9-26 NWR Ag and National Security

Last week, outgoing Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack fielded questions from the Senate Agriculture Committee on the subject of his department and the state of the farm economy. Vilsack was questioned on just about every subject, including low commodity prices, GMO labels, regulations, food assistance programs, obesity, and national security.

That last question came from ranking member Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who asked Vilsack to elaborate as to what makes food security an issue of national security.

 

There is a proposed rule that will cause an increase in estate taxes for family owned farms and businesses. If the IRS proposal is adopted it will change the way business assets are valued for estate tax purposes.

 

The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition is collecting signatures on a letter to be sent to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew calling for the proposed regulations to be withdrawn. The goal is to collect a massive list of businesses and organizations opposed to the proposed rule. This will help in the current effort to stop the proposed US Treasury rule and to show opposition in the event a congressional fix is needed. Please sign your farm operation on the letter today. Signatures must be collected by 2 pm today.