Don't snatch it away

WASHINGTON, DC -- Anticipating attacks from the far left and far right, the Senate and House Agriculture Committees last week hosted Crop Insurance 101 briefings where producer and crop insurance industry representatives were on hand to educate staff on the history, issues, and complexities of the programs.  USA Rice Federation joined a broad coalition of commodity groups that helped promote the briefings that were widely attended by Congressional staff.

The current success of the federal crop insurance program reflects Congressional effort to provide availability and affordability, thus improving actuarial performance, raising farm coverage, promoting farm financial stability, and avoiding costly ad hoc disaster assistance.

The House briefing included presentations from Dr. Keith Collins with National Crop Insurance Services, Christy Seyfert who offered a company perspective on behalf of Rural Community Insurance Services, Tom Sell on behalf of the Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Sam Willett with the National Corn Growers Association for producer perspective, and Brandon Willis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Administrator for Risk Management Agency. 

"These briefings were timely as both Chambers release budget proposals this week which could open the door for harmful amendments that aim to undermine the farm safety net," said USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely who attended the House briefing.  "Agriculture interests will need to stick together to fight off potential amendments."

Matt Schertz, the policy director for the House Agriculture Committee said, "With fewer voices representing rural America in Congress, it is important to educate Congressional staff on issues vital to farmers and ranchers.  We appreciate the efforts of USA Rice and other members of the Crop Insurance Working Group for taking the time to explain just how essential crop insurance is to our agricultural producers."

Contact:  Julie Vieburg (703) 236-1467

NRCS Chief Jason Weller (l) talks conservation projects with Mississippi producer Buddy Allen during last month's USA Rice Government Affairs Conference

WASHINGTON, DC -- Eligible agricultural producers and forest landowners who wish to renew expiring Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts must have their renewals completed by Tuesday, March 31, 2015.  The renewal process is optional but benefits CSP participants with expiring contracts because it is non-competitive. 

In order to renew, an agricultural producer or forest landowner must meet the minimum criteria established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Contract renewal also offers these agricultural producers and forest landowners an opportunity to add new conservation activities to meet their conservation goals and protect the natural resources on their farms, forests or ranches.

The 2014 Farm Bill includes an expanded conservation activity list that offers producers more options to address natural resource challenges.  New conservation activities include cover crops, intensive rotational grazing and wildlife-friendly fencing.

NRCS Chief Jason Weller said, "CSP producers are established conservation leaders who work hard at enhancing natural resources on private lands.  This contract renewal period will provide greater opportunities for these conservation stewards to voluntarily do even more to improve water, air and soil quality and enhance wildlife habitat on their operations."

Contact:  Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471

Around Washington

EPA's McCarthy Pledges to Make WOTUS Rule 'Reasonable' Agri-Pulse

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are working to tighten the definitions of ditches, tributaries and farm-field erosional features to narrow what areas fall under the law's jurisdiction as "waters of the United States" (WOTUS).

Family Farms are Focus of New Agriculture Census Data USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that family-owned businesses, while very diverse, are at the core of the U.S. agriculture industry. In fact, 97 percent of all U.S. farms are family-owned.

Around the Country

Dick Bell: Leader in U.S. Rice and "Effective Public Servant" Delta Farm Press

Dick's death last week brought to a close a life of much accomplishment, not just for the rice industry - where for almost three decades he led Riceland Foods as the world's largest rice miller and one of the region's largest processors of soybeans - but in the broader arena of national and international agricultural policy.

Farm Bill Update: Outlook for Dec 2014 Delta Farm Press

Information about three key Farm Bill Outlook and Decision Aid webinars. Individuals wishing to participate in the webinars must register for each session separately. The webinars are conducted through a software program called Zoom.

Representing #womeninag: A Google Hangout in Celebration of National Ag Day USDA

Join Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden on Wednesday March 18 at 2 p.m. for a Google Hangout with Dr. Linda Young, Chief Mathematical Statistician and Director of Research and Development of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, and Marji Guyler-Alaniz, photographer and founder of FARMHER as we celebrate women farmers and ranchers on National Ag Day. You can tune in at www.usda.gov/live.

System of Rice Intensification Earns Food Security Prize Cornell Chronicle

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agro-ecological method of growing rice that enhances crop yields and is resilient to the adverse effects of climate change, has been awarded the international Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security.

Tariffs and Trade

Intellectual Property Issues Hamper TPP Talks in Hawaii Japan News

Ahead of possible delays in U.S. congressional procedures on the TPA bill, a proposal has been made to put off until late May a ministerial meeting for political decisions on a broad TPP agreement.