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"Trump’s Expected Pick for Top USDA Scientist Is Not a Scientist"

"The USDA’s research section studies everything from climate change to nutrition. Under the 2008 Farm Bill, its leader is supposed to serve as the agency’s 'chief scientist' and be chosen 'from among distinguished scientists with specialized or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.' But Sam Clovis — who, according to sources with knowledge of the appointment and members of the agriculture trade press, is President Trump’s pick to oversee the section — appears to have no such credentials."

Source: ProPublica, 05/15/2017

Farm Policy in Age of Climate Change Creating Another Dust Bowl: Critics

"Over the past decade, farmers in the Great Southern Plains have suffered the worst drought conditions since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. They've battled heat, dust storms and in recent weeks, fires that devoured more than 900,000 acres and killed thousands of cattle. These extreme conditions are being fueled by climate change. But a new report from an environmental advocacy group says they're also being driven by federal crop insurance policy that encourages farmers to continue planting crops on compromised land, year after year."

Source: InsideClimate News, 03/22/2017

Farm Policy Already Favors Big Business. Will It Get Worse Under Trump?

The next farm bill will be the first in a long time put together entirely by a Republican government. How will big agribusiness and ordinary food consumers fare?

Source: Civil Eats, 12/20/2016

"Will This New Bill Level the Playing Field for Urban Farms?"

"Urban farming received a legitimizing nod last month when Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) introduced the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 in hopes of getting it included in the next Farm Bill."

Source: Civil Eats, 10/13/2016

"US Announces Plans To Reduce Agricultural Carbon Emissions"

"Federal agricultural officials announced Thursday voluntary programs and initiatives for farmers, ranchers and foresters meant to build on President Barack Obama's efforts to combat global warming — and don't require congressional approval."

Source: AP, 04/24/2015

"US Farmers Set To Get Huge Government Payouts Despite Bumper Harvest"

"U.S. farmers are about to reap a bumper harvest not just in corn and soybeans but also in new subsidies that could soar to $10 billion, blowing a hole in the government's promise that its new five-year farm bill would save taxpayers money."

Source: Reuters, 11/20/2014

USDA Launches $1.2 Billion in Grants for Conservation Projects

"The federal government is taking a new approach to conservation with a $1.2 billion program in the Farm Bill that will include competitive grants for soil and water improvements in eight regions, including the longleaf pine forests of North Carolina and other Southern states, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Thursday.

'This is a new day,' Vilsack said in an interview.

Source: McClatchy, 06/02/2014

"Next Phase of Obama’s Executive Push: Climate Hubs"

"WASHINGTON — On the heels of the Senate’s passage of a long-awaited farm bill, the Obama administration is to announce on Wednesday the creation of seven regional 'climate hubs' aimed at helping farmers and rural communities respond to the risks of climate change, including drought, invasive pests, fires and floods."

Source: NY Times, 02/05/2014

"Farm Bill Clears Hurdle in Senate, Final Vote Seen Tuesday"

"Long-delayed farm legislation easily cleared a procedural hurdle on Monday in the U.S. Senate, with final passage of the nearly $1 trillion bill expected as early as Tuesday."

Source: Reuters, 02/04/2014

"House, Senate Leaders See Swift Passage of US Farm Bill"

"WASHINGTON -- Leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees are optimistic that the long-overdue U.S. farm bill will pass, although the House of Representatives vote set for Wednesday could be the more difficult hurdle."

Source: Reuters, 01/29/2014

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