We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Terms and Cookie Policy
Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The nation’s railroads as well as airlines and ocean-going ships offer massive new opportunities for the U.S. biofuel industry, but some significant policy and logistical challenges could stand in the way.
Border rail crossings critical for U.S. grain traffic to Mexico remained closed for a second straight day Tuesday as Customs and Border Protection continued to divert its attention to processing the surge of migrants.
The nation’s largest railroads, aided by low summer demand and intense recruiting initiatives, have made progress in shrinking the formidable freight backlogs that congested their lines this spring. But 62,000 engineers and conductors could once again throw the rail system into disarray if they go on strike Friday.
The four largest U.S. railroads are optimistic about their plans to recruit more workers headed into the fall harvest, but Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin Oberman has expressed concern about how ready the railroads are.
Major railroads are under attack by the ag industry, which says lack of personnel is hampering shipments and raising costs for companies forced to rely on secondary freight options.
USDA is using a new round of coronavirus relief funding to help farmers who serve local markets and socially disadvantaged producers. Food banks also will benefit from the $1 billion in funding that USDA is allocating.
Ag groups are calling into question a number of practices employed by the nation’s rail carriers and the Surface Transportation Board is taking action in an effort to hold companies accountable.