The Farm Post eNews

Friday eNews from the Pike and Scott County Farm Bureaus
 

AUGUST 5, 2016
POTUS signs labeling law
Last Friday, President Barack Obama signed national biotech disclosure into law.

"President Obama's signature today will put a stop to the harmful patchwork of state GMO labeling laws and set in place a uniform, national disclosure system that will provide balanced, accurate information to consumers," AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. He also pointed out that for decades, biotechnology has made it possible for farmers to grow safe and healthful crops while reducing their environmental impact.

"We are pleased that Congress and the administration have moved swiftly to prevent consumer confusion and protect agricultural innovation," Duvall concluded.
Aug. 7-13 National Farmers Market Week
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13 as National Farmers' Market Week. This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers' Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers' markets play in local economies.

"Farmers' markets are an important part of strong local and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow rural economies. In many areas, they are also expanding access to fresh, healthy food for people of all income levels," Vilsack said. He also noted that the week recognizes the growth of these markets and their role in supporting both urban and rural communities. Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers' market locations across the country.

USDA news release
Trump vs. Clinton
On Nov. 8 the country will go to the polls to elect the 45th president of the United States. And the contrast in the two candidates could not be more clear. As was seen in the convention speeches and themes, the contrast in messages and direction of the country is equally clear.

Advocacy Election '16 blog post
U.S. Farmers feed the world
Dr. Bob Young, AFBF's chief economist, discussed how farmers help feed the global population at a recent National Press Foundation educational event for journalists.

Young pointed out that conventional farming is often attacked, even as it boosts production. Watch the video.
Compelling Food Waste Story
AFBF and CropLife America have released a series of four food waste infographics for sharing. Reducing Food Loss Starting on the Farm illustrates how fungicides, herbicides and other crop protection tools help reduce food loss starting on the farm. Other infographics in the series are Support Farmers' Markets!, Minimizing Damage to Crops and Cultivating Stronger Plants.
Discounts on save on Polaris brand
The 2016 Polaris BRUTUS is now available. This year's model offers a new landplane attachment for grading, leveling and aerating soil. The 2016 models include an ergonomic joystick that provides easy control of front attachments. For a limited time, eligible Farm Bureau members in participating states can save $1,000 on a new BRUTUS vehicle.

Visit a participating Polaris dealer for details or learn more at http://bit.ly/29eHHUB.
TODAY IN HISTORY
AUGUST 5, 1981
REAGAN FIRES STRIKERS

Early in President Ronald Reagan's administration, the nation's air-traffic controllers went on strike, seeking higher salaries and fewer working hours.

The controllers were government employees and their strike violated federal law, which prohibited federal workers from striking. Although the controllers' union and several other unions had called similar strikes under previous presidents, no action had been taken against them. 
 
 President Reagan announced that the striking controllers must return to their jobs within 48 hours or they would be fired.

On August 5, 1981, when most of the workers did not return to work, he kept his promise and fired more than eleven thousand air-traffic controllers.
 
 Internationally, the Soviets paid close attention to this incident and were struck by President Reagan's resolve and decisiveness.

Read more here.
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