ROCKINGHAM – As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to breaking news and/or items of immediate interest garnering attention across the nation.
1- Much has happened since we last reported to you, but the story ends well– the NC Farm Act is now law! Champions for agriculture gathered Monday, June 25th for an Ag Rally (check out NCFB social media for coverage of the event,) but Monday night, Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the N.C. Farm Act of 2018. Then on Tuesday and this morning, the Senate and House voted to override the veto. WRAL
In wake of veto, Farm Act co-sponsor Jackson urges override Sampson Independent
Cooper goes on veto binge, rejecting seven bills WRAL
Neighbors of hog farm on trial: Complaint doesn’t add up NC Pork Council
2- In addition to veto overrides, state lawmakers are tackling some bills that would put constitutional amendments on November ballots. WUNC
Ag bill veto and other legislative initiatives SFN Today
3- The U.S. Senate continues working on its farm bill this week, and could finalize it before the weekend. KTIC
Why does the farm bill matter to you? AgWeek
4- The U.S. House is taking another shot at an immigration bill, but it won’t include Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s provisions related to guestworker program reforms for agriculture. Bloomberg
5- USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue told reporters yesterday that the trade fight with China is necessary, but intended to be temporary, and he thinks farmers understand that. Chicago Tribune
North Carolina farmers deal with trade war fallout Gray DC
Agriculture chief: Farmers understand trade spat with China The Hill
6- USDA wants to hear what the public thinks about a proposal to allow foreign beef to be labeled as a “Product of USA” if it’s inspected in the U.S. SFN Today
7- The consolidations keep coming. Today, Conagra Foods, which makes Healthy Choice and Marie Callendar’s meals, announced it is buying Pinnacle Foods, maker of Birds Eye, Duncan Hines and other well-known food brands. Food Dive
8- N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently met with FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb for an update on FSMA implementation. In NC, those who must comply with the Produce Safety Rule can now get an On-Farm Readiness Review. In the Field
On-Farm Readiness Review NCDA & CS
9- The effort to keep more of North Carolina’s farm bounty processed in the state took a step forward recently. Dr. Bill Aimutis has accepted the job of Director of the North Carolina Food Processing Innovation Center. CALS
