Budget and Appropriations
USDA Announces $370 Million in Conservation Partnership Awards
January 14, 2015
Secretary Tom Vilsack announces awards for the recently created Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
The 114th Congress: What to Look Out for in 2015
January 9, 2015
On Tuesday, January 6, the 114th Congress convened for the first time, after the 113th Congress officially adjourned on January 5. The new Congress takes over following the November election, in which Republicans expanded their majority in the House and won control of the Senate. For more information on the election results and what they […]
Top 14 of 2014: A Look at This Year’s Key Victories for Sustainable Food and Farming
December 22, 2014
As 2014 comes to a close, we thought we would take a moment to recognize and celebrate this year’s victories for sustainable food and farming. Among the successes? From new or restored farm bill programs that are up and running, important progress on our campaign priorities, hill visits and hearings, and the release of our […]
It’s a Wrap – This Congress is Over – Final Bills and Letters
December 17, 2014
Both the House and Senate have now finished, bringing this Congress to a close. A new Congress — the 114th — begins in January. This post summarizes some end of session activity. Legislation Government Spending Bill — The Senate approved the so-called “cromnibus” appropriations bill on Saturday, December 13 and the bill was signed into […]
Massive Appropriations Bill Nears the Finish Line
December 12, 2014
The House of Representatives approved the government spending bill for 2015 last night by the relatively close final tally of 219-206 after a day of high drama over the deal negotiated by House Republicans, Senate Democrats, and the White House. Earlier in the day, the rule to proceed to the bill initially appeared to be […]
Final Budget Bill Guts Conservation Funding and Farmer Protections
December 11, 2014
Late on December 9, Congress released their final annual appropriations bill to keep the government running for the rest of the fiscal year, and while there is some good news, overall it’s bleak news for sustainable agriculture – complete with drastic cuts to critical conservation programs and anti-farmer policy riders that favor big livestock integrators over actual […]
Election Results Will Influence Farm Policy Leadership in Congress
November 7, 2014
This week’s Republican wave election, combined with congressional retirements and term limits, will shake up the leadership of key congressional committees for food and agriculture. Here is the brief rundown. Senate Agriculture: With the Republican takeover of the Senate, it is highly likely that Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), the current Ranking Member of the Senate […]
New Guide Available on Matched Savings Accounts for Beginning Farmers
October 28, 2014
When Congress returns next month, they will debate whether to provide first time funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Account program
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Awards Announced
September 25, 2014
On Wednesday, September 24, USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Doug O’Brien announced $19.8 million in grant and loan funding under the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) to 44 organizations, enabling them to provide microloans and training and technical assistance to rural microentrepreneurs who are seeking to start or grow small businesses and create jobs. These awardee organizations, […]
NSAC Joins Twenty-Eight Groups in Supporting Funding for AFRI
September 23, 2014
On Monday September 22, twenty-eight members of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Coalition sent a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committees thanking them for the increase in funding for AFRI included in each of their Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bills. The letter also requests their continued support […]
