Senior U.S. and Chinese officials discussed U.S. economic sanctions amid reports that the White House is considering rolling back some of the levies imposed by the previous administration. 

During a call on Tuesday morning, China’s Vice Premier told U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin that lifting tariffs and sanctions and the fair treatment of Chinese enterprises are areas of concern for the Southeast Asian nation. 

Bloomberg says the administration called the talks candid and substantive. However, the secretary mentioned several issues that concerned the U.S., including the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the global economy and China’s unfair, non-market economic practices. 

The discussion happened as President Biden may roll back some of the American tariffs on Chinese imports worth hundreds of billions of dollars, possibly this week. As inflation increases in America, economic experts expect the administration will ease the taxes to help lower the costs of everyday items.

Senior U.S. and Chinese officials discussed U.S. economic sanctions amid reports that the White House is considering rolling back some of the levies imposed by the previous administration. During a call on Tuesday morning, China’s Vice Premier told U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin that lifting tariffs and sanctions and the fair treatment of Chinese enterprises are areas of concern for the Southeast Asian nation. Bloomberg says the administration called the talks candid and substantive. However, the secretary mentioned several issues that concerned the U.S., including the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the global economy and China’s unfair, non-market economic practices. The discussion happened as President Biden may roll back some of the American tariffs on Chinese imports worth hundreds of billions of dollars, possibly this week. As inflation increases in America, economic experts expect the administration will ease the taxes to help lower the costs of everyday items.

U.S., China talk Trump tariffs

A California company intends to build the first ethanol plant in America powered by sugar cane. 

California Ethanol and Power intends to construct a $650 million plant on 160 acres. 

The plant is part of a $1.1 billion project that includes agreements with local farmers to grow sugar cane for the ethanol plant. 

The company also will have an agreement in place with a top farming cooperative to market the ethanol. L.A. Business Journal says if the company gets enough financing, the plan is to have the plant running by late 2025, producing about 68 million gallons of ethanol every year. 

The plant will also generate byproducts like 49 megawatts of electricity and about 740 million gallons of biomethane that can be used to heat businesses and homes. 

The plant will also produce about 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide gas that the company will capture and sell to other companies needing CO2 emission offsets.

A California company intends to build the first ethanol plant in America powered by sugar cane. California Ethanol and Power intends to construct a $650 million plant on 160 acres. The plant is part of a $1.1 billion project that includes agreements with local farmers to grow sugar cane for the ethanol plant. The company also will have an agreement in place with a top farming cooperative to market the ethanol. L.A. Business Journal says if the company gets enough financing, the plan is to have the plant running by late 2025, producing about 68 million gallons of ethanol every year. The plant will also generate byproducts like 49 megawatts of electricity and about 740 million gallons of biomethane that can be used to heat businesses and homes. The plant will also produce about 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide gas that the company will capture and sell to other companies needing CO2 emission offsets.

California company intends to build first sugar cane ethanol plant

Negotiations will continue on a new labor contract for the more than 22,000 workers at U.S. West Coast ports. 

Reuters says industry leaders and the White House are watching the high-stakes talks closely. 

The agreement will include 29 Pacific Coast ports from California up to Washington state, ports that bring in up to 40 percent of America’s imports. 

The Pacific Maritime Association employer group and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union said in a joint statement that cargo will keep moving at the ports until an agreement can get reached. However, Pete Tirschwell of S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence says, “When the contract expired, so did the ‘no strike’ clause.” &nbsp;

More than 150 business groups asked President Biden to push for a swift resolution. Agriculture groups and others business organizations are watching the negotiations with concern after the last West Coast port labor contract negotiations broke down in 2015 after nine months.

Negotiations will continue on a new labor contract for the more than 22,000 workers at U.S. West Coast ports. Reuters says industry leaders and the White House are watching the high-stakes talks closely. The agreement will include 29 Pacific Coast ports from California up to Washington state, ports that bring in up to 40 percent of America’s imports. The Pacific Maritime Association employer group and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union said in a joint statement that cargo will keep moving at the ports until an agreement can get reached. However, Pete Tirschwell of S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence says, “When the contract expired, so did the ‘no strike’ clause.” &nbsp;More than 150 business groups asked President Biden to push for a swift resolution. Agriculture groups and others business organizations are watching the negotiations with concern after the last West Coast port labor contract negotiations broke down in 2015 after nine months.

West Coast port labor contract expires

New York Representative Elise Stefanik and other House Republicans introduced legislation that would prevent adversarial countries from acquiring American companies amid global food shortages. 

Stefanik says food security is national security, and she’s proud to stand against our foreign adversaries as they attempt to exploit potential vulnerabilities and assert control over America’s agricultural industry. The bill would specifically prevent countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from being allowed to buy American agricultural companies, citing them as “prohibited.”It also lists biotechnology and agriculture as critical infrastructure. 

“Adversarial nations like China continue to threaten our homeland, using tactics like buying American agriculture companies and stealing agricultural research to undermine our economy,” Stefanik says. 

Fox News says the food security issue is a global problem because of the war in Ukraine, which has led to global food shortages. Republicans say Russia is using food manipulation as a weapon in its invasion of Ukraine.

New York Representative Elise Stefanik and other House Republicans introduced legislation that would prevent adversarial countries from acquiring American companies amid global food shortages. Stefanik says food security is national security, and she’s proud to stand against our foreign adversaries as they attempt to exploit potential vulnerabilities and assert control over America’s agricultural industry. The bill would specifically prevent countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from being allowed to buy American agricultural companies, citing them as “prohibited.”It also lists biotechnology and agriculture as critical infrastructure. “Adversarial nations like China continue to threaten our homeland, using tactics like buying American agriculture companies and stealing agricultural research to undermine our economy,” Stefanik says. Fox News says the food security issue is a global problem because of the war in Ukraine, which has led to global food shortages. Republicans say Russia is using food manipulation as a weapon in its invasion of Ukraine.

Bill would keep U.S. Ag from exploitation

The National Association of Wheat Growers shared their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. 

As lawmakers continue putting the next farm bill together, wheat growers will be advocating for these priorities on Capitol Hill. The priorities include protecting crop insurance to ensure growers have a strong and reliable safety net assists wheat growers when it’s needed during disasters. They also want to support financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs. 

The wheat growers want an increase in the reference price for wheat in Title 1 to help cover the cost of production more accurately. They also favor enhancing USDA’s market access and development programs to enhance trade. 

“The farm bill addresses many programs that are critical for wheat growers, and we look forward to actively engaging in the farm bill reauthorization process,” says NAWG President Nicole Berg. “Sharing our priorities is the first step in the reauthorization process.”

The National Association of Wheat Growers shared their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. As lawmakers continue putting the next farm bill together, wheat growers will be advocating for these priorities on Capitol Hill. The priorities include protecting crop insurance to ensure growers have a strong and reliable safety net assists wheat growers when it’s needed during disasters. They also want to support financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs. The wheat growers want an increase in the reference price for wheat in Title 1 to help cover the cost of production more accurately. They also favor enhancing USDA’s market access and development programs to enhance trade. “The farm bill addresses many programs that are critical for wheat growers, and we look forward to actively engaging in the farm bill reauthorization process,” says NAWG President Nicole Berg. “Sharing our priorities is the first step in the reauthorization process.”

Wheat growers list 2023 Farm Bill priorities

The National Corn Growers Association is concerned about a move by the Environmental Protection Agency that could restrict access to a critical crop protection tool. 

The EPA says it’s revising its registration for atrazine, a well-studied herbicide essential to farming. 

“We’re disappointed by this,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a critical tool for farming.” 

The new labeling requirements will impose difficult new restrictions and mitigation measures on the herbicide, limiting how much product farmers can use. The latest development marks a step backward in EPA’s commitment to transparency and using the best available science. However, Edgington says that EPA listened to growers’ requests and agreed to additional scientific review. NCGA will continue working with EPA through the entire process, which now enters a 60-day comment period.

The National Corn Growers Association is concerned about a move by the Environmental Protection Agency that could restrict access to a critical crop protection tool. The EPA says it’s revising its registration for atrazine, a well-studied herbicide essential to farming. “We’re disappointed by this,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a critical tool for farming.” The new labeling requirements will impose difficult new restrictions and mitigation measures on the herbicide, limiting how much product farmers can use. The latest development marks a step backward in EPA’s commitment to transparency and using the best available science. However, Edgington says that EPA listened to growers’ requests and agreed to additional scientific review. NCGA will continue working with EPA through the entire process, which now enters a 60-day comment period.

EPA revising Atrazine registration

The Court of International Trade is considering an appeal against the U.S. International Trade Commission’s decision to place duties on phosphorous fertilizers from Morocco and Russia. 

The National Corn Growers Association says that’s put fertilizer companies under scrutiny this week. 

“We’ve been sounding the alarm for a long time and telling officials these tariffs are hurting farmers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. 

“We finally have seen results as a judge with the Court of International Trade began asking tough questions about the assertions made by fertilizer companies.” 

The appeal comes after the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission ruled last year in favor of a petition by U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Russia and Morocco. 

Mosaic claimed the imports were unfairly subsidized and undercutting prices in the U.S. Decisions from the ITC and the Court of International Trade are expected later this summer.

The Court of International Trade is considering an appeal against the U.S. International Trade Commission’s decision to place duties on phosphorous fertilizers from Morocco and Russia. The National Corn Growers Association says that’s put fertilizer companies under scrutiny this week. “We’ve been sounding the alarm for a long time and telling officials these tariffs are hurting farmers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We finally have seen results as a judge with the Court of International Trade began asking tough questions about the assertions made by fertilizer companies.” The appeal comes after the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission ruled last year in favor of a petition by U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Russia and Morocco. Mosaic claimed the imports were unfairly subsidized and undercutting prices in the U.S. Decisions from the ITC and the Court of International Trade are expected later this summer.

Court of International Trade looking into high fertilizer prices

The U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association applauded Canada for its finalized Clean Fuel Regulations. 

Those regulations are an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuel and energy used in Canada. 

That will help Canada achieve more than 20 million tons of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. 

The Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations will rely heavily on the use of low-carbon biofuels like ethanol. The program will include an average of 15 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2030. 

The groups issued a release commending Canada as a global leader because of its plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through higher blends of biofuels. 

The groups say the Clean Fuel Regulations in Canada set the country on a path toward better air quality, energy security, and carbon mitigation by moving to achievable goals like 15 percent ethanol in all gasoline by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656690572054.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Department of Energy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Department of Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association applauded Canada for its finalized Clean Fuel Regulations. Those regulations are an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuel and energy used in Canada. That will help Canada achieve more than 20 million tons of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations will rely heavily on the use of low-carbon biofuels like ethanol. The program will include an average of 15 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2030. The groups issued a release commending Canada as a global leader because of its plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through higher blends of biofuels. The groups say the Clean Fuel Regulations in Canada set the country on a path toward better air quality, energy security, and carbon mitigation by moving to achievable goals like 15 percent ethanol in all gasoline by 2030.

U.S. biofuel groups applaud Canada Clean Fuel Regulations

The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO, Corey Rosenbusch, praised the bipartisan congressional letter sent this week to the Surface Transportation Board regarding poor railroad service. 

The letter outlined the negative impact the poor service is having on the fertilizer industry and the overall agricultural sector. 

“With over half of all fertilizer moving by rail, we are grateful for the 51 lawmakers who brought the issue of inconsistent rail service to the Surface Transportation Board’s attention,” says Rosenbusch. 

Fertilizer shipments heavily rely on railroads to reach farmers, but imposed restrictions, along with skeleton crews and railroad-led initiatives such as precision-scheduled railroading have forced fertilizer shipping reductions and potential delays. 

“With the world leaning on U.S. farmers more than ever before to feed the growing population, fertilizer must get to farmers in a timely manner and crops harvests also need to get to their destinations promptly, including the kitchen table,” Rosenbusch adds.

The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO, Corey Rosenbusch, praised the bipartisan congressional letter sent this week to the Surface Transportation Board regarding poor railroad service. The letter outlined the negative impact the poor service is having on the fertilizer industry and the overall agricultural sector. “With over half of all fertilizer moving by rail, we are grateful for the 51 lawmakers who brought the issue of inconsistent rail service to the Surface Transportation Board’s attention,” says Rosenbusch. Fertilizer shipments heavily rely on railroads to reach farmers, but imposed restrictions, along with skeleton crews and railroad-led initiatives such as precision-scheduled railroading have forced fertilizer shipping reductions and potential delays. “With the world leaning on U.S. farmers more than ever before to feed the growing population, fertilizer must get to farmers in a timely manner and crops harvests also need to get to their destinations promptly, including the kitchen table,” Rosenbusch adds.

TFI appreciates congressional letter on rail service issues

Two California Democrats Wednesday introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act in the House of Representatives. 

John Garamendi and Jim Costa say the bill follows up on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Representative Costa says, “We need to remove bottlenecks and mitigate congestion at our ports to carry out American exports.” 

The legislation would ensure fair trade for U.S. businesses and keep hard-won foreign markets accessible to agricultural exporters by codifying the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other U.S.-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports. 

Additionally, the legislation would establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the United States, and ensure that the new preferential berthing would never interfere with U.S. Coast Guard orders for commercial vessels, port safety or collective bargaining agreements for port workers. 

The legislation is endorsed by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, National Milk Producers Federation, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Two California Democrats Wednesday introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act in the House of Representatives. John Garamendi and Jim Costa say the bill follows up on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Representative Costa says, “We need to remove bottlenecks and mitigate congestion at our ports to carry out American exports.” The legislation would ensure fair trade for U.S. businesses and keep hard-won foreign markets accessible to agricultural exporters by codifying the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other U.S.-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports. Additionally, the legislation would establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the United States, and ensure that the new preferential berthing would never interfere with U.S. Coast Guard orders for commercial vessels, port safety or collective bargaining agreements for port workers. The legislation is endorsed by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, National Milk Producers Federation, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

House lawmakers introduce American Port Access Privileges Act

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced additional commodities and features are available on the free USDA Market News App. 

The App provides producers and others along the supply chain with instant access to market information about conventional and organic products. 

Version 2.0 includes access to three additional commodity areas – Cotton and Tobacco, Dairy and Specialty Crops, as well as the ability to filter searches to see reports by Commodity Area and Market Type, the ability to add reports to Favorites and Subscriptions by Commodity Area and Market Type, an improved way to manage subscriptions and a calendar feature that provides access to previously released reports. 

USDA launched the first version of its free Market News app in February 2022, with access to about 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports. The USDA Market News app is available in both iOS and Android versions and may be downloaded through the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced additional commodities and features are available on the free USDA Market News App. The App provides producers and others along the supply chain with instant access to market information about conventional and organic products. Version 2.0 includes access to three additional commodity areas – Cotton and Tobacco, Dairy and Specialty Crops, as well as the ability to filter searches to see reports by Commodity Area and Market Type, the ability to add reports to Favorites and Subscriptions by Commodity Area and Market Type, an improved way to manage subscriptions and a calendar feature that provides access to previously released reports. USDA launched the first version of its free Market News app in February 2022, with access to about 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports. The USDA Market News app is available in both iOS and Android versions and may be downloaded through the Apple and Google Play stores.

USDA announces new features for Market News App

Smart growth and investment in America's downtowns and main streets must occur now to secure the land that grows our food, according to American Farmland Trust. 

The organization Wednesday released its new report, Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future and the accompanying web mapping tool. 

AFT research shows Americans are paving over agricultural land at a rapid pace. 

From 2001-16, the nation lost or compromised 2,000 acres of farmland and ranchland every day. The report shows the U.S. is on track to convert 18 million acres of farmland and ranchland from 2016-40—an area the size of South Carolina. And it could get worse. 

If rural sprawl accelerates, America could squander one million acres of agricultural land every year and over 24 million by 2040. But if Americans choose a better path—embrace smart growth and minimize sprawl—they can save up to 13.5 million acres of the nation’s farmland. Find the full report at farmland.org.

Smart growth and investment in America's downtowns and main streets must occur now to secure the land that grows our food, according to American Farmland Trust. The organization Wednesday released its new report, Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future and the accompanying web mapping tool. AFT research shows Americans are paving over agricultural land at a rapid pace. From 2001-16, the nation lost or compromised 2,000 acres of farmland and ranchland every day. The report shows the U.S. is on track to convert 18 million acres of farmland and ranchland from 2016-40—an area the size of South Carolina. And it could get worse. If rural sprawl accelerates, America could squander one million acres of agricultural land every year and over 24 million by 2040. But if Americans choose a better path—embrace smart growth and minimize sprawl—they can save up to 13.5 million acres of the nation’s farmland. Find the full report at farmland.org.

AFT: Smarter land use planning is urgently needed

The Supreme Court this week denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the ruling effectively ends “yet another R-CALF attack on the Beef Checkoff and prevents the activist attorneys at Public Justice, from further diverting Checkoff and beef industry resources.” 

NCBA intervened in the lawsuit in its early days to help defend state beef councils from R-CALF, “who falsely attacked state beef councils.” 

NCBA says multiple court decisions rejected these allegations and reaffirmed the work and direction of the Beef Checkoff and those who guide it. 

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says, “The Supreme Court’s rejection of R-CALF’s petition confirms the Beef Checkoff, and its overseers, are adhering to the letter and spirit of the laws that protect and guide producer investments in the program.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the lawsuit, R-Calf claimed state beef checkoff organizations are private corporations and use half of the beef checkoff collection to fund private speech.

The Supreme Court this week denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the ruling effectively ends “yet another R-CALF attack on the Beef Checkoff and prevents the activist attorneys at Public Justice, from further diverting Checkoff and beef industry resources.” NCBA intervened in the lawsuit in its early days to help defend state beef councils from R-CALF, “who falsely attacked state beef councils.” NCBA says multiple court decisions rejected these allegations and reaffirmed the work and direction of the Beef Checkoff and those who guide it. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says, “The Supreme Court’s rejection of R-CALF’s petition confirms the Beef Checkoff, and its overseers, are adhering to the letter and spirit of the laws that protect and guide producer investments in the program.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the lawsuit, R-Calf claimed state beef checkoff organizations are private corporations and use half of the beef checkoff collection to fund private speech.

Supreme Court rejects R-CALF lawsuit

The Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company recently announced that two lines of its commercial tires are now made with a renewable soybean oil compound. 

The Goodyear Metro Miler G152 and G652 tires for transit buses, along with the popular Endurance WHA waste haul tire, are now made with soybean oil, which replaces a portion of the petroleum-based materials used in their production. 

Both the Metro Miler tires and the Endurance WHA waste haul tire continue to deliver high-performance benefits. 

The new soy-biobased tires build on the soy checkoff’s research investment and longstanding partnership with the global tire company. United Soybean Board Chair Ralph Lott says, “These big tires are another exciting way to deliver sustainable soy to more lives, every day.” 

Goodyear has a long-term goal to fully replace petroleum-derived oils in its products by 2040. This commitment, according to USB, drives additional demand for U.S. soy products, grown sustainably by U.S. soybean farmers.

The Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company recently announced that two lines of its commercial tires are now made with a renewable soybean oil compound. The Goodyear Metro Miler G152 and G652 tires for transit buses, along with the popular Endurance WHA waste haul tire, are now made with soybean oil, which replaces a portion of the petroleum-based materials used in their production. Both the Metro Miler tires and the Endurance WHA waste haul tire continue to deliver high-performance benefits. The new soy-biobased tires build on the soy checkoff’s research investment and longstanding partnership with the global tire company. United Soybean Board Chair Ralph Lott says, “These big tires are another exciting way to deliver sustainable soy to more lives, every day.” Goodyear has a long-term goal to fully replace petroleum-derived oils in its products by 2040. This commitment, according to USB, drives additional demand for U.S. soy products, grown sustainably by U.S. soybean farmers.

Goodyear announces new sustainable soy-based tires

The Food and Drug Administration recently concluded it has no further questions regarding the safety of drought-tolerant HB4 wheat developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. 

In response, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers issued a joint statement this week. 

The groups say the finding by the FDA is not an approval for this or any other transgenic wheat to be planted for commercial sale in the United States. 

To date, the HB4 wheat has been approved for commercial production within a closed system in Argentina only. The trait has been approved for human consumption by regulators in Brazil in the form of flour, and in Australia, New Zealand and now in the United States. 

Bioceres recently announced it will seek approval to plant HB4 wheat in Australia, but it has not announced plans to commercialize it in the United States. The statement says, "The U.S. wheat industry recognizes the benefits and value that can be created through the prudent application of modern biotechnology."

The Food and Drug Administration recently concluded it has no further questions regarding the safety of drought-tolerant HB4 wheat developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. In response, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers issued a joint statement this week. The groups say the finding by the FDA is not an approval for this or any other transgenic wheat to be planted for commercial sale in the United States. To date, the HB4 wheat has been approved for commercial production within a closed system in Argentina only. The trait has been approved for human consumption by regulators in Brazil in the form of flour, and in Australia, New Zealand and now in the United States. Bioceres recently announced it will seek approval to plant HB4 wheat in Australia, but it has not announced plans to commercialize it in the United States. The statement says, "The U.S. wheat industry recognizes the benefits and value that can be created through the prudent application of modern biotechnology."

Wheat industry comments on conclusion of FDA study of drought tolerant wheat

Trade officials from the U.S. and Taiwan met Monday for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. 

U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi says, "This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses." 

The trade officials reaffirmed their shared interest in developing and deepening trade and promoting innovation. 

They also discussed the development of an ambitious roadmap for negotiations to reach agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes. 

The commitments will cover several trade areas, including trade facilitation, regulatory practices, agriculture, anti-corruption, small- and medium-sized enterprises, digital trade, labor, environment, standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices. 

The trade officials also held roundtable conversations with several groups of U.S. and Taiwan stakeholders. Members of Congress and labor and business leaders also shared their views on ways the United States and Taiwan can jointly advance trade policies.

Trade officials from the U.S. and Taiwan met Monday for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi says, "This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses." The trade officials reaffirmed their shared interest in developing and deepening trade and promoting innovation. They also discussed the development of an ambitious roadmap for negotiations to reach agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes. The commitments will cover several trade areas, including trade facilitation, regulatory practices, agriculture, anti-corruption, small- and medium-sized enterprises, digital trade, labor, environment, standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices. The trade officials also held roundtable conversations with several groups of U.S. and Taiwan stakeholders. Members of Congress and labor and business leaders also shared their views on ways the United States and Taiwan can jointly advance trade policies.

U.S., Taiwan, hold first trade meeting

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund's Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program. 

The donation is part of BASF's annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative. 

The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund will use BASF's donation to expand its Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program with the goal of restoring high-quality pollinator habitat with free or reduced-cost seed to landowners across 12 Midwest states. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Monarch Challenge has resulted in the planting of 110,000 milkweed seedlings and the creation of more than 67,000 pollinator habitats. 

The fund works with landowners, conservationists, scientists, and other partners to build healthy and sustainable pollinator habitat with maximum benefits. Through the Seed A Legacy Habitat Program, each project receives free or heavily discounted pollinator seed mixes and the guidance to prepare, establish, and maintain the project for a minimum of five years.

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund's Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program. The donation is part of BASF's annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative. The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund will use BASF's donation to expand its Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program with the goal of restoring high-quality pollinator habitat with free or reduced-cost seed to landowners across 12 Midwest states. Since its inception in 2015, the Monarch Challenge has resulted in the planting of 110,000 milkweed seedlings and the creation of more than 67,000 pollinator habitats. The fund works with landowners, conservationists, scientists, and other partners to build healthy and sustainable pollinator habitat with maximum benefits. Through the Seed A Legacy Habitat Program, each project receives free or heavily discounted pollinator seed mixes and the guidance to prepare, establish, and maintain the project for a minimum of five years.

BASF donates $50,000 to Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund Program

The University of Illinois Extension has a pesticide drift guide available for farmers. 

The new guide helps producers and gardeners know what to do if pesticide drift is suspected. 

Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields and landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drift happens when pesticide spray particles and vapors escape from the intended target area. 

University of Illinois Extension weed science specialist Michelle Wiesbrook says, “The most common type of pesticide misuse is pesticide drift, and when it occurs, emotions can run high while seeking answers." 

There are two ways pesticides can be carried downwind to non-target areas: vapor drift and particle drift. Both types of drift should be considered when making an application, and steps should be taken to minimize their occurrence. 

The new free guide provides more information on drift and serves as a navigation tool for those faced with potential drift injury challenges. Read the guide at go.illinois.edu/drift.

The University of Illinois Extension has a pesticide drift guide available for farmers. The new guide helps producers and gardeners know what to do if pesticide drift is suspected. Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields and landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drift happens when pesticide spray particles and vapors escape from the intended target area. University of Illinois Extension weed science specialist Michelle Wiesbrook says, “The most common type of pesticide misuse is pesticide drift, and when it occurs, emotions can run high while seeking answers." There are two ways pesticides can be carried downwind to non-target areas: vapor drift and particle drift. Both types of drift should be considered when making an application, and steps should be taken to minimize their occurrence. The new free guide provides more information on drift and serves as a navigation tool for those faced with potential drift injury challenges. Read the guide at go.illinois.edu/drift.

Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently expressed interest in possibly lifting smog-fighting gasoline rules to help fight high gas prices at the nation’s pumps. 

The secretary also backed off a plan to ban fuel exports during a wide-ranging meeting with refiners. 

Reuters says tensions are high between President Biden and oil refiners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two sides departed from the meeting far apart on possible solutions. 

Industry sources familiar with the meeting say both sides will continue talking. Biden has recently been critical of oil industry CEOs for pulling in huge profits from a supply crunch made worse by Russia invading Ukraine. 

The White House is unhappy with the refining industry’s move to idle about one million barrels per day of production capacity since 2020. Administration officials say the companies need to use those profits to restart plants and help fill the supply gap. Refiners say investing in reopening plants carries significant financial risks.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently expressed interest in possibly lifting smog-fighting gasoline rules to help fight high gas prices at the nation’s pumps. The secretary also backed off a plan to ban fuel exports during a wide-ranging meeting with refiners. Reuters says tensions are high between President Biden and oil refiners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two sides departed from the meeting far apart on possible solutions. Industry sources familiar with the meeting say both sides will continue talking. Biden has recently been critical of oil industry CEOs for pulling in huge profits from a supply crunch made worse by Russia invading Ukraine. The White House is unhappy with the refining industry’s move to idle about one million barrels per day of production capacity since 2020. Administration officials say the companies need to use those profits to restart plants and help fill the supply gap. Refiners say investing in reopening plants carries significant financial risks.

White House meets with refiners on high pump prices but no solutions yet

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final determination last week on imported fertilizers and unfair subsidies. 

The department found that urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer exported to America was subsidized and sold at less than normal value in the U.S. market during its period of investigation. 

The National Corn Growers Association says it’s an important step in the process, but the ruling won’t on its own lead to the placement of duties on nitrogen fertilizers shipped into the country. 

The final stage in the process is expected later this summer when the International Trade Commission makes a final ruling. 

“Placing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will land yet another blow to farmers, who are already dealing with a host of challenges,” says Brooke Appleton, NCGA vice president of public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers can’t farm with one hand tied behind their backs, and these actions getting pushed by fertilizer companies will tie their hands.”

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final determination last week on imported fertilizers and unfair subsidies. The department found that urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer exported to America was subsidized and sold at less than normal value in the U.S. market during its period of investigation. The National Corn Growers Association says it’s an important step in the process, but the ruling won’t on its own lead to the placement of duties on nitrogen fertilizers shipped into the country. The final stage in the process is expected later this summer when the International Trade Commission makes a final ruling. “Placing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will land yet another blow to farmers, who are already dealing with a host of challenges,” says Brooke Appleton, NCGA vice president of public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers can’t farm with one hand tied behind their backs, and these actions getting pushed by fertilizer companies will tie their hands.”

NCGA applauds ruling on imported fertilizers

Sustainable Oils opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Great Falls, Montana, last week. 

The facility works with over 100 U.S. farmers to grow camelina, a plant used by their parent company Global Clean Energy to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. 

Renewable diesel produced from camelina is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel, but with fewer contaminants and far fewer emissions. 

The company says camelina has the potential to receive the lowest carbon intensity score of all the available feedstocks on the market today. Sustainable Oils specializes in the breeding, research, and marketing of camelina. 

They contract directly with farmers in the Northern Plains, High Plains, and Pacific Northwest to grow the camelina that will ultimately get used to create renewable fuel at Global Clean Energy’s refinery in Bakersfield, California. 

The company looks forward to enhancing economic opportunities for rural communities while producing some of the lowest-carbon renewable fuels in the world.

Sustainable Oils opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Great Falls, Montana, last week. The facility works with over 100 U.S. farmers to grow camelina, a plant used by their parent company Global Clean Energy to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. Renewable diesel produced from camelina is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel, but with fewer contaminants and far fewer emissions. The company says camelina has the potential to receive the lowest carbon intensity score of all the available feedstocks on the market today. Sustainable Oils specializes in the breeding, research, and marketing of camelina. They contract directly with farmers in the Northern Plains, High Plains, and Pacific Northwest to grow the camelina that will ultimately get used to create renewable fuel at Global Clean Energy’s refinery in Bakersfield, California. The company looks forward to enhancing economic opportunities for rural communities while producing some of the lowest-carbon renewable fuels in the world.

Sustainable Oils facility opens new facility for renewable diesel production

Two grain terminals owned by companies in North America were hit by a Russian attack in Ukraine. 

The University of Illinois’ farm policy news website says Canadian agribusiness Viterra, and U.S. grain trader Bunge said they had a grain terminal hit on Wednesday. 

Viterra reported that it had a terminal on fire. While there were no casualties, Viterra did say one employee was injured at the plant, which had been closed since Russia’s invasion began. 

The attack on Wednesday is also the second time Bunge has been targeted. Ukraine’s grain exports have dropped significantly from last year. During the first 22 days of June, exports were down 48 percent from 2021 at 907,000 tons. 

Russia is preventing shipments from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, trapping thousands of tons of grain in the country. Experts say setting up alternative export routes won’t be sufficient enough quantities to keep up with global food demand.

Two grain terminals owned by companies in North America were hit by a Russian attack in Ukraine. The University of Illinois’ farm policy news website says Canadian agribusiness Viterra, and U.S. grain trader Bunge said they had a grain terminal hit on Wednesday. Viterra reported that it had a terminal on fire. While there were no casualties, Viterra did say one employee was injured at the plant, which had been closed since Russia’s invasion began. The attack on Wednesday is also the second time Bunge has been targeted. Ukraine’s grain exports have dropped significantly from last year. During the first 22 days of June, exports were down 48 percent from 2021 at 907,000 tons. Russia is preventing shipments from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, trapping thousands of tons of grain in the country. Experts say setting up alternative export routes won’t be sufficient enough quantities to keep up with global food demand.

North American-owned grain terminals hit in Ukraine

The U.S. has tariffs in place on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. 

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says those duties give the U.S. significant leverage on China, making them useful when negotiating with the Asian nation. 

Bloomberg says a debate is ongoing among members of the Biden administration on whether to keep those tariffs in place for the time being. 

“The China tariffs, in my view, are a significant piece of leverage, and a trade negotiator never walks away from leverage,” Tai said during Senate testimony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden recently said he’s in the process of deciding on whether to remove any of the duties first put in place by President Trump in 2018. 

Tai also points out that removing the tariffs would have a limited impact on the rapid rise in inflation. Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that a reduction in duties may help bring down prices.

The U.S. has tariffs in place on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says those duties give the U.S. significant leverage on China, making them useful when negotiating with the Asian nation. Bloomberg says a debate is ongoing among members of the Biden administration on whether to keep those tariffs in place for the time being. “The China tariffs, in my view, are a significant piece of leverage, and a trade negotiator never walks away from leverage,” Tai said during Senate testimony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden recently said he’s in the process of deciding on whether to remove any of the duties first put in place by President Trump in 2018. Tai also points out that removing the tariffs would have a limited impact on the rapid rise in inflation. Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that a reduction in duties may help bring down prices.

USTR says tariffs give U.S. “leverage” on China

Leaders from the G-7 countries will meet on Sunday, and biofuel mandates will be among the discussion topics. 

Officials from Germany, Britain, and other G-7 members will push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates to combat rapidly rising food prices. 

Reuters says the food crisis sparked by the Ukraine war has led to a food versus fuel debate among certain G-7 countries. 

Some policymakers are asking to ease mandates for blending biofuels into gasoline and diesel to increase the supply of global grain and vegetable oil. 

A British government official told Reuters, ”We’re quite keen to look at the issue of biofuel mandates to ensure that crops are prioritized for food consumption and not necessarily for use in fuels.” 

It’s not known ahead of the meeting on Sunday if there is enough support to temporarily waive biofuel mandates among the G-7 members. Talks are said to be in the preliminary stages.

Leaders from the G-7 countries will meet on Sunday, and biofuel mandates will be among the discussion topics. Officials from Germany, Britain, and other G-7 members will push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates to combat rapidly rising food prices. Reuters says the food crisis sparked by the Ukraine war has led to a food versus fuel debate among certain G-7 countries. Some policymakers are asking to ease mandates for blending biofuels into gasoline and diesel to increase the supply of global grain and vegetable oil. A British government official told Reuters, ”We’re quite keen to look at the issue of biofuel mandates to ensure that crops are prioritized for food consumption and not necessarily for use in fuels.” It’s not known ahead of the meeting on Sunday if there is enough support to temporarily waive biofuel mandates among the G-7 members. Talks are said to be in the preliminary stages.

Some G-7 leaders to push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates

Nationwide farmers are having issues buying new farm equipment, which is also making it difficult to buy used farm equipment. &nbsp;

Greg Peterson, better known as Machinery Pete, says there are a couple different factors that are causing the rise in the price of used farm equipment. &nbsp;

"One, is that farm income is up," Peterson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Commodity prices went up in the fall of 2020 and have been pushing to very high levels so, that's number one."&nbsp;

And number two is the current trend of high prices on new farm equipment&nbsp;

"Supply chain issues are actually getting worse so manufacturers like John Deere or Case IH, they can't make enough," Peterson explains. "Farmers want to buy new to update their equipment line."&nbsp;

Peterson says though those manufacturers can't produce enough equipment to keep up with the demand.&nbsp; For example, if you were looking for a new planter earlier this spring, all of those were pre ordered last fall. &nbsp;

Peterson says the problem is nationwide and so far, is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon&nbsp;

"Things are always subject to change but I don't see any tea leaves right now that would point to a cooling off, in fact it's getting hotter" Peterson points out. "In fact, our data, I've got three plus decades of tracking data patterns, and normally from middle of March through the summer is the soft time of year."&nbsp;

Peterson says that the soft time of year is while crops are in the ground and farmers can wait and see how they come out.&nbsp;

He says they then become aggressive near the end of the year to figure out what equipment they might need to replace, but right now. &nbsp;

"That's all out the window right now, you have to be proactive and plan ahead," he explains. &nbsp;

Peterson says the market has continued to go higher since April. &nbsp;

Recently, Peterson says he saw a 24-year-old John Deere tractor sold in Illinois for 21-thousand 500 dollars, selling even higher than it did brand new. &nbsp;

But is there any state where the used farm equipment problem is worse off?&nbsp;

"Nope, they're all on fire, and I've never seen that before," Peterson sadly says. "And we cover the US and Canada so usually there's always been somewhere where used values are softer, and there just isn't now."&nbsp;

Peterson says normally you might see prices differ depending on the region farm equipment is coming from &nbsp;

But, since 2021, Peterson says a data point he's seen is the tightness of farm equipment is making prices mostly stay the same, no matter the region it comes from.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Nationwide farmers are having issues buying new farm equipment, which is also making it difficult to buy used farm equipment. &nbsp;Greg Peterson, better known as Machinery Pete, says there are a couple different factors that are causing the rise in the price of used farm equipment. &nbsp;"One, is that farm income is up," Peterson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Commodity prices went up in the fall of 2020 and have been pushing to very high levels so, that's number one."&nbsp;And number two is the current trend of high prices on new farm equipment&nbsp;"Supply chain issues are actually getting worse so manufacturers like John Deere or Case IH, they can't make enough," Peterson explains. "Farmers want to buy new to update their equipment line."&nbsp;Peterson says though those manufacturers can't produce enough equipment to keep up with the demand.&nbsp; For example, if you were looking for a new planter earlier this spring, all of those were pre ordered last fall. &nbsp;Peterson says the problem is nationwide and so far, is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon&nbsp;"Things are always subject to change but I don't see any tea leaves right now that would point to a cooling off, in fact it's getting hotter" Peterson points out. "In fact, our data, I've got three plus decades of tracking data patterns, and normally from middle of March through the summer is the soft time of year."&nbsp;Peterson says that the soft time of year is while crops are in the ground and farmers can wait and see how they come out.&nbsp;He says they then become aggressive near the end of the year to figure out what equipment they might need to replace, but right now. &nbsp;"That's all out the window right now, you have to be proactive and plan ahead," he explains. &nbsp;Peterson says the market has continued to go higher since April. &nbsp;Recently, Peterson says he saw a 24-year-old John Deere tractor sold in Illinois for 21-thousand 500 dollars, selling even higher than it did brand new. &nbsp;But is there any state where the used farm equipment problem is worse off?&nbsp;"Nope, they're all on fire, and I've never seen that before," Peterson sadly says. "And we cover the US and Canada so usually there's always been somewhere where used values are softer, and there just isn't now."&nbsp;Peterson says normally you might see prices differ depending on the region farm equipment is coming from &nbsp;But, since 2021, Peterson says a data point he's seen is the tightness of farm equipment is making prices mostly stay the same, no matter the region it comes from.&nbsp;