Economy and Trade

The USDA’s first trade mission of the year gets underway this weekend, and it will have a uniquely Northwest feel.  Members of the delegation will be in Panama Sunday the 19th though Thursday the 23rd.   “Trade missions are just one of the effective tools we have in our market development toolbox," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor.  Taylor, the for

Doug McKalip says he is busy in his role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.  He recently noted that he has a host of priorities on his to-do list.   “The first focus would be on keeping markets we have open. A lot of work has been do...

Earlier this week, the Surface Transportation Board approved the Kansas City Southern Railway Company acquisition by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, with conditions.  The decision includes an unprecedented seven-year oversight period and contains many conditions designed to mitigate environmental impacts, preserve competition, protect railroad workers, and promote efficient passenger rail.  Th..

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.5% in January.  Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.0% before seasonal adjustment.  The food index increased 0.4% in February, and...

A new, simplified direct loan application is now available for all producers seeking a direct farm loan from the Farm Service Agency.  The new application went from 29 to 13 pages to provide an improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application  Producers also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or prepare a

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and former Oregon Department of Agriculture head Alexis Taylor will lead a delegation of 26 agribusinesses and farm organizations to Panama City, Panama, March 19-23.  The mission highlights opportunities in Panama and throughout the Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement region.  Exports...

In recognition of the hard work and innovation of those who grow our food, AgWest Farm Credit and Northwest Agricultural Consultants have announced plans to partner with 2nd Harvest to celebrate the impact the local farming community makes for people facing hunger...

Oil prices continue to soften, not on news from China, not because of the on-going war in Ukraine, but concerns over the U.S. economy.  Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy said investors are concerned about everything from Wall Street to Main Street.   “...

Earlier this month, U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested technical consultations with Mexico regarding its proposed ban on GMO corn imports from the U.S.  The request is under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter of USMCA.  Ag Secretary ...

The National Restaurant Association's 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report released recently suggests more growth, labor challenges and rising costs for operators.  The report predicts the food service industry will reach $997 billion in sales in 2023, driven in part by higher menu prices.  Meanwhi...