Government Funding Bills Move Forward Posted on 03/12/2013 by Nathan Bowen Last week the House passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), H.R. 933, to fund the government through the end of the Fiscal Year at post-sequester levels. The House bill includes full Defense and Military Construction- Veterans Affairs appropriations measures, and a continuing resolution for other agencies. In the Senate, Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) announced a bipartisan agreement this week that would also fund the government at the same post-sequester level as the House bill. In addition to the full Defense and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs appropriations measures that were included in the House bill, the Senate bill would also include full Agriculture-Food Safety, Homeland Security, and Commerce-Science-Justice appropriations measures.Full PostResource Added: 03/12/2013Latest Update: 03/12/2013
House Republicans, Senate Democrats Unveil Budgets This Week Posted on 03/12/2013 by Nathan Bowen Competing budgets will be unveiled this week as House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) release their fiscal year 2014 budget blueprints. Ryan's budget calls on ending Direct Payments and making changes to crop insurance, asking the Agriculture Committee to find savings $31 billion over the next 10 years. Full details Murray's budget is expected to be released soon, with the Senate Budget Committee set to begin its consideration Wednesday. The Senate could vote on the budget next week. If passed, it would mark the first time the Senate has passed a budget since 2009. The President's budget, which typically comes out at the beginning of February, has yet to be released.Full PostResource Added: 03/12/2013Latest Update: 03/12/2013
Michigan: MI Food Companies Explore Export Opportunities in Brazil Posted on 03/12/2013 by Amanda Bryant The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development's (MDARD) International Marketing Program Manager Jamie Zmitko-Somers, along with several food and agriculture Michigan food and agriculture companies met, today with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials and Brazilian companies to discuss export opportunities in Brazil. "Brazil will host two major events in the next few years the World Cup and the Olympics, so we see a lot of opportunity for Michigan companies in this market," said Zmitko-Somers. "In 2012, Michigan's exports to Brazil totaled $11.5 million. I'm confident this trade mission will lead to increased opportunities for Michigan products leading to more exports to Brazil." The companies will visit retail establishments to learn more about Brazilian consumer shopping habits along with having one-on-one meetings with potential buyers for their products. The goal of the trip is to find new export opportunities for Michigan ...Full PostResource Added: 03/12/2013Latest Update: 03/12/2013
South Dakota: Department of Agriculture Serving Producers for 110 Years Posted on 03/12/2013 by Amanda Bryant The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is celebrating 110 years! In 1885, South Dakota and North Dakota, jointly known then as Dakota Territory, were managed by a Board of Agriculture. When South Dakota and North Dakota officially became states in 1889, the board continued to manage both areas with citizens from each state. Frank M. Byrne was appointed the first South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture by Gov. William H. McMaster in 1921, at which time the Department of Marketing was established. Over the years, the department has been re-evaluated. It currently consists of seven divisions: the Office of the Secretary; Agricultural Policy; Agricultural Development; Agricultural Services; Resource Conservation and Forestry; Wildland Fire; and State Fair Park. In honor of SDDA's service, the department will hold office tours and provide information on services available to farmers and ranchers from 3-5 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, March 19 at 523 E. Capitol Ave, Joe Foss ...Full PostResource Added: 03/12/2013Latest Update: 03/12/2013
Multiple States Offering Grants for Specialty Crops Posted on 03/12/2013 by Amanda Bryant Many states have alerted NASDA that they are currently accepting applications to participate in the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The links below are a collection of press releases from various states providing information on how to apply for a grant. Colorado Florida Illinois Indiana Iowa Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota South Carolina Tennessee Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Full PostResource Added: 03/12/2013Latest Update: 04/30/2013