USDA has decided to extend a series of trial projects testing higher line speeds in six pork processing plants. USDA initiated the trials after a federal court blocked the higher speeds from being a component of the department’s New Swine Slaughter Inspection System.
The department says a team of experts doesn’t believe the trials have produced enough data yet on worker safety. So, the trials are being extended by 90 days while a study is designed.
Capitol Hill complaints continue after US loss to Canada
Congressional Republicans are keeping pressure on the Biden administration over the loss of the U.S. dispute with Canada over the country’s dairy quotas.
“I’m disappointed in the USMCA dispute panel’s ruling, allowing Canada to continue practicing unfair dairy restrictions,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., who heads the Western Caucus. “This decision harms our American dairy farmers who seek greater access to the Canadian market and allows Canada to continue to ignore their obligations under USMCA.”
A three-member panel ruled Canada can continue to use its quotas to allow large processors to manipulate imports.
A senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., says the loss will leave a scar on North American trade. “Canada’s failure to come to the table and honor its USMCA commitments would have a lasting and negative impact on the bilateral and economic partnership between our countries,” he said. Ways and Means oversees trade policy.
Keep in mind: There’s still hope for U.S. ag that the U.S. will prevail in a separate USMCA dispute with Mexico over its ban on genetically engineered white corn. A three-member dispute panel is considering that case now.
For more on the dairy dispute, don’t miss our weekly Agri-Pulse newsletter. We also look at the 2024 outlook for the farm economy and Bayer’s legal strategy for handling the flood of Roundup lawsuits.
Judge rejects Deere’s request in right-to-repair lawsuit
A federal judge in Illinois has rejected a request by John Deere for a ruling prior to trial in right-to-repair lawsuits filed by17 farmers. The growers accuse the company of violating antitrust laws by restricting access to software embedded in its machines.
“The ultimate determination of the claims will likely be a long and expensive process, despite this court’s goal of bringing this litigation to a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution,” U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston wrote. “This order is the first major step on that journey.”
US continues to send food and medicine to Gaza
Hamas released more hostages Tuesday, and Israel turned over more Palestinian prisoners during a pause in fighting. Meanwhile, the United Nations was delivering desperately sought food, water and medicine to Gazans through Egypt. About 54,000 pounds of that aid arrived in Egypt Tuesday from the U.S., according to USAID.
“The United States is planning additional flights in the coming days,” the agency says. “This is in addition to the more than 500,000 pounds of food assistance delivered by the United States last week alone. … The United States will continue to lead the humanitarian response in Gaza to further support those in desperate need.”
AMS adds Bt sugarcane to list of bioengineered foods
Sugarcane genetically engineered to resist BT insecticides has been placed on USDA’s list of bioengineered foods, according to a rule being published today by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Most of the comments on the July 2022 proposal were in favor of the addition, but AMS says there were a couple of objections. One concern was that listing the sugar as BE would “place an undue burden on regulated industry for a product that was unlikely to be sold in the United States.” Another concern: Since the sugar is highly refined, the biotech genetic material won’t be detectable and shouldn’t qualify as a BE food.
Cut through the clutter! We deliver the news you need to stay informed about farm, food and rural issues. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse here.
AMS says foods not grown or sold in the U.S. can still be added to the list. “Sugarcane (Bt insect-resistant varieties) has been authorized for commercial production in Brazil and is currently in legal commercial production for human food in Brazil,” AMS notes.
FNS administrator to host roundtable in Wisconsin
USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long is scheduled to be in the Madison, Wisconsin, area today for a “first-ever roundtable on school meals” with leaders from across the state. The visit will highlight Granite Ridge School, which features a Flex Café model with an individual serving line and a spot kids can go in each of the grade-level wings instead of a traditional cafeteria space.
The roundtable will allow attendees to discuss USDA school meal supports, healthy meal incentives, farmer experience and perspective of the farm-to-school program as well as challenges and opportunities to meet school lunch needs.
Manage your manure and feed it, too
Scientists from Texas A&M University and Mississippi State University have been awarded a $618,000 grant from USDA's National Institute for Food and Agriculture to assess the value of black solider fly larvae for processing dairy manure and as feed for livestock, poultry and fish.
“Manure management is an expense to these producers, and we are testing to see if this is a way to manage that waste and turn it into a productive feed source,” said Anjel Helms, a chemical ecologist at Texas A&M.
She said it. “Trade opportunities need to be increased, rather than stifled as they are in this decision, which favored Canada's historically restrictive structure.” – Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., on the USMCA dairy case.
Bill Tomson, Jacqui Fatka, Steve Davies and Noah Wicks contributed to this report.
