Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. A downturn in commodity prices and the biggest animal health emergency in that state’s history has taken a financial toll on Iowa agriculture. In this week’s interview, Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey addresses producers’ recovery from avian influenza and their preparation for further challenges from the disease. Northey discusses …
Fast Track Back on Track
The U.S. House passed Trade Promotion Authority Thursday by a vote of 218-208 getting fast track back on track and most agricultural organizations are very pleased. “The House’s bipartisan passage of trade promotion authority legislation brings us a step closer to completing ambitious trade negotiations around the world,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman. “We must break down …
Nebraska Governor Concludes European Trade Trip
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts wrapped up his first agricultural trade mission this week with a visit to Novozymes world headquarters in Denmark, where a company tour showcased the production of unique enzymes and microbial products used in the animal nutrition, agriculture, and biofuels industries. The visit marked the end of the trade mission with agriculture industry representatives that also included …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Canadian Ag Minister Gerry Ritz
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Ritz says the US is out of options and out of time with regard to Country-of-Origin labeling. He discusses the retaliation timetable and the billions of dollars in tariffs that could be placed on U.S. goods. In addition, Ritz says Canada is closely watching the Trade Promotion Authority vote …
Confusion over TPA
Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) were held Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives, but for many it was unclear what exactly happened – did it pass or didn’t it? Yes and no. The actual Trade Promotion Authority bill passed, but the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) portion of the bill that was separated out in the House, supposedly as …
Branstad, Vetter Keynote #WPX15 Luncheon
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds spent some time at the Iowa Fairgrounds during World Pork Expo 2015 held is Des Moines, Iowa. While onsite, they spoke to dozens of Iowa pork producers as well as address a crowd during the SIP luncheon hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). Branstad noted that Iowa …
World Pork Kicks Off with Positive Forecast
World Pork Expo kicked off this morning in rainy conditions but the weather is not hampering the estimated 20,000 attendees coming through the gates this week for the largest international trade show dedicated to all things pigs. With more than 400 exhibitors plus dozens of educational events, this year is sure to be a winner. The National Pork Producers Council …
Congress to Decide Fate of COOL
By a vote of 38 to 6, the House Agriculture Committee today approved legislation to effectively repeal country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef, pork, and chicken. “This bill is a targeted response that will remove uncertainty and restore stability for the United States by bringing us back into compliance,” Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) said. “We will continue …
Multi-National Ag Groups Unite for Fair TPP
As negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are being held this week, agricultural and food organizations from four nations have come out united in calling for a “modern trade agreement that includes meaningful and comprehensive market access opportunities for agriculture and agri-food.” The organizations from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand advocating for an ambitious, fair and comprehensive …
Final WTO COOL Ruling Goes Against U.S.
As expected, the World Trade Organization today issued a final ruling against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for livestock and meat products. The final ruling maintained previous conclusions that “the amended COOL measure increases the record-keeping burden for imported livestock entailed by the original COOL measure.” The Appellate Body agreed with the panel that the recordkeeping …