Politics
With food recalls skyrocketing, one might find it hard to discern whether they’re reading a current USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service report or a chapter straight out of Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel “The Jungle.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick to lead the Health and Human Services, is scheduled to appear in front of the Senate twice this week for confirmation hearings.
In 2024, Farm Journal Foundation’s Farmer Ambassadors and staff held more than 100 meetings in Washington, D.C., to explain the value of investing in global ag research, development, and nutrition security programs.
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on stage at a rally in Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Monday, immediately following inauguration. It marked a dramatic and public start to his administration.
As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent outlined a three-pronged approach to tariffs during his Senate testimony this week, including targeted tariffs, general tariffs as revenue generators and tariffs as a negotiation tool.
Throughout the hearing, Lee Zeldin underscored the importance of protecting the environment without hindering economic development. He stated, “We can, and we must, protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy.”
This “Nutrition Info box,” a black-and-white design, will display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” along with the percent Daily Value for each nutrient.
He was a farmer, governor, president and international peace maker, but many people will remember him most as a man who put honesty and kindness above partisan politics. The nation paused yesterday to remember and honor the nation’s 39th president.
Trump has long expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish territory, describing it as “absolutely necessary” for U.S. security. He also raised concerns over the Panama Canal, claiming its current operation by Chinese interests undermines American control of a critical trade route.
Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.
Trudeau also announced parliament would be prorogued, or suspended, until March 24. That means an election is unlikely before May at the earliest, so Trudeau will remain in charge - at least initially - of dealing with the threat of crippling tariffs once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
The Senate kicked off quietly as the House steals the spotlight to start 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to pass individual appropriations bills and a farm bill as well as focus on regular order and extended floor debates.
From a possible trade war to brewing discontent within the country, there are five significant trends poised to shape China in the coming year.
Will corporations, LLCs, and LPs be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information soon? Here’s the latest developments.
As the Trump administration prepares to return to the White House, these appointments signal a continuation of its previous agricultural policies and priorities, with experienced individuals who have both legal expertise and connections to the farming community.
The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid, which includes $10 billion in farmer aid and $21 billion ag disaster aid. $2 billion of that disaster aid is specifically for livestock producers. The measure also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
If the funding measure fails, USDA has a contingency plan in place for essential workers and services. The plan would retain a small number of administrative employees to oversee activities including disaster response and cybersecurity should funding lapse.
The stopgap deal to avoid a government shutdown includes $10 billion in direct payments for farmers, $21 bllion in ag disaster aid, a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill and year-round E15.
The House of Representatives released its Continuing Resolution text, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, $10 billion in farmer economic aid, $21 billion in ag disaster funding for 2023 and 2024 and year-round E15 sales.
“I know people are concerned about the tariffs, but the fact is, [Trump] looks at tariffs as a way to get their attention and eventually to get better and reciprocal trade agreements,” says Terry Branstad.
In an announcement on Saturday, Trump said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”
Trump taps Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary, signaling tariff-heavy trade strategy. Lutnick has called the tariffs a negotiating tool that could be used to convince other countries to bring down their own levies or to force companies to move production to the U.S.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer says the Senate Farm Bill text includes some big differences compared to the House bill especially when it comes to ARC and PLC programs and modernizing reference prices.
Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow finally released the full text of the Senate farm bill on Monday, but it’s already drawing intense criticism. Even usually optimistic House Ag Chair GT Thompson signaled it’s time to focus on a 2018 farm bill extension by year’s end.
Threats of widespread tariffs and concerns about retaliation continue to stoke uneasiness in agriculture. With a growing trade deficit and hopes the U.S. could re-embark on the Phase One trade deal with China, could the focus back on trade be positive for agriculture?
As the list continues to evolve, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly playing an active role in the cabinet selection.
Ag industry groups recognize the crucial role that immigrant workers play in the U.S. food system. They emphasize that these workers often take on physically demanding jobs that many American-born workers are unwilling to do.