Government Buys Grape Juice, Farm Bill Passes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), at the request of Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, have announced a $11.5 million nationwide purchase of Concord grape juice that will provide stability for a critical state agriculture industry.
Due to consecutive, exceptionally strong crop years, farmers expressed concerns that a large excess in Concord grape supplies could cause the price of juice grapes to plummet and significantly harm one of Washington’s premier agriculture industries.
The Endangered Species Act Congressional Working Group has released its final report.
The report reflects hundreds of comments from outside individuals and testimony from nearly 70 witnesses who appeared before a Working Group forum and House Natural Resources Committee hearings. The report recommends constructive changes to the ESA including more transparency, reduced litigation and local empowerment.
The Senate has passed their version of the farm bill 68-32 and it now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

Categories: Ag News