Events in recent years have demonstrated the vulnerabilities in our food production systems and supply chains. Our wellbeing depends on access to safe, affordable food. Pesticides are essential tools for growers and others whose farms and food-producing businesses rely on them. If left unchecked, pests such as insects and mold can inflict crop losses greater…
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Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) indicated his support for farmers by adding his name to a Joint Resolution expressing congressional disapproval of the January 2023 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. “Today, I voted to side with the farmers and agricultural communities of eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Let me be clear:…
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Last week, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, announced a second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) that will provide an additional $14 billion to producers who have seen increased marketing costs associated with the COIVD-19 pandemic. CFAP 2 includes support for commodities that were left out of the first program, which is…
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This week, Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue released the details regarding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFPA). This program is the $16 billion COVID-19 relief package for agriculture administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The application period for assistance will begin May 26th through your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office until August 28th.…
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Last week, with sweeping majorities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was passed in response to COVID-19 and the toll it has taken on the U.S. economy. President Trump signed the bill over the weekend, making it ready for implementation. With $2 Trillion worth…
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COVID-19 has changed how much of the world operates over the past two weeks. But one thing that has not changed is the considerable workload that farmers face this time of year. Last week, with encouragement from many national grower associations, including the American Soybean Association, the Department of Homeland Security declared agriculture as a…
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This week the agriculture community had two major victories in trade with the signing of the China Phase 1 deal and Congress’ passing of USMCA. The House of Representatives passed USMCA 385-41 in December before they left for recess after over a year of back and forth negotiations. The Senate was able to take up…
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that producers who have been affected by 2018 & 2019 natural disasters will now be able to apply for assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). The program’s creation was authorized by the Supplemental Relief Act of 2019 passed by Congress and signed by…
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Governor Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for NC and issued Executive Order No. 100 in light of the approaching Hurricane which is expected to make landfall in the Bahamas and Florida early next week. The order includes transportation waivers suspending the weighing of vehicles transporting agricultural products and livestock as well and lifting…
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Five growers from NC made the trip to Washington, DC this week to spend time with the state’s Representatives and Senators. The trip was a part of the American Soybean Association’s summer board meeting that included a day of Capitol Hill visits. NC’s ASA Representative Jimmy Thomas, NCSPA Secretary Gary Hendrix, NC SoyPAC Chair Michael…
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$19.1 Billion Approved for Federal Disaster Aid President Trump signed the $19.1 billion federal disaster bill after the House of Representatives was finally able to pass it through (354-58) this week. The bill failed three times in the past several weeks while the House was not in session (the House majority was looking for a unanimous vote). The approval of the…
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Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced yesterday that USDA will be assisting farmers in response to the continued toll that the tariffs have taken on the industry. The administration authorized $16 billion in aid programs that will be overseen by USDA while they continue to work on trade relations. The dollar amount is an estimate…
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