Home » Daybreak Jan. 2: Congress starts with contentious speaker election, debt ceiling talks

Economy Regulatory News Politics Food Trade

Daybreak Jan. 2: Congress starts with contentious speaker election, debt ceiling talks

01/03/25 2:39 PM By Oliver Ward, Rebekah Alvey, and Philip Brasher

Welcome to the new year, and a new, GOP-controlled Congress. Lawmakers are facing some tough debates and choices when the 119^th Congress kicks off Friday, starting off with Mike Johnson’s bid for re-election as House speaker.

Rebekah Alvey
Associate Editor

Philip Brasher
Editor in Chief

Oliver Ward
Trade Editor

Agri-Pulse Open Mic: Mike Joyner - Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association

This week's Open Mic guest is Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. At a time when more Americans are turning more health conscious by adding fruits and vegetables to their diets, many of the nation's specialty crop growers are struggling to survive. Joyner says the volume of imports from Mexico and other countries continues to grow, depressing opportunities for domestic growers. Specialty crop growers face ongoing challenges in finding an adequate workforce and support legislative efforts to revise the nation's H-2A regulations. Joyner says specialty crop growers need better crop insurance coverage options and hope future assistance programs are more equitable for fruit and vegetable farmers.

Listen Here

Opinions

DriveTime

Hear More Drive Time

Agri-Pulse DriveTime: July 9, 2026
07/09/26
Listen Here

Newsmakers

View More Videos

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers

07.10.2026

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: IFPA's Cathy Burns on ag labor and packaging regulations; Ag groups on Brazil

Several states are moving forward with Extended Producer Responsibility laws that shift the cost of recycling packaging from local governments to producers of consumer products. International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns explains the consequences of the policy. Plus, Troy Bredenkamp with the Renewable Fuels Association and Krista Swanson with the National Corn Growers Association outline how their sectors are being impacted by Brazil's ag production.

Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

Editorial Office - Washington, DC	Sales, Billing & Customer Service- Camdenton, MO
Suite 436A	110 Waterside Drive
1400 Independence Ave. SW	Camdenton, MO 65020
Washington, DC 20250	(573) 873-0800

	Editorial Office - Sacramento, CA
	(916) 402-9227