Montana State Bird Flu Research and Senate Farm Bill Soon
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**With the support of a federal grant, a team of Montana State University microbiologists will spend the next three years expanding research into one of the world’s most damaging agricultural viruses.
www.morningagclips.com reports the College of Agriculture’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, will use the $1.9 million USDA grant to study highly pathogenic avian influenza, or “bird flu.”
That will support research examining how viral infection impacts cells in the chicken intestine.
www.morningagclips.com/new-1-9-million-grant-lets-montana-state-team-deepen-understanding-of-avian-flu/
**Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (BOZE-man) says he plans to take up a five-year farm bill within weeks, regardless of any possible delays a similar bill may face in the House.
E & E News quoted Boozman saying “weeks, not months,” although he didn’t offer any specifics.
Bozeman did tell U.S. ag groups not to think delays were inaction, as he noted lawmakers and congressional leadership are discussing how to advance the bill.
The most recent action on the farm bill came in the House, when Ag Committee members voted 34-17 to advance a new farm bill.
**On National Ag Day, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform producers about the “Product of the USA” voluntary labeling standard that began January 1st.
The campaign is designed to increase consumer understanding of what the label means.
Rollins says American consumers want to support America by buying American, and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust.
