Organic Boost for Schools and Ag Imports Increase Share
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**To boost access to organic dairy products in schools and youth programs, the USDA has allocated $15 million to launch the Organic Dairy Product Promotion Program.
The initiative is aimed at increasing consumption of organic dairy products among children and young adults while creating new opportunities for small and mid-sized organic dairy farmers.
USDA will enter into cooperative agreements with four lead organizations, including Cal State University, Fresno.
**In the bulk of U.S. imports agricultural products account for an increasing share.
From fiscal years 2004 to 23, the value of U.S. ag imports rose an average 3.7% annually, exceeding the overall rate of increase for TOTAL U.S. imports.
Led by increases in processed food and beverages, horticultural and livestock products, ag imports are forecast to reach $204 billion in FY 2024 and a record $212 billion in 2025.
**While the lame-duck session of Congress represents one last chance at a farm bill, industry experts say it would require compromise on several tricky issues.
One report says Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow holds the key to finishing a farm bill this year IF, big if, she can work out a deal with the other major farm bill players.
An AgWeb report gives the odds of getting a farm bill done at only 15%.
