Legislation Looks To Address Ag Labor Shortages
The H2A visa program has long helped fruit and vegetable farms bring in seasonal workers, but dairy farmers and fish hatcheries have been left out — a new bill wants to change that.
Jim Bair
USApple Calls On Administration To End Steel Aluminum Tariffs
In late May, 40 agriculture and food groups called on the Administration to eliminate or reduce tariffs being imposed on other countries. The Ag groups say those countries are in turn levying tariffs against American products, which are hurting the U
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American Apple Growers Have Not Received Help From Administration, Bair Says
Jim Bair, President and CEO at USApple said the farming community needs the Biden Administration to reverse the tariffs imposed on China by the Trump Administration, but right now there is no interest in doing so. He noted that exports of Washington apples have dropped considerably over recent years, thanks to the 50% price increase currently imposed by China
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Report: Apple Exports TO SE Asia Drop 40%
Apple Exports to Southeast Asia have dropped by 40% over the past three years. Thursday’s report from the U.S. Apple Association said the drastic drop in exports is especially being felt as Chinese New Year gets underway Tuesday. The holiday helped secure a large market for the U.S. ap
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USApple Asking For Removal Of Steel And Aluminum Tariffs
Recently, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office met with counterparts from India to start Ag trade negotiations. USApple said while they appreciate the effort to restart negotiations with one of the largest markets in the world, more needs to be done. USA
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How Do Ag Innovations Impact The Average American
It’s not just farmers that benefit from agricultural innovations, but consumers as well. Rod Bain takes a look.
If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com
USApple To Hold In Person Meeting This Summer
The U.S. Apple Association will hold the organization’s annual conference in-person this summer. The 126th Annual Crop and Outlook Marketing Conference will take place August 19th-20th In Chicago. The two-day meeting will showcase diverse speakers and topics, growers and apple business leaders from across the nation, and the always anticipated crop forecast.
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Innovations Important To Future of Specialty Crops
Agricultural innovations are important to the advancement of the specialty crop and niche agriculture sectors. Jim Bair of the U.S. Apple Association said one still under development for his industry, but available for other fruit and nut varieties, is mechanical harvesters.
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Farm Workforce Modernization Act Reintroduced
On Wednesday Central Washington's Dan Newhouse and California's Zoe Lofgren reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The lawmakers says the bipartisan bill, which passed the House during last year’s Congress, aims to ensure a legal, reliable workforce for America’s farmers and ranchers. Among other pr
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Research Will Be Key In New Farm Bill
Agricultural and food research and development will be one of the main areas of focus as construction of the 2023 Farm Bill gets underway. Andy LaVigne of the American Seed Trade Association says continued support of genetic research through USDA and ARS is essential
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