WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. This final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and …
Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session Open to Producers
Register by February 22! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency. Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on …
The 2018 Farm Bill Is Officially Here
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, known as the 2018 farm bill, has now been made official after being signed by President Donald Trump today. It was a long and strenuous process drafting a version that both congressional houses could agree to.  The farm bill will ultimately cost $867 billion over the next 10 years through a series of programs intended …
Agreement Reached in Principle on 2018 Farm Bill
House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairmen Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Pat Roberts (R- Kan.) and Ranking Members Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) made the following announcement on the state of the 2018 farm bill negotiations: “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 farm bill. We are working to finalize legal and …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Members Visit Capitol Hill
Urge Congress to Fund Key Farm Bill Programs Members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, will take their message to Congress on May 9, advocating for investment in specialty crops in the 2018 Farm Bill. During visits on Capitol Hill, the SCFBA members will outline their priorities, making …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Announces Farm Bill Priorities
More than 120 organizations urge Congress to support key nutrition, block grant and research programs. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, has announced its 2018 farm bill priorities focusing on programs for a healthier America heading into Wednesday’s U.S. House Agriculture Committee meeting on the farm bill. The SCFBA …