Other Ag News:
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins met with poultry farmers and industry leaders as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ongoing response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Secretary Rollins toured a Cal-Maine Foods egg-laying facility in Bogata, Texas before traveling to Mount Pleasant, Texas, where she hosted a farmer roundtable focused on avian flu response efforts.
Secretary Rollins traveled to four states to hear directly from farmers and ranchers and to see their operations firsthand.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, 2025—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a compliance review of the University of Maine following the State of Maine’s blatant disregard for President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14201, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Zaks
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
press@sustainableagriculture.net
Tel. 347.563.6408
Comment: NSAC Responds to “First Tranche” Release of Popular Conservation Funding
Washington, DC, February 21, 2025 – Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) released the following statement attributable to Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director, in response to USDA’s announcement that it would release a fraction of paused conservation investments.
“While USDA fires its staff and deliberates whether or not to honor its own legal contracts, tens of thousands of farmers are being left in limbo. The ‘first tranche’ released this week represents roughly one percent of the IRA funding USDA guaranteed farmers through signed contracts from CSP and EQIP alone beginning in FY2023 – meaning that from coast to coast, countless farmers are waking up today still uncertain of how they’ll make ends meet or whether USDA will honor its word. We urge USDA to urgently provide specificity and clarity for how it will release frozen funds, fully reopen conservation program enrollment, and swiftly honor its legal obligations to farmers and organizations by immediately releasing funding on all signed contracts.”
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About the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform supporting the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Learn more: https://sustainableagriculture.net/
The post Comment: NSAC Responds to “First Tranche” Release of Popular Conservation Funding appeared first on National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 20, 2025—Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
In alignment with White House directives, Secretary Rollins will honor contracts that were already made directly to farmers. Specifically, USDA is releasing approximately $20 million in contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 20, 2025 — Today, Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a roundtable with two dozen farmers to hear their perspective on the best approaches to combat avian flu and ultimately lower egg prices. They also discussed other issues facing farmers, including the importance of disaster relief, expanding markets, reducing input costs, and decreasing regulation.
Washington, D.C., February 19, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted a roundtable with U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters to thank them for their heroic service during the recent California fires. She also spent time hearing their perspective on ways in which the Forest Service could better support our firefighters.
Each year, the National FFA Organization hosts National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week in February, providing an opportunity for members and supporters to celebrate the organization’s role in developing future leaders in agriculture. Scheduled for February 15-22 this year, National FFA Week is also a great time to highlight the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) active partnership with the organization, especially its role in spotlighting the importance of agricultural education and career opportunities.
Plains, KS & Kansas City, MO, Feb. 18, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to Kansas and Missouri, respectively, meeting with farmers, ranchers, and members of the agricultural community to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Conversations focused on expanding market access, strengthening rural economies, and ensuring producers have the tools to remain competitive on a global scale.
Shelbyville, KY, Feb. 15, 2025—U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins began her tenure with a visit to Kentucky, engaging directly with farmers and the agricultural community.
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