Industry News

Public Policy / Government Relations

Farm Foundation To Host "Budget Implications For The Next Farm Bill" Forum
The Farm Foundation Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 14, will examine budget implications for the next Farm Bill. Presenters will include Craig Jagger, chief economist of the House Agriculture Committee; Patrick Westhoff of the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute; Chuck Conner of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; and Ferd Hoefner of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

Biodiesel tax credit situation still unresolved
Several attempts by the Senate to pass a tax extenders package have failed to get the 60 votes need to proceed. Most of those Senators who opposed the package cite the fact that a significant level of the cost was not offset with cuts or savings and thus would add to the federal deficit. The biodiesel tax credit and other tax credits were fully offset, but an unemployment benefits extension and some other items were not offset.

New USDA program helps defray transportation costs for U.S. farmers outside the contiguous 48 states
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American farmers and ranchers outside the 48 contiguous United States that experience high transportation costs will soon see relief through funding authorized through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

Renewable Energy Sector Leaders To Join For Distinguished Panel At 6th National 25x'25 Summit
Senior executives with major trade organizations representing the renewable energy sectors in pursuit of the 25x'25 Vision will participate in a featured panel discussion on the opening day of the National 25x'25 Renewable Energy Summit: "Mission Achievable." Renewable energy advocacy leaders set to participate are:

ASA, NBB pleased with House passage of biodiesel tax credit extension, urge Senate action
AgProfessional (May 28, 2010) - The American Soybean Association expresses appreciation to the U.S. House of Representatives for passage today of H.R. 4213, by a 215-204 margin. ASA supports the provisions in H.R. 4213 that extend the biodiesel tax incentive through December 31, 2010, retroactive to January 1, 2010. The cost of the biodiesel tax credit extension is fully offset in the bill. Extension of the biodiesel tax credit is a top priority for ASA.

Equipment makers seek lower estate taxes
Farm Progress via Nebraska Farmer (April 29, 2010) - If Congress fails to rewrite estate tax law, it "will cause many viable agricultural operations to disappear," according to John McCoy, president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association. McCoy, who recently was elected FEMA president, is president and owner of Orthman Manufacturing Inc., of Lexington.

Agribusiness groups urge Senate to pass Estate Tax repeal/reform
AgriMarketing (April 19, 2010) - The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and 22 national and state agribusiness groups, sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee calling for permanent repeal of the estate tax, which is critical for agribusinesses around the U.S. The agribusiness coalition included representatives from ag lending, seed, chemical, fertilizer, equipment, applicators and retail/distribution sectors of the agricultural economy.

Dems cancel hearing on business health care gripes
AP (April 14, 2010) - Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday canceled a hearing called to hear concerns by AT&T and other corporations about new employer costs in the health care overhaul, saying the companies now believe the overhaul could ease their costs if implemented properly.

Ag groups unify in call for immediate Estate Tax reform
USAgNet (April 14, 2010) - Several agricultural groups are joining together in a unified call for permanent and meaningful estate tax relief for America's farm and ranch families. In a letter to Senate leaders, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell 28 farm organizations stated that inaction on fixing the looming estate tax challenge would be disastrous for agriculture.

More jobs cut after no movement on the biodiesel tax extension
FeedStuffs (April 1, 2010) - The biodiesel tax credit is currently within the Extenders Package (H.R. 4213) which is part of the second jobs bill, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act. This bill is currently awaiting action by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means committee. As the industry awaits action on the bill, more jobs continue to be lost, the industry reported.