’s August crop production report cut the national corn yield and sent corn futures up more than 20¢. Now, Pro Farmer Crop Tour is gearing up for the first boots on the ground look at crop production this season.
U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil Corp, along with Chevron Corp, is seeking to bulk up in the burgeoning renewable fuels space by finding ways to make such products at existing facilities, Reuters sources said.