USDA’s local, fresh foods programs creeping forward

10/09/19 6:20 AM By Ed Maixner

USDA programs to boost fresh produce consumption and local food marketing are still stumbling toward release of FY 2019 grant funds.

Farmers markets and SNAP redemption boosting local food sales

07/31/19 6:35 AM By Ed Maixner

Urban agriculture, internet marketing, SNAP purchase bonuses and more keep farmers markets and other direct sales on a growth path.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.

This week’s Open Mic Guest is Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark. Few events in history have been as challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture makes up one-fourth of Arkansas’ GDP and has hit the state’s rural economy especially hard. As a member of both the Agriculture and Appropriations Committees in the Senate, Boozman approves of additional funds to support the industry but is keeping an eye on the additional financial burden. He supports the Agriculture Department and Secretary Sonny Perdue’s guidelines for dispersing CFAP funds, is in favor of increased annual limits for the Commodity Credit Corporation, and believes the silver lining of the pandemic may be heightened efforts to improve rural broadband service.

Listen Here

Opinions

Opinion: How Congress Can Send Much Needed Capital to Rural Communities To Mitigate Financial Fallout From Pandemic

Matt McKenna explains if USDA were able to issue government-backed debentures to RBICs, it would facilitate the flow of private capital to rural businesses serving communities in all 50 states, thereby generating employment opportunities and stimulating innovation and other critical economic development.

Agri-Pulse TV

View More Videos

Agri-Pulse TV

05.22.2020

Washington Week in Review: Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., talks CFAP, farm labor, and more

The Department of Agriculture unveiled the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program this week, giving producers a look at how the $16 billion in direct payments will be dispersed. California Democrat Jimmy Panetta joined Agri-Pulse to discuss how the program and other key farm policy developments will be important to his district.

Editorial Office - Washington, DC	Sales & Customer Service- Camdenton, MO
Suite 1639	110 Waterside Lane
1400 Independence Ave. SW	Camdenton, MO 65020
Washington, DC 20250	573-873-0800
202-488-0185
Editorial Office - Sacramento, CA
916-402-9227