Farmers

Disaster Designation Comes Amid Efforts By Clinton To Push USDA And Senate Leadership To Take Action And Provide Relief For New York's Farmers

August 13, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to declare a federal disaster area in response to the damage caused in New York’s Southern Tier by high winds and hail.    » read more »

Urges USDA to Respect Subsidies for Small Farms

August 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in calling on the Bush Administration to implement the 2008 Farm Bill according to the law’s intent and abandon an interpretation that would disadvantage small farms across New York and around the country.    » read more »

Retailer Increases Partnerships with Local Growers and Encourages Customers to Celebrate a Locally Grown Independence Day

BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 1, 2008 – Wal-Mart today announced its commitment to source more local fruits and vegetables to keep produce prices down and provide affordable selections that are fresh and healthful. The retailer also reported that partnerships with local farmers have grown by 50 percent over the past two years – one example of the company’s efforts to support local economies, cut shipping costs and provide fresh food offerings.    » read more »

June 3, 2008 -- While in Louisiana today John McCain will no doubt say he would fight for the people of Louisiana as president, but a look at his votes shows Senator McCain has consistently tried to gut a vital part of the state's economy: the sugar industry.

John McCain in Louisiana: Photo by dsb nola (CC)

McCain has made ending sugar subsidies a central promise of his presidential campaign and in the Senate has introduced amendments to end the government's sugar program. [Washington Times, 4/17/07; The Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), 7/21/00; Palm Beach Post, 7/21/00; Times Picayune, 8/5/99]    » read more »

June 2, 2008 -- With the summer harvest season right around the corner, and roadside produce stands popping up at country intersections across the state, the end of spring is a mouthwatering time to think about Michigan agriculture.

When, after months of delays, Congress recently passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the Farm Bill, the season was appropriate. This critical legislation – which was passed over a presidential veto – will offer a boost to the Michigan farmers who sell their produce locally and who send Michigan-grown agriculture across the country. The bill will also crack down on speculators who are driving high energy prices, and offer much-needed support for conservation, biofuels and nutrition programs.    » read more »

Farmers in 35 counties to participate in Illinois WIC and Senior Farmers Market programs for locally grown fruits and vegetables

May 29, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that an additional nine counties will participate in the 2008 Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market programs.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, May 14 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) applauded inclusion of key nutrition, renewable energy, and food security provisions in a farm bill poised for final passage by the Senate later this week. The measure also expands the Milk Income Loss Contract Program crucial to Vermont dairy farmers.

Sanders championed a fresh-produce snack program. He helped to secure expanded support for wood as an energy resource. A nutrition education program that links schools with community gardens also was included at his request in the final bill.    » read more »