Stephanie Mercier

Stephanie Mercier is the Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation. From 1997-2011, she served as the Chief Economist for the Democratic staff of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Latest Stories
Opinion
Many Farmers Support “Right to Repair” Laws
While many farmers buy new farm equipment to provide more efficient operations and higher yields, they face problems if their equipment breaks down, particularly due to company-imposed restrictions on repairs.
September 21, 2022 11:19 PM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
Bio-Based Product Preference Programs--History and Future Prospects
USDA operates a federal biobased product preference program, called USDA BioPreferred, first authorized in the 2002 farm bill. As of 2016, the biobased product industry is estimated to have created 4.65 million jobs.
September 21, 2022 09:56 PM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
The Colorado River System is At Risk From Climate Change
The robust agricultural sector in the Western U.S. is at risk due to low water flows in the Colorado River system, which has fallen due to extended droughts resulting from climate change.
September 15, 2022 12:14 PM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
Recent Developments in Wheat Breeding
Wheat producers rely primarily on public sector research for crop breeding improvements. A new GMO wheat incorporating drought tolerance has been approved for planting in Argentina, but not yet produced for market.
September 06, 2022 09:34 AM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
Agricultural Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act
This post summarizes the agricultural provisions of the Inflation Reduction Plan, aimed at encouraging greater participation in climate change mitigation efforts by farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses and residents.
August 24, 2022 04:33 PM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
How Higher Transport Costs Impact U.S. Agriculture
The higher cost of shipping U.S. agricultural inputs and products both internationally and domestically has increased costs of production for U.S. farmers, contributing to a projected decline in net farm income for 2022.
July 01, 2022 10:52 AM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
The Impact of Climate Change on Pollinators
Research suggests that climate change is already having an impact on the availability of pollination from both commercial beehives and wild pollinator species such as butterflies and non-honeybee bee species.
June 02, 2022 10:18 AM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
Precision Ag Practices Can Buttress Conservation Efforts
First envisioned in the 1990’s after the US government relaxed restrictions on GPS signals, precision ag technology can help farmers reduce inputs such as fuel and fertilizer, saving money and helping the environment.
April 18, 2022 02:24 PM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
The History of Nutrition Assistance Programs in the United States
Efforts to feed hungry people were pursued as part of FDR’s New Deal, with programs feeding people in schools and homes with surplus food. Full authority came later--School Lunch program in 1946, food stamps in 1964.
April 01, 2022 10:54 AM
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Stephanie Mercier
Opinion
The USDA Budget for Fiscal Year 2022
The President signed legislation on March 15 which provided funding for the federal government for fiscal year 2022. This includes the budget for USDA, which received a 4.4 percent increase year over year.
March 24, 2022 09:28 AM
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Stephanie Mercier
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