Survey: U.S. Consumers Support COOL

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

From the Consumer Federation of America earlier this week:

Survey results, released today by the Consumer Federation of America, show that a large majority of Americans continue to strongly support mandatory country of origin labeling for fresh meat and strongly favor requiring meat to be labeled with even more specific information about where the animals were born, raised and processed.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson was quick to tout the survey findings.

“The survey results are a further indication of what we have known for some time: Consumers overwhelmingly want to know more about the origins of their food, and farmers and ranchers want to provide this information,” said Johnson.” These findings, coupled with the recent withdrawal of two short-sighted amendments to the Senate and House’s respective farm bills that would have negatively impacted Country-of-Origin Labeling, are promising indications that country-of-origin labeling is vitally important and here to stay.”

CFA’s survey also found that 87 percent of respondents favor USDA requiring labels on meat which state in which country or countries the animal was born, raised and processed. In some cases, animals processed for consumer food products may actually be born in one country and raised and/or processed in different nations.

Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling, also known as COOL, was passed as a part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and amended in the 2008 Farm Bill, going into effect in 2008, with regulations being put forward in 2009.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently required the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adjust its rules requiring American retailers to label certain foods with the country (or countries) in which the animals are born, raised, or slaughtered. The WTO said that while the United States can require meat labeling, current U.S. COOL rules do not meet WTO standards. The WTO has given the United States until May 23, 2013, to bring its COOL rules into compliance.

On March 8, USDA submitted a proposed amended rule on COOL compliance to bring the U.S. into compliance with WTO. You can follow the process and view comments which were submitted on the proposed rule here.

The telephone survey was undertaken by ORC International May 9 – 12 , 2013, using a split sample of landlines and cell phones. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points. The survey results are available here and the survey methodology is available here .

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USDA wrapping up 2012 Census of Agriculture – Don’t miss your chance to give them the facts straight from the farm

May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.

“Our nation needs your help to ensure that decisions about U.S. agriculture accurately represent you, your communities, and your industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “For every 158 people in America there is one farm. I urge you to take action today and respond to the Census – your country is counting on the information to help ensure a continued supply of food, fiber and fuel for generations to come.”

The Census of Agriculture, conducted only once every five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It looks at farms, value of land, market value of agricultural production, farm practices, expenditures, and other factors that affect the way farmers and ranchers do business. The information is used by agribusinesses, town planners, local governments, and policy makers, as well as farmers, ranchers, growers and others to shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the future of farming.

“Agriculture in America is an industry built on tradition, honor and pride,” said Vilsack. “We have heard this from the farmers and ranchers who completed their Census of Agriculture form. It’s not too late for those who have not yet responded to join the generations of producers who participated in the Agriculture Census since it was first conducted in 1840. Only you can continue to provide the facts straight from the farm.”

The 2012 Census will provide a complete picture of agriculture that will be used to shape the future of agriculture, rural America, and the lives of those USDA serves for years to come. The deadline to respond to the Census of Agriculture is only a few weeks away on May 31. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) may contact producers by phone or in person to collect Census information since time is running out.

Farmers and ranchers can also return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires a response from everyone who receives the Census form and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

For more information about the Census, including helpful tips on completing your Census form, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.

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USDA has 10 spots to fill on Forestry Research Advisory Council

April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members.

“This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way in forest conservation efforts,” said Vilsack. “We base our forest conservation policies and decisions on the best available science, and this group will bring the expertise and experience to help us continue that practice.”

The council’s many responsibilities include providing advice to Secretary Vilsack on national and regional research planning projects and on coordination of forestry research within federal and state agencies, forestry schools and forest industries. In addition, the council will provide advice to the U.S. Forest Service’s Research and Development program—the world’s largest forestry-research organization.

The Forestry Research Advisory Council has 10 current and upcoming vacancies. Nominations are sought to immediately fill six vacancies on the council and additional vacancies that will occur when current appointments expire in December 2013. Vacancies are open in the following categories:

  • Forestry schools
  • State and Federal agencies
  • Forest industries
  • Voluntary organizations

Nominations must be received by April 29, 2013. The announcement appeared in the Federal Register and is available here, along with the required nomination form and more background information.

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USDA: Farm to School Grant Applications for FY 2014 Being Accepted

February 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

farmtoschool

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 6, 2013 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced the release of a request for applications (RFA) for the latest round of USDA’s Farm to School grants. These grants help eligible schools improve the health and wellbeing of their students and connect with local agricultural producers.

“USDA’s Farm to School grants connect schools with their local farmers, ranchers and food businesses, providing new economic opportunities to food producers and bringing healthy, local offerings into school cafeterias,” said Merrigan. “USDA continues to make improvements to the nutrition of food offered in schools, and investing in farm to school programs is yet another important opportunity to encourage our nation’s kids to make lifelong healthy eating choices.”

[Read more...]

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USDA Commodity Credit Corp. Loan Rates for 2013 Crops

February 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced county loan rates for the 2013 crops of wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans and other oilseeds (sunflower seed, flaxseed, canola, rapeseed, safflower, mustard seed, crambe and sesame seed); national milled loan rates and state loan rates by class for the 2013 rice crop; regional loan rates for 2013 pulse crops (small chickpeas, large chickpeas, dry peas and lentils); and the national loan rate for the 2013 honey crop. The rates are posted on the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website at www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport.

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Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments for 2013 Crop Year

February 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

usda-fsa

The marketing assistance loan (MAL) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) provisions authorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) have been extended for the 2013 crop year with the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

MALs and LDPs provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, rice, feed grains, soybeans and other oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, cotton, honey and wool. Assistance is available to eligible producers beginning with harvest or shearing season and extending through the program year. The 2013 mohair crop is not eligible for MALs or LDPs because mohair provisions were suspended by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012 and the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013.

MALs provide producers interim financing at or after harvest to help them meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but agrees to forgo the loan, may obtain an LDP if such payments are available.

For more information about marketing assistance loan and loan deficiency payments, please visit your FSA county office or FSA’s Ohio website.

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USDA Announces New Microloan Program

January 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

usdafsaSmall, family or socially disadvantaged farmers now have access to a USDA microloan program.

The microloans – identified by USDA as loans under $35,000 were announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today in Memphis, TN. Vilsack also announced recently that he will be staying on as ag secretary into President Barack Obama’s second term.

USDA said the purpose of these smaller loans secured through the agency are to assist start-up farmers in building their business so that they may eventually move into the commercial credit arena.

“I have met several small and beginning farmers, returning veterans and disadvantaged producers interested in careers in farming who too often must rely on credit cards or personal loans with high interest rates to finance their start-up operations,” said Vilsack. “By further expanding access to credit to those just starting to put down roots in farming, USDA continues to help grow a new generation of farmers, while ensuring the strength of an American agriculture sector that drives our economy, creates jobs, and provides the most secure and affordable food supply in the world.”

The National Farmers Union praised the program. “The next generation of family farmers are critical to the continuation of the long tradition of agriculture in our country,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Today’s announcement is a tremendous benefit to those looking to enter into farming.”

“Beginning farmers and ranchers and veterans will greatly benefit from this program, and a streamlined application process is of great value,” said Johnson. “Access to credit is one of the greatest challenges that beginning farmers and ranchers face, and I commend the department for proposing a common-sense way to help alleviate the problem.”

According to USDA’s website, the microloan program features a streamlined application process. Loans may be used for:

  • Initial start-up expenses;
  • Annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents;
  • Marketing and distribution expenses;
  • Family living expenses;
  • Purchase of livestock, equipment, and other materials essential to farm operations;
  • Minor farm improvements such as wells and coolers.
  • Hoop houses to extend the growing season;
  • Essential tools;
  • Irrigation;
  • Delivery vehicles.

Click here for an online fact sheet.

For information on the program or to apply, farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

 

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NFU working on preserving effective Country of Origin Labeling in wake of WTO Ruling

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

from The National Farmers Union

WASHINGTON – The World Trade Organization has given the United States until May 23, 2013, to bring its Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) rules into compliance with a WTO ruling.

“NFU will continue to work with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to ensure that new rules for COOL fit with the WTO’s ruling and with consumer demand for more information about the origins of their food,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson.

The labeling law was passed as a part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and amended in 2008, requiring retailers to notify their customers of the source of certain foods. After COOL was implemented, Canada and Mexico filed a complaint against the United States’ law. A WTO ruling in June agreed in part with the complaint, stating that the way by which the law was implemented discriminated against imported meat products, but did not find fault with the law itself.

“NFU has a proud record of supporting COOL. We were instrumental in getting the COOL laws passed in 2002 and again in 2008 and will continue to support its implementation in a way that meets the requirements of the WTO.”

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, food imports have consistently increased since 1990.

“Consumers want and have the right to know from where their meat comes from. We will continue to vigorously defend the COOL law, which was upheld in June. Only the rules that were issued to implement COOL law are in question and can be adjusted.”

 

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2012 Crop Year Commodity Loans Available

November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

USDA FSA has this reminder for producers:

Now that the 2012 harvest is nearly complete, the Farm Service Agency reminds producers of their options to obtain a Marketing Assistance Loan for 2012 crop corn and soybeans. For the 2012 crop year, the corn and soybean loan rates are $1.91 and $5.09 per bushel. The Market Assistance Loan program provides producers with cash flow at a reasonable interest rate while the crop is in storage on the farm or at a local elevator. The November 2012 interest rate is 1.125%.

You can read the entire release here, or for information contact your local FSA office or visit the FSA website.

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OSU Extension – USDA host Licking County Meeting – Make Your Land Work for You

November 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Ohio State University Extension and the U. S. Department of Agriculture will host a public meeting November 8 at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Licking County USDA Service Center located at 771 East Main St., Newark, Ohio 43055 to discuss local conservation and agriculture topics.

The discussion will begin with, “What is algae and why is there so much of it?” As OSU Extension experts explain what’s happening with algae in our lakes and what that means for farmers and other citizens.

“Why better soil grows better crops, and better pastures grow more nutritious food for grazing animals” as USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist explains how to make your land more productive.

Learn how USDA supports agriculture through conservation efforts and disaster relief as the NRCS State Conservationist and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director provide agency updates.

For more information about this meeting, please contact Christina Reed at 614-255-2527 or by email at Christina.Reed@oh.usda.gov

 

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