Ag Not Included in New Stimulus Package
The new $2 trillion coronavirus package does not include any significant assistance for agriculture. There is one provision to provide assistance to minority farms, focused primarily on Black, Hispanic and Native American colleges and universities.
Dry Conditions Weakening in the Northern Plains
Dry conditions are dwindling in the Northern Plains, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. In North Dakota, the extreme drought once seen in central and south-central part of the state has disappeared. Fifty-six percent of the state is in severe drought, while the Red River Valley and south-central and south-eastern portions are abnormally dry […]
Coalition Asks Pres. Biden to Improves Relations with Cuba
The United States Agriculture Coalition for Cuba is asking the Biden Administration to improve relations between the U.S. and Cuba. In a letter to President Biden, the group said the current sanctions “hurt the Cuban people.” Normalized trade relations are also touted as an opportunity for U.S. farmers. The letter was signed by more than […]
USDA, USTR Name Agricultural Trade Advisors
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer have announced the appointment of 67 members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees. The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the U.S. agricultural community who provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the […]
Mexico Proposes Gradual Phase Out of Glyphosate
Source: U.S. Dry Bean Council Over the past months, we have reported on our concerns regarding a global surge in movements to ban to use of glyphosate and other herbicides/pesticides. Our biggest concern is that this will translate into the imposition of very low or zero tolerances for herbicide use in imported agricultural products, including […]
U.S. Imposes Tariffs, Canada Retaliates
The Trump Administration has placed tariffs on certain types of aluminum from Canada. This decision comes about a month after the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the tariffs are “unwarranted and unacceptable.” The Canadian government plans to impose $3.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. Over […]
USMCA Overwhelmingly Passes in the Senate
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement passed out of the U.S. Senate by an overwhelming vote of 89-10 Thursday. For agriculture, USMCA is estimated to increase U.S. exports by $2 billion. The vote comes just one day after the United States signed a new trade agreement with China, which promises to increase ag exports by tens of billions […]
U.S. and China Sign Phase One of Trade Agreement
The U.S. and China have signed phase one of a trade agreement. President Donald Trump was joined by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the White House ceremony on Wednesday. “Today, we take a momentous step, one that has never been taken before with China, toward future fair and reciprocal trade,” said President Trump in […]
Trade Agreement is Closer to Signing
A phase one trade deal between the U.S. and China is expected to be signed within a matter of days. While President Trump and Chinese President Xi are expected to participate in a signing ceremony, details have not been announced. The South China Morning Post says Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will be in Washington, […]
Senate Approves FY2020 Budget
The Senate approved a fiscal year 2020 budget on Thursday, sending a $1.43 trillion spending bill to President Donald Trump and avoiding a government shutdown. The 2,300 page deal includes 13 appropriation bills.
