Harvest Public Media
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Congress kicked the can down the road by failing to negotiate a new farm bill last year. The bill has been extended through the end of September, but experts say it won't be easy for lawmakers to approve a new plan.
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The United States has imported $20 billion more in agricultural products than it exported — putting the sector on pace to run a record deficit. A look at what’s behind the numbers.
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Legislation in Congress would expand a federal grant and loan program that helps producers of biofuels and other biomanufactured products build and expand their facilities.
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Canning — once a necessity so families could have fruits and vegetables through the winter — has turned into a hobby. A look at how canning evolved from the home to factories, and why people are returning to the practice.
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A U.S. Department of Agriculture report found “socially disadvantaged producers,” especially Black farmers, operate at a higher risk level compared to their white counterparts and are less likely to receive government payments.
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Some conservationists argue a recent Forest Service report will lead to more logging of old trees. They say federal forests should be left alone to soak up carbon emissions. But the Forest Service says in coming decades older trees will absorb less carbon.
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Over 100 billion pounds of food goes to waste every year in America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Food Bank is trying to cut down on that waste by connecting local farmers and food pantries, but it’s future depends on how much funding is included for the program in the next farm bill.
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As some states move to put stricter regulations on the meat and eggs sold within their borders, the agricultural industry and lawmakers are figuring out how to respond. That’s after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld California’s law earlier this year on animal confinement for pork sold in the state.
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Are you serving pumpkin or sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving? A look at the history and cultural ties that influence why Americans may prefer one or the other.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say a continuing resolution dodged the worst case scenario for food assistance programs if the government shuts down after Nov. 17. Still, food advocates warn that Congress needs to act quickly and do more to make sure programs are fully funded.