AG INSIGHT
AG INSIGHT BY J I M E R I C K S O N
Federal plan calls for boost in conservation, climate-smart spending While agricultural programs in the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better program haven’t received the public attention that other provisions have, the measure’s framework includes more than $27 billion for climate-smart agriculture and Farm Bill conservation programs. As with most federal programs, much can happen between when a measure is proposed and when it’s approved, or even later. But the anticipated $27 billion in spending does represent the largest investment in conservation since the Dust Bowl and would provide what is viewed by some farm leaders as a transformative level of support to farmers, ranchers, wildlife and the climate. A number of conservation, agricultural and sportsmen’s organizations have endorsed the measure. In a related development, the European Union (EU) and the United States have announced a newly-created transatlantic collaboration platform on agriculture designed to take on the global challenges of sustainability and climate change. The recently-reached agreement was revealed in a joint statement from EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski and US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The pact calls for the exchange of knowledge and information and for promoting mutual understanding and trust “as we work together to address global challenges and achieve common goals.”
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Cooperative Farming News
Mexico, Canada are key providers of increased vegetable imports Although the United States receives fresh vegetables from more than 125 different countries, most imports originate from Mexico and Canada, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. In 2020, Mexico accounted for 77% of U.S. fresh vegetable import volume, and Canada represented 11%. An analysis of domestic census and trade data shows Mexican and Canadian producers have dominated the U.S. import market by offering protected culture – or greenhouse – imports, as well as organic options, which increased choices for consumers. Conventional and field-grown fresh vegetables still account for most imports, but organic and green-
