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Posts Tagged ‘obama’
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
An industry proposed tax on Christmas trees has been temporarily shelved, according to White House spokesmen and the Agriculture Department. The Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order, initially approved by President George W. Bush in 2008, was widely criticized by bloggers and media pundits, who jokingly dismissed the proposal as a Christmas tax.
The problem, however, is that the tax was supported by tree growers and tree farms. The program, which was drafted by the tree industry, would charge growers and importers 15 cents per tree. The money raised by this tax, estimated at $2 million, would be spent on advertising and marketing.
This advertising, industry insiders say, is necessary to resuscitate a floundering industry. Fresh-tree sales have declined by 6 million over the last 16 years while the sale of artificial trees has doubled over the last five years, increasing to over 17 million.
“We need an industry wide effort to help all growers compete with the fake-tree industry. A vibrant market for real Christmas trees will keep small farms like mine alive.” said an Ohio tree grower.
The tree promotion program would have been one of 18 other similar programs approved by the federal government. Promotion programs routinely impose fees on various agricultural industries to pay for marketing programs and awareness campaigns.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Christmas trees, obama, usda
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Saturday, March 5th, 2011
The Obama administration declined proposals to restrict planting of genetically modified alfalfa. This decision stemmed from the administration’s evaluation of “burdensome” rules and regulations in the agricultural industry. The USDA’s decision not to restrict planning is a major victory for big seed and agri-chemical companies, as well as the American Farm Bureau Federation, which have been opposed to the planned regulations since they were first proposed several months ago.
Vilsack and the USDA have received praise from biotech industries. “We hope this will help pave the way for new technologies in the pipeline,” Biotechnology Industry Organization President and Chief Executive Jim Greenwood said. “This is great news for farmers who have been waiting for the green light to plant Roundup Ready alfalfa,” said Steve Welker, alfalfa commercial lead at Monsanto Co. Alfalfa is currently the fourth largest U.S. crop by acreage.
Organic farmers, however, have criticized the UDSA decision. Christine Bushway, chief executive officer of the Organic Trade Association, stated “This decision puts our organic farmers at risk.”
In particular, many organic farmers are worried about the future costs of organic farming. Current federal regulations forbid organic products from using genetically-modified crops. Organic food companies reject food products that contain even small amounts of genetically-modified organisms. An increase in genetically modified alfalfa further complicates the difficulties in organic growing and threatens to raise costs for organic farmers.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: alfalfa, biotech, obama
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
President Barack Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, conventionally known as the deficit commission, is considering deep cuts to farm subsidies as part of a proposal to balance the federal budget. Direct farm subsidies would be cut by $3 billion a year. The proposal also calls for cutting $5 billion annual payments to cotton and grain farmers, reductions in the Conservation Security Program, and cuts to overseas promotions of US agricultural products.
These proposed cuts face fierce opposition in Congress. The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK, has already announced his opposition to the $5 billion direct payment cuts, and Senator Chuck Grassley, R-IA, has signaled an unwillingness to endorse the committee’s cuts until he sees the final proposal.
Former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has cited agriculture’s increasing profitability and economic vitality as evidence that subsidy cuts are inevitable. Farm programs “should not be focused on helping people when times are good and that’s where we are now,” he said. Others took issue with the broad cuts. Ferd Hoefner of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition argued against cutting sustainability programs, stating, “Rather than incorrectly lumping conservation incentives with production subsidies, the deficit commission should instead look to CSP as the template for a leaner, public benefit-oriented farm program.”
For additional information or information regarding agricultural finance please contact Farm Plus Financial at 866-929-5585 or visit www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: chuck grassley, frank lucas, obama
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture announced Linn and Curry counties in Oregon as disaster areas.
The primary natural disaster counties are eligible for emergency funding due to losses from flooding, excessive rain and below normal temperatures from April 15 through June 30, 2010.
“President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to cranberries, squash and honey,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This action will provide help to hundreds of farmers who suffered significant production losses.”
Farmers and ranchers in surrounding Benton, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jefferson, Josephine, Lane, Marion and Polk counties may also qualify as contiguous counties as well as Del Norte County producers in California.
Producers have eight months to file loan applications documenting actual losses to crops, land and livestock. The Farm Service Agency will also examine the producers’ ability to repay the loan and the producers’ qualifications.
Contact your county Farm Service Agency or USDA office for an application.
For more information on emergency funding contact Farm Plus at 866-929-5585 or visit online at www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, obama, oregon, usda
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Friday, February 18th, 2011
In his 2011 State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama addresses several issues vital to the future of American agriculture, including the use of biofuels, the reduction of American dependence on foreign oil, trade agreements with other nations, and the role of the agricultural sector in feeding a growing world population.
Obama’s address has received some positive responses from agricultural organizations. National Corn Growers Association Chairman Darrin Ihnen said, “We were encouraged that President Obama spoke about the needs of rural America and the importance of our country’s global leadership when it comes to agriculture… Our growers have been working hard and smart to meet all needs for food, feed and fuel and we have long recognized the need for policies and programs to grow opportunities for American farmers here at home and in markets abroad.”
Ihnen focused on Obama’s mention of free-trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Columbia, agreements Ihnen cited as necessary to increase American agricultural exports and create jobs in the U.S. Others noted Obama’s pledge to support the production of biofuels, primarily corn-based ethanol. American agricultural groups remain optimistic that increased production of ethanol will benefit American farmers, particularly corn producers like Ihnen and the NCGA.
Obama also praised the American agricultural sectors, stating, “Around the globe, we’re standing with those who take responsibility – helping farmers grow more food, supporting doctors who care for the sick and combating the corruption that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity.”
The future of the U.S. economy rests with agriculture. Farm Plus Financial can help you get the farm loan you need to start or improve your farm or ranch. Farm loan rates are at historic lows starting at only 3.03%. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a Farm Plus representative today or visit us online for more information.
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farmbill, obama, state of the union address
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
United States trade representatives are pushing emerging markets like China, Brazil, and India to open their agricultural markets to US trade. According to Ron Kirk, US trade representative, [The US was] “taking the lead in pursuing new trade opportunities, with a special focus on the world’s fastest-growing markets.†In an audience with the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Kirk emphasized that the US is committed to establishing trade partnerships with Asia in the form of “a new, high- standard, 21st century Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement that will ensure American farmers and ranchers access to the region’s dynamic and growing markets for decades to come.â€
As the US seeks to expand agricultural trade, the Obama administration remains committed to guaranteeing that US farmers and ranchers benefit from future trade agreements. By resolving trade disputes, American agricultural producers have benefited from increased access to foreign markets. Kirk’s immediate goals are to remove barriers to US beef, dairy, pork, and poultry products in China, Japan, and other major Asian trading partners.
Agricultural trade is vital to the health and wellbeing of the US economy given that 95% of world consumers live outside of the United States. US agricultural exports are estimated to reach $105 billion in the fiscal year 2010. Kirk estimated that every $1 billion of agricultural exports supports about 8,000 jobs in the United States, and that Obama hopes to double American exports over the next five years adding up to two million jobs to the US economy.
Farm loan rates starting at 3.03%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
http://sify.com/news/us-asks-india-china-brazil-to-open-farm-markets-news-international-kifmucacjbd.html
Tags: exports, obama, ron kirk
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Renewable energy is at the top of the Obama administration’s agenda as the country looks for ways to cut down its dependency on other countries and fossil fuels. The United States Department of Agriculture provides funding for renewable energy projects around the country as well as other groups such as the United States Department of Energy.
Oregon is the recipient of funding for three major biomass energy projects totally $3 million in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Governor Ted Kulongoski said the federal funding will not only expand Oregon’s renewable energy production, but will also stimulate the job market.
Lakeview Cogeneration in Lake County is the first recipient of $1.7 million to produce heat for a sawmill and electricity for grid from wood waste. The Farm Power Tillamook in Tillamook County received $1 million for a project that uses manure from local farms to generate electricity. The final recipient is the Integrated Biomass Energy project in Wallowa County. This project was provided with $275,000 to use forest trimmings to create heat and energy with forest trimmings.
If you have a project you would like to be considered for federal funding, contact your county USDA office.
Are you in the market for a farm loan? Contact Farm Plus Financial today for information on our low-rate agriculture loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: biomass project, obama, oregon, renewable energy
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture is looking for microentrepreneurs and microenterprises that need funding.
Under the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Mircroentrepreneur Assistance Program, the USDA is offering low-rate loans for start up businesses. The money stems from the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (which is part of the Farm Bill).
“The Obama Administration and USDA understand that helping small, start-up businesses is fundamental in building a sustainable rural community,†Vilsack said via media release. “This new program will help provide access to capital, business-based training and technical assistance to the smallest of small businesses. We need to embrace new strategies to help create a thriving rural economy.â€
The money can be used for business-based training and technical assistance. Applications are accepted quarterly throughout the year and those for the 2010 fiscal year must be received by July 16, 2010./ $45.1 million is available for 2010, and of this money $36.2 million is available for loans.
For more information click here.
In the market for a farm loan? Rates are at historic lows! Contact a representative at Farm Plus for more information on agriculture loans starting at 2.95%! Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: obama, usda
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Although the Obama Administration has announced plans to increase biofuel production, the American Farm Bureau does not currently take sides on the matter.
Bob Stallman, president of the AFBF released a statement explaining that farmers and ranchers are encouraged to help keep renewable energy fuel standards on a path towards greatness. This will be done by increasing the volume of biofuels available for the nation’s transportation fuel supply.
Stallman said, “We will be analyzing the rule in its entirety, but we are optimistic about the overall direction of support it offers renewable fuels.”
The AFBF’s biggest concert is the indirect land use. “Continuing to utilize indirect land use changes to calculate greenhouse gas emissions is unfair to domestic biofuel,” he said. “We will continue our efforts with policymakers on both sides of the aisle and in the administration to assure that biofuels live up to their enormous potential.”
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: biofuel, obama, usda
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The Obama Administration announced a new plan to boost the production of biofuels that will result in a $13 billion growth in farm income.
The USDA released a report that envisions different types of feedstocks (switchgrass, sugar cane and oil seed for example) to be grown in specific areas to create 36 billion gallons of biofuel annually. This would triple current production.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the increase would create thousands of green jobs across the country. It would also help the United States achieve energy independence.
Farmers interested in growing crops for biofuel may be eligible for funding from the 2008 Farm Bill that distributes guaranteed payments to farmers and landowners for collection, harvest and transportation of biomass to a qualified biomass conversion facility.
Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.99% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative.
Tags: biofuel, obama, usda
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