Washington DC - March 15 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that Fiscal Year 2009 funding is available again through three USDA programs to promote increased production of biofuel and bioenergy, authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - February 1 - USDA announces the availability of approximately $55 million for block grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - January 20 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated $45 million, provided by the 2008 Farm Bill, for projects to build and preserve critical plant health safeguarding initiatives across America.

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - January 15 - National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association submitted a joint letter to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, urging a vigorous defense of the country of origin labeling (COOL) law at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - January 6 - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association issued a statement applauding Senators Tim Johnson and Mike Enzi and twenty-four of their colleagues for sending a joint, bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk calling for their continued support for country of origin labeling (COOL).

To read their full statement, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - January 4 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamlining payment limits for family farmers.

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

 Washington DC -May 22- USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced allocations under USDA’s Dairy Export Incentive Program for the July 2008 through June 30, 2009 period, as allowed under the rules of the World Trade Organization. The program helps U.S. dairy exporters meet prevailing world prices and encourages the development of international export markets in areas where U.S. dairy products are not competitive due to subsidized dairy products from other countries.

To read the entire report, CLICK HERE

Washington DC -December 4- Future food and farm policy were the topics during the Farm Jounal  Food and Agriculture Policy Summit held here this week.

During an exclusive interview, Farm Journal Washington Editor Roger Bernard talked with WashingtonView.com editor Mike Duncan about the future of agriculture and food policy.

To listen to the interview, CLICK HERE

Washington DC - August 27- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its Interim Final Rule for Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in the August 1 Federal Register. The agency is accepting public comment until September 30, and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is urging those who wish to comment to do so soon.

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Washington DC -July 14- Recent passage of the 2008 Farm Bill included funding for conservation and environmental programs. Robert Bonnie with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) talks about efforts to improve wildlife habitat, including the rare Ocelot in South Texas, and EDF’s concern with taking land setaside for conservation and allowing its return to agricultural uses, such as haying, grazing, and crop production. Join Mr. Bonnie and host Mike Duncan for this weeks edition of the WashingtonView Radio program.

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Washington DC -July 7- America’s farmers will receive up to $1.15 billion in 2008 advance direct payments beginning today.

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