The House of Representatives approve US$125.5 billion

The US House of Representatives have approved the agricultural spending bill of US$125.5 (€87.49 ) billion. The new bill stops millions of dollars payments to Brazil and effectively bars the US government from invest in future ethanol blender pumps.

The bill has been severely criticised by the Obama administration for underfunding the efforts to beef up food safety initiatives. There is fear that by stopping payments to Brazil it could spark a trade war. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

Soybean growers issue call to action

Tuesday, the US House began consideration of the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill (HR 2112), which covers a wide range of programs. Already, groups in support of food programs for those in need worry over cuts to this program. The American Soybean Association also sees problems with the measure, and is calling on members to get in touch with their representative.

According to a statement issued late Tuesday, ASA says there are two "very harmful" amendments. The first, proposed by Paul Broun, R-Ga, would eliminate funding of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The organisation, which is heavily involved in global trade issues plays an important role in an increasingly competitive market. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers