USDA

Biotech scientist testing chemicals

Biotech Regulations Must be Based on Facts, Not Fears

By Dr. Nina Fedoroff, as published in Agri-Pulse The Coordinated Framework (CF) for the Regulation of Biotechnology was first implemented 30 years ago. The CF was developed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). OSTP brought together representatives of the three federal agencies seeking to regulate commercial applications of biotechnology to

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John Block: Trade

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block I want to focus on trade today.  From agriculture’s perspective, it is extremely important.  25% of ag income comes from products sold to other countries.  Production from 1 out of every 3 acres is exported.  Agriculture has a positive trade balance of more than $30 billion.  As positive

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USDA Guarantees Kosher and Halal Meat Can Be Organic, Too

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has assured the kosher and halal meat industries that the meat they produce with the well-known USDA Organic label can clearly qualify as organic, even though kosher and halal slaughter methods follow religious law instead of standard USDA regulations. The USDA’s statement came in its final version of regulations for organic

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Organic Reform

By Marshall Matz and Peter Matz, as published in Agri-Pulse The House of Representatives’ Freedom Caucus lists the USDA National Organic Program as one that should be a high priority for reform under President-elect Donald Trump. We agree. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), enacted in the 1990 Farm Bill, established the National Organic Program (NOP) to set

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Chemical lab testing

SNAP Wars: Scott Walker, Tom Vilsack and Drug Testing of SNAP Beneficiaries

For more than 20 years, Federal law has expressly provided that states may test welfare recipients for use of controlled substances free from interference of federal agencies. 21 U.S.C. §862(b).  Relying upon this Congressional enactment, Wisconsin passed Act 55 during 2015.  Act 55 authorized new drug screening and testing requirements for certain SNAP beneficiaries in

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Food Rules Potential Targets for Elimination or Revision

Ever since the election we have been asked which Obama Administration regulations and executive actions are likely to be stricken by the new Trump Administration or the 115th Congress.  Will the focus be on the rules issued since mid May of this year, as provided for by the Congressional Review Act of 1996, or is

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FNS Issues Final Rule Enhancing SNAP Retailer Standards

FNS Issues Final Rule Enhancing SNAP Retailer Standards On December 8, 2016, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued its Final Rule entitled “Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Problem (SNAP).” The Final Rule amends FNS’s SNAP regulations in a number of important ways that will affect nearly all of the more

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OFW’s Betsy Booren Recognized by The National Provisioner as “Future Icon” of Meat and Poultry Industry

As published in the November issue of The National Provisioner In the October issue, The National Provisioner honored 25 past icons who made their mark on industry since 1991. This month, to wrap up the magazine’s coverage of its 125th Anniversary, the editorial team decided to take on a bigger challenge: Select 25 individuals we expect

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Oh, SNAP! Connecticut Judge Affirms Permanent Disqualification of New Haven Grocery

The U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (“FNS”) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”).  Formerly known as “food stamps,” this important federal nutrition benefit program serves over 45 million Americans by increasing “food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation.” 7 U.S.C. §2011.   FNS licenses eligible supermarkets and convenience stores to participate

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The Bridger-Teton National Forest

By Marshall Matz, as published in Agri-Pulse For almost thirty years, August has meant returning to Jackson, Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Yellowstone ecosystem. It is fishing, hiking, photography, reading under the aspens, the Grand Teton Music Festival….and more fishing. Most importantly, it is quality family time. The Bridger-Teton National

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