Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is the primary agriculture policy document in the nation. It's passed roughly every five years. The last one was signed into law by Trump in December of 2018, so the next one is due in 2023. Lots of info here: What Is the Farm Bill? The first hearings in the House for … Continue reading Farm Bill →

David Scott, House Ag Chair

On Tuesday, David Scott (D-Ga) was chosen as the House chair for the agriculture committee, replacing Collin Peterson (D-Minn) who lost his bid for re-election. Here's how Mother Jones and The Hill reported the news. A politician's staff matter, also. Scott's former chief of staff, Gary Woodward, left in early November for a position at … Continue reading David Scott, House Ag Chair →

Lobbyists

This arrived with my email today, as part of an announcement for a series of virtual talks with more than 50 prominent organic farmers, scientists, and climate activists. Chellie Pingree, quoted above and said to be under consideration for Biden's secretary of agriculture, is one of the speakers . You can read more about the symposium by following … Continue reading Lobbyists →

American Farmland Trust in Politico

American Farmland Trust (AFT), a national non-profit, is reaching out to left-leaning political wonks with a paid message in Politico that we need to unify behind a push for regenerative agriculture, and the preservation of farmland and farms, for the sake of all of us, including the climate. No, regenerative agriculture isn’t being oversold — … Continue reading American Farmland Trust in Politico →

Heitkamp

The news I've seen about possible picks for Biden's Secretary of Agriculture has coalesced around one issue: Heidi Heitkamp. She's considered a frontrunner, but progressive groups hoping for serious change in U.S. food production are concerned she's too closely allied to the status quo. So, lots of drama. This is a tremendous opportunity to do … Continue reading Heitkamp →

Secretary of Agriculture

Biden's likely picks for Secretary of Agriculture 2021