Weekly Food & Agriculture Update 4.12

Monday, April 12th, 2021

WEEKLY FOOD & AGRICULTURE UPDATE

April 12, 2021

Contents

Big Picture Outlook
The Week Ahead
A Quick Look Back
Contact the Team

Big Picture Outlook

Biden Unveils American Jobs Plan — President Biden unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan that touches everything from rural broadband expansion to housing manufacturing. The plan’s most significant investment will provide around $600 billion to upgrade roads, bridges, ports, and other dilapidated infrastructure while improving access to clean water and energy. The Senate Parliamentarian also ruled that Democrats may amend the budget resolution used for the previous Covid-19 relief bill and attach a second set of reconciliation instructions. This option potentially gives Democrats an additional route to pass legislation on party lines. More information on what the proposed infrastructure plan covers related to rural America is available in the White House fact sheet.

USDA’s Budget Would Grow by 16 Percent in Biden’s Budget Request – Biden’s recently released partial budget request would increase the USDA’s budget by 16 percent, including extra funds for broadband, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making farms and forests more resilient to climate change, and agricultural research. The request also includes additional funding increases for USDA climate hubs, the WIC program, forest management, EPA, and USDA discretionary spending programs. While it is simply a summary of what Biden would like to do, it is clear that the White House is seeking a shift from spending on defense to domestic priorities. A complete budget is expected in May.

USDA Reopens CFAP 2 Sign-Up Along With New Aid — The USDA has finished its review of the Trump administration’s COVID-19 farm aid, with sign-up reopening April 5, and established a new initiative called the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers. They are dedicating at least $6 billion toward the latest programs and will develop rules for new programs that emphasize outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crops, timber harvesters, and provide support for the food supply chain, among others.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, April 14

10:00 AM EST: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies holds a hearing on “The U.S. Department of Agriculture – The Year Ahead.”

Thursday, April 15

11:00 AM EST: Senate Budget Committee holds a hearing to examine the cost of inaction on climate change.
2:00 PM EST: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies holds a hearing on the U.S. Forest Service FY22 Budget Request.

To see a full list of House and Senate Committee business, visit here.

A Quick Look Back

“Stabenow & Boozman Commit to Pass Child Nutrition Bill This Year” Morning Ag Clips

“Biden Efforts to Combat Hunger Mark Profound Safety Net Change” New York Times

“U.S. & Mexico Make Their Cases on Cucumber, Squash Trade to ITC” AgWeb

“U.S. Trade Deficit Hit a Record High in February” Reuters

“Farmers Are Feeling Upbeat About Their Finances” Politico

“Commerce Department Follows Through on Countervailing Duties” Politico

“Federal Aid Boosts Supermarket Spending” USDA’s ERS

“Climate Change Already Hampering Productivity” Agri-Pulse

“USTR Watching Canada With Dairy Trade Concerns” Politico

“U.S. Corn Supply Tightens, Soybeans Hold Steady” Agri-Pulse