USDA Adds Rural Broadband Funding and West Coast Ports Negotiations
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.**If farming is in your blood, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is inviting you to join them in Quincy May 3rd and 4th for the Emerging Farmers Symposium!
www.morningagclips.com reports, the Symposium will provide a great opportunity for networking and sharing of practical farming knowledge.
The registration fee is $15 and includes refreshments, lunch, educational materials, and transportation to and from farm tour sites.
To register: https://2023emergingfarmers.eventbrite.com
www.morningagclips.com/emerging-farmers-symposium-may-3rd-4th/
**The USDA announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities and to support the development and expansion of broadband co-ops.
The new Broadband Technical Assistance Program supports technical assistance projects such as feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications.
USDA is partnering with small towns, local utilities, cooperatives, and private companies to increase broadband access.
**Increasing attention is getting devoted to the West Coast port contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
The concern is the recent and continued slowdowns and temporary work stoppages at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The two parties have been negotiating a new five-year contract since July 1, 2022.
These negotiations don’t apply to the bulk of exports of soybeans and grain from Pacific Northwest ports.