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The coronavirus pandemic was top of mind for nearly every aspect of the global economy in 2020, and farm policy stakeholders were keeping a close eye on Agri-Pulse’s coverage of the virus and legislative efforts to lessen its blow throughout the year.

Increased availability of high-speed internet in rural areas can help boost crop yields and lower fertilizer, seed, and fuel costs, according to a Federal Communications Commission study.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to register dicamba for use on soybeans and cotton is facing another lawsuit from the same groups that succeeded in convincing an appeals court to vacate registrations earlier this year.

Farmers who were facing a steep drop in government payments in 2021 will instead see a third round of coronavirus relief payments and other producers and ag processors left out of previous aid programs this year will get help this time, under a massive stimulus package and government funding bill.

The Agriculture Department proposes to take over the Food and Drug Administration's oversight of gene-altered animals, a potential victory for livestock groups seeking to speed approval of genetic modifications.

President-elect Joe Biden on Saturday introduced members of his “climate team,” six key Cabinet and White House positions that he’s charged with coordinating his administration’s plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions and address environmental justice issues.

Lawyers for environmental groups and the state of Iowa tangled before the state’s Supreme Court Wednesday over whether environmental groups should be allowed to proceed with their case challenging Iowa’s voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

A first-of-its kind study will pull together massive amounts of USDA farm data to assess the impact of conservation practices, and the department is separately considering a new crop insurance product designed to encourage growers to limit nitrogen usage.