ROCKINGHAM - As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of newsworthy events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to current news and/or items of interest that recently garnered attention across the state and/or nation. These particular connections relate to items of rural and/or agricultural issues that occurred during the past month.
1- Lots of trade talk in the news! President Trump talked about China at an event, criticizing them for targeting U.S. farmers with tariffs and pledging to end the days of America getting “ripped off.” Washington Post
Subsidies complicate farmers’ plight in trade war Laurinburg Exchange
Opinion: US farmers shouldn’t be collateral damage in free-traders’ crusade The Hill
US, EU trade officials split over agriculture in trade talks Roll Call
Soybean farmers are surviving Trump’s trade war, even without his $12 billion aid package Washington Post
2- The U.S. Senate, after some delay, voted last night to conference the farm bill. Next up, they’ll appoint the conferees who will join the 47 House members already appointed. Politico
McConnell hopeful farm bill conference report ready for vote after Labor Day Roll Call
3- FDA Secretary Scott Gottlieb has put out an update on a number of lingering Food Safety Modernization Act issues, including a definition of a “farm” and agricultural water. FDA
4- USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue was in Argentina yesterday to celebrate the re-opening of Argentina to U.S. pork. Morning Ag Clips
5- Chipotle has new management, but they haven’t been able to prevent yet another food safety outbreak from occurring. An Ohio restaurant closed Monday when diners reported illness. CNBC
Salads and wraps sold by Trader Joe’s, other major grocery store recalled over Cyclospora fears WGN
NCDA & CS Food and Drug Protection Division inspectors work to ensure that recalled products are removed from shelves and consumers know about recalls In the Field
6- Gov. Roy Cooper asking for protections to continue for the endangered red wolves to stay in place. Winston-Salem Journal
7- USDA has opened the application period for seed cotton producers to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs through Dec. 7. Southeast Farm Press
8- American Farm Bureau’s Newsline looks at the Precision Ag Connectivity bill advancing through Congress. American Farm Bureau
9- This article offers some interesting statistics and a map that show how America uses its land. Bloomberg
Editor's note: It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
