C-FARE Info

Dr. Shah Nominated to USAID

On November 10, 2009 President Obama nominated Dr. Rajiv Shah as the next administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Dr. Shah began serving as the Under Secretary for the Research, Education and Economics Mission Area and Chief Scientist within USDA on June 2, 2009. View details from the National Ag Library Post.

Clean Energy Partnership Act

On November 4 the “Clean Energy Partnership Act” was introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and co-sponsored by Senators Max Baucus (D-MT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Mark Begich (D-AK), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). According to Senator Stabenow’s press release, “This bill will create partnerships among manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, and forestry to reduce costs now as we transition to a clean energy economy tomorrow. The legislation “offsets” our use of fossil fuels by investing in practices like sustainable agriculture and forestry projects that capture and store carbon.”

EPW Passes Climate Bill On Party Vote

Today the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed S. 1733, the Kerry-Boxer Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act by a vote of 11-1, with all seven Republican members absent. Read the majority statement or the minority statement.

China’s Intent to Re-Open Market to US Pork Products

According to a USDA press release, today the U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that China intends to re-open their markets to United States pork and live swine, consistent with science-based international standards. The announcement was made at the conclusion of meetings with Chinese officials at the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).

House Hearing on Biofuels

Today the House Agriculture Committee, Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research Subcommittee held a hearing on the future of next generation biofuels. To review the witness statements visit their website.

House Hearing on Global Food Security

The House Foreign Affairs Committee, Africa and Global Health Subcommittee held a hearing on the Obama Administration’s global strategy for food security.  To view information on the hearing visit their website.

Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

On October 27, 2009 the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing focusing on S. 1733, “Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.” The Full Committee will hold hearings on this topic all week. Visit their website for opening statements from witnesses and webcasts. Over the three days of hearings the Committee will hear from 54 witnesses, on nine separate panels. The bill was released on October 23. They have also posted the EPA Economic Analysis on the Committee website.

Senate Hearing Responding to Low Dairy Prices

Today the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, Plant and Animal Health, and the Subcommittee on Production, Income Protection & Price Support held a hearing “Responding to Low Dairy Prices: Exploring Avenues for Federal Action”

House Ag Hearing to Review the Economic Conditions Facing the Pork Industry

Today the House Agriculture Committee, Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a hearing “To review the economic conditions facing the pork industry.” To view the witness list and opening statements visit the Committee website.

House Ag Committee Approves Legislation to Strengthen Derivative Regulations

Today the House Agriculture Committee approved legislation strengthening derivatives regulation, bringing unregulated over-the-counter products, such as swaps, under federal oversight. The Committee website states they, “approved an amended version to an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3795. Click here for more information on Committee action on derivatives legislation, including language text, summaries, and adopted amendments.”