USDA Funds Peach Tree Removal and Brazil Beef Imports Scrutinized
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The USDA will make up to $9 million available to fund the removal of cling peach orchards for growers whose long-term contracts with Del Monte Foods were voided following the company’s bankruptcy and closure of its Modesto cannery.
In business for 139 years, Del Monte contracted about 35% of California’s cling peaches last year.
The USDA funding will support the removal of up to 420,000 cling peach trees, roughly 3,000 acres.
**Growing scrutiny of the meatpacking industry and rising Brazilian beef imports are fueling a new debate over competition and U.S. food security.
USDA trade data shows Brazilian beef exports to the U.S. reached $795 million in the first quarter, up 21% from last year.
Total U.S. beef imports climbed 28% while domestic beef exports declined.
Brazil’s Association of Meat Exporting Industries says more access to the U.S. market would benefit both countries.
**The EPA’s Gulf of America Division has announced up to $50 million in new grant funding to improve water quality, habitat restoration, environmental resilience, and education across America’s working lands.
The funding is part of the Farmer-to-Farmer grant program, which supports farmer-led and farm-focused organizations operating within the Gulf of America watershed.
The agency will award 20 to 30 grants, each ranging from $1.5 to $2.5 million, supporting five-year projects.
