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“Dairy Group Appeals to Ag Secretary”

International Dairy Foods Association President Connie Tipton wrote a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack last week saying he has the authority to circumvent the 1949 farm law’s immediate impact on milk markets. Tipton says that would give Congress time to finish a farm bill once it convenes on Thursday. IDFA Counsel Steven Rosenbaum has a memorandum providing a legal basis for the procedures described last week by Cornell Ag Economist Andrew Novakovic – requiring several weeks for USDA to implement the 1949 law’s provisions before it would affect prices. Since USDA doesn’t have regulations on record to implement the previous law – IDFA says USDA will need to develop new ones with a process that could take several weeks or months. If no action is taken by Congress by the end of today (Monday) – IDFA urges USDA to consider other legal authorities available to mitigate the impact of the 1949 Act – and if the agency decides it’s required to proceed implementing the old law – IDFA urges USDA to proceed in a thoughtful, deliberate manner using the formal rulemaking process.

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“Vilsack Urges Rural Americans to Change Their Mindset”

Ag Secretary Vilsack asked the 2012 Farm Journal Forum attendees why the U.S. doesn’t have a farm bill. He attributes it not just to differences of policy – but the fact that Rural America is becoming less relevant to the politics of this country with its shrinking population. Vilsack says rural Americans need to recognize that and begin to reverse it – his point being rural residents are the ones who have written off the future of rural areas because many have adopted a preservation mindset – not a growth mindset. Vilsack outlined a few priorities and opportunities that are growth driven – including a focus on more promotion of local and regional food systems to help small producers and help repopulate some rural communities. Unless rural Americans change their perspective and respond and react to the challenges they face – Vilsack says the capacity or rural America and its power and its reach will continue to decline.
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“USDA Seeking Nominations for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Committee”

USDA is requesting nominations for two-year membership terms for its Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. This committee advises Secretary Vilsack on matters affecting new farmers and ranchers – trying to enhance USDA’s goals for new farming and ranching operations. The Committee also considers goals and objectives needed to implement its recommendations from the previous term. Interested organizations and individuals from the ag industry, related government agencies, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations and related nonprofit organizations may nominate individuals from within or outside their membership. Individuals also may nominate themselves. Nomination forms are available at www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755_Master_2012_508%20Ver.pdf and must include a cover letter or resume documenting the nominee’s background and experience. Packages may be faxed to 202-720-7704 or sent to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack’s office. The deadline for nominations is January 16th.

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“East Coast Dockworkers Strike Averted for Now”

The dockworker’s union reached a temporary agreement with shippers and port operators on the East Coast Friday – meaning the U.S. won’t experience a strike by more than 14-thousand dock workers from Houston to Boston. That strike would have disrupted the U.S. economy. The deadline to discuss remaining issues and come up with a collective bargaining agreement has been extended for an additional 30 days.

SOURCE: NAFB News Service