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Congress heads into an election year with clouds over two major pieces of legislation that are seen as critical to helping farmers benefit from efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Lawmakers also are expected to begin farm bill hearings this year, and they will have to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year.

USDA is far from the only part of the federal government with authority in areas affecting the ag and food industries. Farmers and agribusiness in general need to keep a close eye on what comes out of the Environmental Protection Agency, Labor Department, Interior Department and Food and Drug Administration.

Stakeholders from all sides of the Renewable Fuel Standard cautioned federal regulators Tuesday about moving forward with its proposed multi-year set of blending targets for the nation’s biofuel mandate.

Robots, fermentation and cell-based protein products are among 2022’s “food and ag tech” trends identified by an investment firm focused on the industry.

The Biden administration is moving ahead with its plan to finance new meat processing capacity.

The Senate returns to work this week with key elements of President Joe Biden’s climate agenda in peril, while the Supreme Court decides whether to hear several cases important to agriculture, including the latest challenge to California’s Proposition 12 standards for hog and poultry production.

Agri-Pulse readers kept a keen eye on a whole host of developments throughout the year, but none more so than the fresh faces of a new administration and Capitol Hill’s attempts to pass legislation to inject new funds into farm country.

A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that recoups a farmer’s investment because it can be harvested instead of plowed under.

The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing further restrictions on over-the-top applications of dicamba, announcing Tuesday that curbs imposed this year had failed to reduce complaints of herbicide drift.

EPA finalized new greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks without including requirements that could have increased the use of ethanol.