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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contract Farming

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing is a state subject. 15 States and Union Territories (UTs) have made enabling provisions for contract farming provisions in their APMC Acts.  Contract farming, inter alia, provides for an institutional arrangement for registration of sponsoring companies, recording of contract farming agreements and indemnity to farmers’ land.  Any disputes arising out of contract are resolved as per the arbitration and dispute resolution mechanism specified therein.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    MG/KSR/487

    (Release ID: 2100757) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Use of AI in agriculture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:

    1. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
    2. National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
    3. AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    MG/KSR/482

    (Release ID: 2100755) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Source: Government of India

    Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones – a cost-effective method

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers, the following steps have been taken:

    1. Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and films in regional languages etc.
    2. Nano Urea and Nano DAP are made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.
    3. Nano Urea has been included under monthly supply plan issued by Department of Fertilizers regularly.
    4. ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized National Campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer (including Nano-fertilizers)”.
    5. Promotion of use of nano fertilizers was done during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) which was launched on 15th November, 2023.
    6. For ease in application and utilization of Nano fertilizers like Nano Urea through foliar application, initiatives such as spraying of Nano Urea through drones and distribution of battery operated Sprayers at retail points are undertaken. For this purpose, pilot training and custom hiring spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are actively promoted.
    7. DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations.  Further, DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has also launched campaign for field level demonstrations and awareness programs of Nano Urea plus in 100 districts of the country.

    At present, there is no provision for subsidy by Department of Fertilizers. However, DoF is encouraging its companies to set up Nano fertilizer plants.

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones has emerged as a cost effective method.  During the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, farmers had shown interest in adopting this new technology of spraying.

    At present, there is no proposal to bring production of nano fertilizers under any Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2100721) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “India’s vision of good health implies not just being free of disease but to ensure wellness and welfare for everyone. The goal is to ensure physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

                                                                           Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

    What is Mental Health

    Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

    Impact of Poor Mental Health

    • Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to lower workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and reduced efficiency.
    • Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental well-being affects interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.
    • Economic Impact: According to WHO, mental disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, and untreated conditions can lead to high economic costs.

    Mental Health Scenario in India

    • WHO Data Insight
      • India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
    • Prevalence:
      • The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
      • The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
      • National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention.
      • Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%).
    • Treatment Gap
      • 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
      • According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

    Insights from Economic Survey 2024-25

    Mental wellbeing is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. Recognising its importance, Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted that Mental well-being encompasses all our mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. This can also be construed as the mind’s composite health. It emphasised a whole of community approach to tackling mental health problems and stated that it is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggested:

    1. Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: Early intervention strategies to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.
    2. Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Address job stress, long working hours, and burnout.
    3. Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthen Tele MANAS and integrate AI-based mental health solutions.

    Mental Health Infrastructure in India

    • As part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
    • 47 PG Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Mental health services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
    • 47 Government-Run Mental Hospitals including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
    • Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

    Under Ayushman Bharat, the government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These HWCs provide:

    • Basic counselling and psychiatric medication at PHC levels.
    • Training for general physicians to handle mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
    • Linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care.

    This initiative ensures that mental healthcare is available in both urban and rural areas, reducing dependence on specialized hospitals and making psychiatric care more community-centric.

    Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

    Recognizing the growing burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health services, India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982. The primary goal was to ensure that mental healthcare becomes an integral part of the general healthcare system, rather than being confined to specialized hospitals.

    Key components include:

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced under NMHP to expand community mental health services.

    • Covers 767 districts
    • Provides counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
    • 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level.

    NIMHANS Act, 2012

    The NIMHANS Act, 2012, was a significant step towards enhancing mental health education and research in India. Under this act, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, was declared an Institute of National Importance. This recognition allowed NIMHANS to expand its academic and research capabilities, making it the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in India.

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act which replaced the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness and introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The Act aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

    National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India.

    National Health Policy, 2017

    The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 was a landmark that acknowledged mental health as a national health priority. This policy aimed to address mental health issues through a multi-pronged approach, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, strengthening human resources, and improving treatment accessibility.

    By placing mental health at the center of India’s healthcare framework, NHP 2017 aimed to bridge the treatment gap by making psychological services available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

    iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

    The government has also collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This program focuses on:

    • Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
    • Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
    • Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.

    Through iGOT-Diksha, India has expanded its mental health workforce, ensuring better early intervention strategies and community support mechanisms.

    National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

    Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) was a game-changer in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline (14416 / 1800-89-14416). Available in 20 Indian languages.

    As of February 7, 2025, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across India. There are 53 Tele MANAS Cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The program is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with 5 Regional Coordinating Centers, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare.

    Tele MANAS services include:

    • Immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals.
    • Referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
    • Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas.

    Tele MANAS Mobile App & Video Consultation

    • The Tele MANAS App was launched in October 2024.
    • Offers self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals.
    • Video consultation services introduced in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and J&K.

    WHO Recognition

    The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.

    KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

    The KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019), initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.

    During COVID-19, the government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being. These interventions played a vital role in addressing the psychological challenges of the pandemic.

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

    Key components of NSPS include:

    • Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
    • Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers.
    • Community awareness programs to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
    • Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.

    By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent self-harm and improve overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programs such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2100706) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu meets Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu met Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today and discussed the problems being faced by red chilly farmers in Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting Senior officers from the Ministry of Agriculture were also present. Later, speaking to the media Shri Rammohan Naidu said the Government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to procure red chilies and he urged the Union Agriculture Minister to provide financial support to the state government under various schemes. Stating that Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded positively to the request of Andhra Pradesh Government.

    Shri Rammohan Naidu said he had handed over a letter from Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Chandrababu Naidu explaining the problems of red chilli farmers to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

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    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100682) Visitor Counter : 82

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Agriculture Committee Democrats Demand Answers for Funding Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and all Committee Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding answers and clarity following the Trump Administration’s funding freeze.
    The Senators wrote to USDA Acting Secretary Gary Washington: “Over the past week, farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted our offices in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money. The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.”
    The Senators requested “a description of the actions the Department has taken broken down by program, office, and activity, including listing any activities with paused or terminated disbursements or obligations, as well as the legal basis for pausing or terminating any funding that has been appropriated by Congress.”
    Senators Luján and Klobuchar were joined by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
    The full letter is available here and below:
    Dear Acting Secretary Washington,  
    We write to seek clarity and raise concerns regarding the impact of recent Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda on the U.S. Department of Agriculture.   
    Over the past week, farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted our offices in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money. The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.
    Has the Department paused or terminated any payments, or taken any other actions to carry out any Executive Orders or Presidential Memoranda issued on or after January 20, 2025? If so, please provide a description of the actions the Department has taken broken down by program, office, and activity, including listing any activities with paused or terminated disbursements or obligations, as well as the legal basis for pausing or terminating any funding that has been appropriated by Congress. 
    In addition, please provide a timeline of when recipients of paused or terminated disbursements can expect to hear from the Department about the status of their funding. 
    Please respond to this letter by Close of Business on Friday, February 7. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Cross-border enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The 2019 Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive sought to address imbalances in bargaining power between suppliers and buyers of agricultural products. The directive was primarily aimed at protecting farmers, as a weaker party, selling their products to big supermarkets and food processing companies. However, experience has shown that the directive does not always provide a sufficient legal basis for mutual assistance in cross-border investigations. The Commission’s proposal for a new regulation on cross-border cooperation among authorities responsible for the enforcement of the UTP Directive is part of EU efforts to improve farmers’ position in the agri food supply chain. It would enable cooperation between enforcement authorities in cases of unfair trading practices where suppliers and buyers are in different Member States. Farmer associations have welcomed the proposal but are calling for a more substantial revision of the directive, in particular a ban on buying agricultural products below production cost. Retailers meanwhile are highly critical, saying that the proposal risks fragmenting the single market.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Grand Mosque of Paris has a monopoly on EU companies’ exports to Algeria – E-000265/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000265/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE)

    According to press reports, the Grand Mosque of Paris has sole control of halal certification under an agreement with the Algerian Government. The agreement forces EU producers to pay money to a commercial company owned by the mosque’s leaders if they want to export any products, including non-food products, to Algeria. This raises a number of serious questions.

    A private company holding such a monopoly is clearly completely unacceptable under EU law. An estimate based on the pricing system used puts the annual cost to EU farmers and industry at several million euros. This levy does not bring any added value or even involve any actual act of certification – it is simply an unmonitored moneymaker. As the Algerian Government, in conjunction with the Grand Mosque of Paris, is increasing its threats and acts of hostility towards France, the fact that this source of funding exists is also concerning from a security point of view.

    • 1.Has the Commission, as the guarantor of transparency in EU trade, investigated this clear distortion and its consequences? Does it know how these funds are used?
    • 2.On 11 December 2024, the Commission was represented at a meeting on this issue at the Grand Mosque of Paris; what was the outcome of that meeting?
    • 3.What criteria would lead the Commission to consider this certification requirement to be a violation of the EU-Algeria Agreement?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Condemns Trump Actions as Deliberate Effort to Undermine Critical Functions of Government Over Lowering Costs for Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) condemned Trump for undermining critical government functions instead of working to lower costs for Granite Staters like he promised during his campaign. Shaheen pointed to the President’s misguided tariff plan, chaotic effort to halt federal funding for grants and loans, the dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance and his enabling of billionaire Elon Musk to access Americans’ sensitive information at the U.S. Department of Treasury. You can read more here.

    The full article from the Union Leader is available here and below.

    Shaheen takes aim at Trump’s actions on spending, tariffs

    In some of her strongest language to date, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said President Donald Trump’s actions on spending, tariffs and shutting down foreign assistance programs appear to be a “deliberate effort to undermine the critical functions” of the federal government.

    Shaheen, a three-term senator whose term is up in 2026, said her office is receiving complaint calls at a level only met during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Many hold the view that Trump’s actions bear little resemblance to his focus as a presidential candidate, Shaheen said.

    “It is creating frustration and concern across the board. This is not what they signed up for,” Shaheen said during an interview. “When Donald Trump was campaigning, he was talking about addressing inflation, lowering costs for people on food, rent and prescriptions. None of that is in his agenda since he got inaugurated.”

    For his part, Trump said he told voters that Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, would be a trusted adviser on how to reduce federal spending by up to $2 trillion.

    Musk leads the new Department of Government Efficiency, whose employees got access to payroll information of the Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

    “He should not have access to this. They are going into classified spaces without appropriate clearances,” said Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is dealing with the Department of Agriculture, rural development and Food and Drug Administration.

    Shaheen said Musk’s moves to close down USAID will collapse vital assistance to vulnerable people around the world and only invite U.S. adversaries to step in and try to control affairs in struggling countries.

    “In fact, there’s evidence that is already beginning to happen,” Shaheen said.

    Shaheen noted Musk seeks to reduce the size of a federal government that at one pivotal point rescued him with financial relief.

    “The irony is this guy would have been out of business but for the U.S. government bailing him out in Space X,” Shaheen said. “The fact he is trying to deny that kind of access and help to individuals and business that need it is just unacceptable and shameful.”

    Earlier Wednesday, Shaheen hosted a conference call with leaders of chambers of commerce and other regional officials who raised concerns about the proposed tariffs with Canada that are on a 30-day pause but have not been rescinded.

    “Their number one issue is the uncertainty and the chaos that is happening under this president’s very hand,” Shaheen said.

    U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., signed on to a letter to Trump Wednesday, along with 60 House Democrats, calling for him to cancel any Canadian tariff plans.

    “These actions, this rhetoric has consequences that people are already seeing in their everyday lives,” Shaheen added.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Fights to Keep Higher Education Accessible for Farm Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) are standing up for families and fighting to reverse changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based student aid for farm families and small business owners.
    Their bipartisan Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would amend the FAFSA Simplification Act to restore the original exemption of all farmland, machinery, other operational materials, and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being declared on the FAFSA form.
    “No one should have to sell off the farm – or their small business – to afford college. As a farm kid myself, I know the enormous impacts grants and financial aid have on rural students’ decision to go to college,” said Ernst. “I’m fighting for Iowa families, so unfair policies don’t hold them back from investing in their child’s education.”
    “From Colorado to Iowa, federal financial aid helps ensure more students can afford college – including students from farm families, whose businesses are vital to our communities and economies,” said Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill will help ensure these students receive the financial aid they need.”
    Congressman Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) is introducing this legislation in the House:
    “Across Kansas’ Big First District and the country, net farm income has decreased by nearly 25% since 2022,” said Rep. Mann. “Between navigating record-levels of inflation and skyrocketing input costs, our family farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and small business owners are doing their best to make an honest living. When young people from these families are applying for higher education financial aid, the assets tied up in the family farm or the small business should not count against them. Congress should work to make life easier, not harder, for these dedicated families and students. My bill evens the playing field for these students and families, while protecting the American dream for every student regardless of their parents’ career ventures.”
    Under the previous contribution formula, the expected family contribution – calculated from information taken from the FAFSA form – did not include farm or small business assets. However, under the new formula the student aid index will take those assets into account, drastically driving up the amount a family is expected to contribute. 
    “Senator Ernst has taken an important step to restore equity to farm families whose special circumstances were lost in the efforts to simplify the FAFSA. Leaving deserving farm families out of federal student aid programs is not simplification, it is bad policy. The nation’s private colleges are very appreciative for all she is doing to fix this mistake,” said Barbara Mistick, President of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
    “Senator Ernst’s bill is a win for Iowa families, ensuring students from family farms and small businesses across the country don’t lose out on critical financial aid. This is a step forward for Iowans and removes an unnecessary barrier to higher education,” said Brenda Buzynski, Assistant Provost and Director of Student Financial Aid at University of Iowa.
    “Our country’s farmers and ranchers are facing tremendous challenges, from a strained farm economy to legislative and regulatory uncertainty. Making it more difficult for their children to attain a college education shouldn’t be an added burden. We know that farmers’ assets are tied up in the value of their land, livestock and equipment, yet their kids may not qualify for federal financial student aid. AFBF commends Senator Ernst’s work to find a solution to the challenges created by the asset calculation changes in the FAFSA Simplification Act,” said Ryan Yates, Managing Director of Government Affairs at American Farm Bureau Federation.
    “NASSGAP is pleased to support Senator Joni Ernst’s efforts to ensure continued access to the financial aid children of family farmers need to attend college. Family farmers are the backbone of America and NASSGAP is honored to help Sen. Ernst ensure their children have the same access to higher education,” said Frank Ballman, Director of Federal Relations at the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs.
    Background:
    Ernst has been a strong advocate for Iowa families to be able to responsibly finance their child’s education. 
    After Biden’s Department of Education botched their FAFSA rollout, Ernst supported the FAFSA Deadline Act that became law and gave families the certainty they deserve. To ensure more Iowa families are not left out, Ernst conducted critical oversight, demanded answers on behalf of agricultural communities, and worked to get input directly from impacted Iowans.
    On her annual River to River Tour, Ernst hosted town halls and met with students and schools to discuss the effects of FAFSA to bring Iowans’ concerns to Washington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More funding helps update irrigation infrastructure

    Irrigation helps farmers increase yields, grow more diverse crops and improve productivity and crop quality to put more food on tables in Alberta and around the world. The irrigation district network is essential to farmers, ranchers, food processors and communities, providing much-needed water for agriculture, processing and other industries, domestic use, recreation and wildlife habitat.

    In Budget 2024, Alberta’s government increased funding for the Irrigation Rehabilitation Program to $19 million, up from $13.5 million the year before. This cost-shared program helps irrigation districts modernize infrastructure to deliver water efficiently and reliably to producers, processors and communities. Since the funding was announced, 14 projects have begun or progressed in Alberta’s 11 irrigation districts.

    “We’re maximizing water use efficiency through initiatives like the Irrigation Rehabilitation Program, helping farmers boost yields, crop diversity and quality. By increasing funding for irrigation infrastructure, we support Alberta’s economy and enhance resilience against droughts and dry conditions, ensuring a stable agricultural future. These investments are vital for both local and global food security.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    “The Irrigation Rehabilitation Program continues to successfully support the rehabilitation of irrigation delivery infrastructure within Alberta’s irrigation districts. Replacing canals with buried water pipelines and modernizing water control structures maintains an efficient and dependable system providing water security for irrigated agriculture, communities, industry, wetlands and recreation.”

    Richard Phillips, vice-chair of Alberta Irrigation Districts Association

    One project that began under the program is a partnership between the St. Mary River and Raymond Irrigation Districts. Together, they are working on major upgrades to the Chin Chute, a project that benefits both districts. The Chin reservoir is supplied by the St. Mary River Irrigation District’s main canal, which conveys irrigation water from the Milk River Ridge Reservoir, south of the Town of Raymond, about 74 kilometres. The project is expected to be completed this spring.

    “We were thankful for the increase in Irrigation Rehabilitation Program funding to $19 million announced in the 2024 budget.  It is allowing us to replace the chute at Chin Reservoir. This is a critical component of the infrastructure in the St. Mary irrigation project. Chin reservoir supports up to 400,000 acres of agriculture irrigation and water for many communities downstream of Chin.”

    David Westwood, general manager, St. Mary River Irrigation District

    Quick facts

    • The annual Irrigation Rehabilitation Program was established in 1969 and is currently cost-shared between Alberta’s government (75 per cent) and Alberta’s 11 irrigation districts (25 per cent).
    • Funding is used for planning, engineering and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure such as converting canals to pipelines.

    Projects funded under the 2024 program include:

    • Bow River Irrigation District – BK-2-2 (Vauxhall) Pipeline – replacing four kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $1,705,000.
    • Bow River Irrigation District – BK-2 (Vauxhall) Pipeline – replacing 16.7 kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $2,772,000.
    • Eastern Irrigation District – West Bantry Canal – Armour – add armour to upgrade 8.6 kilometres of existing earth canal at an estimated cost of $1,300,000.
    • Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District – Lateral A3 Pipeline – replacing 1.6 kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $819,000.
    • Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District – Lateral 61C Pipeline – replacing 6.6 kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $7,500,000.
    • Magrath Irrigation District – Miller Pipeline – replacing three kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $701,000.
    • Raymond Irrigation District – New Dayton CPR Crossing – replacing two open channel canals totalling 11.5 kilometres with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $1,905,000.
    • Raymond Irrigation District – Aerial Photos – to assist with future and ongoing planning at an estimated cost of $5,000.
    • Raymond Irrigation District – 9 Mile Phase 4 – replacing two open channel canals totalling 11.5 kilometres with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $1,905,000.
    • St. Mary River Irrigation District & Raymond Irrigation District – Chin Chute Rehabilitation – replace aging spillway structure and increase flowrate capacity at an estimated cost of $27,097,432.
    • Southwest Irrigation District – Upper Lateral K Pipeline – replacing 2.3 kilometres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $1,507,000.
    • United Irrigation District – Lateral F Phase 2 – replacing 700 metres of open channel canal with buried pipeline at an estimated cost of $788,000.
    • Western Irrigation District – Secondary C Controls – replacing four aging structures, including upgrades and automation at an estimated cost of $1,066,000.
    • Western Irrigation District – Secondary C Inline Storage – investigation and feasibility study for four strategic water storage sites at an estimated cost of $634,000.

    Related news

    • Bolstering Alberta’s irrigation infrastructure (April 30, 2024)

     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC and Palestine Emerging continue to promote economic opportunity in the Middle East 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC and Palestine Emerging continue to promote economic opportunity in the Middle East 

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    A second meeting of the ICC-Palestine Emerging Steering Committee was held virtually on 7 February, marking a progress-tracking milestone since the collaboration was announced in October 2024. With a focus on the economic development and reconstruction of Gaza and the West Bank, the ICC-Palestine Emerging partnership works to promote strong private sectors across the Middle East.

    Another key achievement has been the formal affiliation of the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (FPCCIA) with the ICC World Chambers Federation. The affiliation will allow Palestinian companies to participate in ICC’s global business events and to gain international market access. It will also provide Palestinian companies with direct access to ICC OneClick, ICC’s gateway supporting SMEs in their export journey, now available in Arabic.

    ICC Secretary General, John W.H. Denton AO said:

    “By combining the breadth and credibility of ICC’s network and expertise with Palestine Emerging’s local insights, this collaboration will continue to foster Palestine’s engagement with the global economy with integrity”

    The ICC-Palestine Emerging partnership has identified 15 workstreams aimed at growing the Palestinian economy, and the Middle East region at large. These include concrete initiatives to strengthen the Palestinian private sector’s involvement with ICC’s global network, including through the establishment of a new national committee.

    ICC is working closely with Palestine Emerging to promote the Palestinian entrepreneurship ecosystem by facilitating engagement between local startups, education institutions and international investors. The initiative also aims to enhance investment attraction efforts and support economic reconstruction, including by developing local arbitration capabilities and bringing ICC’s alternative dispute resolution services to Palestine.

    Senior ICC representatives have actively engaged in Palestine Emerging activities. These include joint events with the United States Institute of Peace in Washington D.C. in December 2024 and the Palestine Emerging International Advisory Group meeting in London in January 2025.

    ICC and Palestine Emerging have secured support from key international players for these joint initiatives through engagement with key government and business leaders.

    As momentum builds, ICC and Palestine Emerging’s collaboration will continue to drive economic opportunity and integration for Palestinian businesses with the global economy.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preventing the Spread of Avian Influenza in Poultry

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that, as part of New York State’s continued effort to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) has issued a new Notice and Order for live bird markets that have not had a detection of HPAI in New York City and Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. The order requires those markets to sell down all inventory, complete cleaning and disinfection procedures, and remain closed for a period of five days after cleaning and disinfection. In addition, the Notice and Order further outlines quarantine and depopulation procedures for markets that have confirmed detections of HPAI. This Notice and Order follows seven detections of HPAI in markets in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn during routine surveillance conducted by AGM since January 31, 2025. The State reminds farmers to follow good biosecurity measures and emphasizes that the risk to humans remains low.

    “Safeguarding public health is all about being proactive, and New York State is continuing our coordinated effort to monitor for the Avian Influenza,” Governor Hochul said. “My top priority will always be to keep New Yorkers safe, and I have directed our state agencies to use all available resources to ensure we are taking every measure necessary to keep the risk to the public low. We will continue to take these measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately protect our communities.”

    New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We’re continuing to work hard with our partners to combat the spread of HPAI in New York. Today, I signed a Notice and Order requiring that live bird markets in New York City and the surrounding areas close for cleaning and disinfection, even if they haven’t yet had a detection of HPAI in their market. Following seven detections of HPAI in live bird markets in the last week, this Notice and Order is a commonsense measure aimed at getting ahead of the virus, rather than chasing it. We’re working with USDA and other partners to make sure that we can minimize the economic impact to these markets, and we very much appreciate the markets’ cooperation and assistance in protecting public and animal health.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “While there is no immediate threat to public health and no known cases of HPAIin humans in New York State, we support the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ latest proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease between animals and humans by temporarily closing live bird markets in New York City and surrounding counties. Those who have regular contact with livestock and wild birds should safeguard their health by wearing personal protective equipment when in contact with these animals. We will remain vigilant in working with our state and local partners to monitor for detections and reduce any potential risks to public health and safety.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Through Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is acting aggressively to monitor for and advance actions to reduce the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. DEC remains committed to working comprehensively with our state and federal partners to respond to HPAI and encourages New Yorkers to use our new web-based tool to report suspected HPAI outbreaks in wildlife, and follow proper precautions when handling deceased wildlife. Visit DEC’s website for additional information on safe wildlife handling and proper disposal techniques.”

    New York City Health Department Acting Commissioner Michelle Morse said, “The current risk to New Yorkers of bird flu (H5N1) remains low. Avian influenza viruses only present a wider risk if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people – which we have not seen. The NYC Health Department will continue to work closely with the NYS Department of Agriculture and NYS Department of Health to ensure that Live Bird Market staff receive essential information and, if symptoms present themselves, receive any treatment they may need. We are prepared to respond to any disease outbreak, including quickly ramping up testing and treatment, and working closely with providers and community partners to rapidly disseminate messaging.”

    HPAI is a contagious viral disease that is known to be deadly to domestic poultry and has been transmitted within and between farms and live bird markets. The temporary shutdown mandated by the Notice and Order is necessary and essential to ensuring a break in HPAI virus transmission within the impacted markets. While AGM’s routine surveillance is effective, after finding seven detections of HPAI in live bird markets within the last week, the temporary shutdown ensures that the State can get ahead of any additional opportunities for transmission of the virus within the markets at the current time. A uniform market closure for a five-day period addresses the persistence and circulation of the virus within the markets by quickly reducing the virus prevalence to zero percent.

    Effective immediately, the Notice and Order requires that:

    • No poultry shall be delivered to live bird markets or distributors covered by the Order from February 7, 2025 through February 14, 2025.
    • Any market that harbors birds exhibiting clinical signs of HPAI must contact the Department of Agriculture and Markets immediately to undergo investigation and testing.
    • Markets that test positive for HPAI shall be depopulated; undergo cleaning and disinfection and be empty of birds for five days, at a minimum; and shall remain closed until the market passes cleaning and disinfection inspection by an AGM animal health inspector.
    • All unaffected live bird markets in New York City and Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties must sell down all inventory for a period of three days beginning on February 7, 2025; complete cleaning and disinfection procedures; and subsequently close for a period of five days following cleaning and disinfection. These markets must pass a cleaning and disinfection inspection by an AGM animal health inspector before reopening.

    Cleaning and disinfection includes the removal of all organic debris from all equipment, caging, flooring, etc.; and requires that all surfaces be cleaned with soap or detergent, rinsed with water, and saturated with a disinfectant appropriate for killing the avian influenza virus, in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.

    USDA provides indemnity and compensation for losses incurred following a confirmed detection of HPAI on a premise.

    State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “This proactive decision by NYS Agriculture and Markets to temporarily close at-risk poultry markets as a precaution against avian flu is a difficult yet necessary step to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease. New York benefits immensely from having one of the country’s top Animal Diagnostic Labs at Cornell University, which will play a critical role in limiting further spread and reducing disruptions for both farmers and businesses. We are committed to ensuring that the lab has the necessary resources to quickly respond to this and any other pathogen-based threats that may emerge.”

    Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “After detecting avian flu at seven live bird markets across NYS, the decision was made to temporarily close these markets. Proactive measures, while concerning to businesses and consumers alike, are necessary to help prevent the spread of a virus that has devastated poultry farms across the country. We are fortunate in NYS to have one of the country’s premier Animal Diagnostic Labs at Cornell University whose expertise will be invaluable as we navigate these waters.”

    HPAI in Poultry

    At Governor Hochul’s direction, AGM, DOH, and DEC continue to collaborate closely on proactive measures to prevent the spread of HPAI and facilitate early detection, as the risk to humans remains low. The New York State Department of Health is also reminding the public that the finding of HPAI in this market does not present an immediate public health concern. Individuals working in the markets will be assessed for potential high-risk exposure and be monitored for symptoms by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene accordingly. If any become ill, they will be evaluated for infection with avian influenza. Since the start of 2024, there have been 67 human cases of avian influenza in the United States, and none of these have been in New York State.

    AGM encourages those involved in poultry production to take extra steps to prevent their flocks from becoming infected. All poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.

    In addition to practicing good biosecurity, poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time, particularly as the State continues to see HPAI detections in wild bird populations.

    To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact AGM’s Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

    HPAI in Dairy Cattle

    In January, AGM announced that it is implementing new testing initiatives on dairy farms as part of its aggressive, proactive response to the outbreak of HPAI in livestock in other states. Working in close collaboration with federal partners, including USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, FDA, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and State partners, including DOH, this enhanced testing strategy is part of the State’s effort to protect animal and human health and prevent the transmission of HPAI in livestock in New York State. While there have been no detections of HPAI in livestock in New York to date, the State’s comprehensive approach is aimed at ensuring the state remains free of HPAI and facilitating early detection.

    In addition to the new testing initiative, New York State has taken multiple preventative measures to prevent the spread of HPAI and protect animal and human health since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024. In April, June, and August 2024, the Department issued orders on import requirements for dairy cattle coming into New York as well as testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions. These orders continue to remain in place until further notice.

    USDA offers several producer support programs that are available to all dairy producers as well as certain programs only available to dairy producers with HPAI-positive herds. These programs include tools to support biosecurity planning and implementation as well as financial support programs to offset costs associated with HPAI testing, veterinary expenses, personal protective equipment purchases, milk disposal, and milk losses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: 3 ways the Trump administration could reinvest in rural America’s future

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Randolph Hubach, Professor of Public Health, Purdue University

    Rural America can be idyllic, but many communities still need support. Mint Images via Getty Images

    Rural America faces many challenges that Congress and the federal government could help alleviate under the new Trump administration.

    Rural hospitals and their obstetrics wards have been closing at a rapid pace, leaving rural residents traveling farther for health care. Affordable housing is increasingly hard to find in rural communities, where pay is often lower and poverty higher than average. Land ownership is changing, leaving more communities with outsiders wielding influence over their local resources.

    As experts in rural health and policy at the Center for Rural and Migrant Health at Purdue University, we work with people across the United States to build resilient rural communities.

    Here are some ways we believe the Trump administration could work with Congress to boost these communities’ health and economies.

    1. Rural health care access

    One of the greatest challenges to rural health care is its vulnerability to shifts in policy and funding cuts because of rural areas’ high rates of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

    About 25% of rural residents rely on Medicaid, a federal program that provides health insurance for low-income residents. A disproportionate share of Medicare beneficiaries – people over 65 who receive federal health coverage – also live in rural areas. At the same time, the average health of rural residents lags the nation as a whole.

    Rural clinics and hospitals

    Funding from those federal programs affects rural hospitals, and rural hospitals are struggling.

    Nearly half of rural hospitals operate in the red today, and over 170 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. The low population density of rural areas can make it difficult for hospitals to cover operating costs when their patient volume is low. These hospital closures have left rural residents traveling an extra 20 miles (32 km) on average to receive inpatient health care services and an extra 40 miles (64 km) for specialty care services.

    The government has created programs to try to help keep hospitals operating, but they all require funding that is at risk. For example:

    • The Low-volume Hospital Adjustment Act, first implemented in 2005, has helped numerous rural hospitals by boosting their Medicare payments per patient, but it faces regular threats of funding cuts. It and several other programs to support Medicare-dependent hospitals are set to expire on March 31, 2025, when the next federal budget is due.

    • The rural emergency hospital model, created in 2020, helps qualifying rural facilities to maintain access to essential emergency and outpatient hospital services, also by providing higher Medicare payments. Thus far, only 30 rural hospitals have transitioned to this model, in part because they would have to eliminate inpatient care services, which also limits outpatient surgery and other medical services that could require overnight care in the event of an emergency.

    Rural emergency hospitals can get extra funding, but there’s a catch: They have no inpatient beds, so people in need of longer care must go farther.
    AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

    Services for pregnant women have also gotten harder to find in rural areas.

    Between 2011 and 2021, 267 rural hospitals discontinued obstetric services, representing 25% of the United States’ rural obstetrics units. In response, the federal government has implemented various initiatives to enhance access to care, such as the Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program and the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Management Strategies Program. However, these programs also require funding.

    Expanding telehealth

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth – the ability to meet with your doctor over video – wasn’t widely used. It could be difficult for doctors to ensure reimbursement, and the logistics of meeting federal requirements and privacy rules could be challenging.

    The pandemic changed that. Improving technology allowed telehealth to quickly expand, reducing people’s contact with sick patients, and the government issued waivers for Medicare and Medicaid to pay for telehealth treatment. That opened up new opportunities for rural patients to get health care and opportunities for providers to reach more patients.

    However, the Medicare and Medicaid waivers for most telehealth services were only temporary. Only payments for mental and behavioral health teleheath services continued, and those are set to expire with the federal budget in March 2025, unless they are renewed.

    One way to expand rural health care would be to make those waivers permanent.

    Increasing access to telehealth could also support people struggling with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders, which have been on the rise in rural areas.

    2. Affordable housing is a rural problem too

    Like their urban peers, rural communities face a shortage of affordable housing.

    Unemployment in rural areas today exceeds levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. Job growth and median incomes lag behind urban areas, and rural poverty rates are higher.

    Rural housing prices have been exacerbated by continued population growth over the past four years, lower incomes compared with their urban peers, limited employment opportunities and few high-quality homes available for rent or sale. Rural communities often have aging homes built upon outdated or inadequate infrastructure, such as deteriorating sewer and water lines.

    Rental homes in older towns can become run down. Community maintenance of pipes and other services also requires funding.
    LawrenceSawyer/E+ via Getty Images

    One proposal to help people looking for affordable rural housing is the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which calls for creating a new federal tax credit to spur the development and renovation of family housing in distressed urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods.

    Similarly, the Section 502 Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which subsidizes mortgages for low-income applicants to obtain safe housing, could be expanded with additional funding to enable more people to receive subsidized mortgages.

    3. Locally owned land benefits communities

    Seniors age 65 and older own 40% of the agricultural land in the U.S., according to the American Farmland Trust. That means that more than 360 million acres of farmland could be transferred to new owners in the next few decades. If their heirs aren’t interested in farming, that land could be sold to large operations or real estate developers.

    That affects rural communities because locally owned rural businesses tend to invest in their communities, and they are more likely to make decisions that benefit the community’s well-being.

    A farmer carries organic squash during harvest. Young farmers often struggle to find land to expand their operations.
    Thomas Barwick/Stone via Getty Images

    Congress can take some steps to help communities keep more farmland locally owned.

    The proposed Farm Transitions Act, for example, would establish a commission on farm transitions to study issues that affect locally owned farms and provide recommendations to help transition agricultural operations to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

    About 30% of farmers have been in business for less than 10 years, and many of them rent the land they farm. Programs such as USDA’s farm loan programs and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program help support local land purchases and could be improved to identify and eliminate barriers that communities face.

    We believe that by addressing these issues, Congress and the new administration can help some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Efforts to build resilient and strong rural communities will benefit everyone.

    Randolph Hubach receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

    Cody Mullen receives funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is affiliated with the National Rural Health Association.

    – ref. 3 ways the Trump administration could reinvest in rural America’s future – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-the-trump-administration-could-reinvest-in-rural-americas-future-245451

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Opens Historic Underground Railroad Site in Wrightsville to Public for First Time in History

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 06, 2025 – Wrightsville, PA

    Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Opens Historic Underground Railroad Site in Wrightsville to Public for First Time in History

    For the first time in 225 years, the public will gain access to Mifflin Farm, a documented Underground Railroad site and the location of a pivotal Civil War battle, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced today during a visit to the site in honor of Black History Month.

    The 79-acre Mifflin Farm property, expected to open for tours this spring, includes the Mifflin House, a documented stop for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Investments from DCNR, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the National Park Service, The Conservation Fund, several York County organizations, and private donors will open the site to the public for the first time in more than two centuries. The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is planning a discovery center and heritage park at the site, featuring walking trails interpreting the Underground Railroad and the Civil War battle in Wrightsville, with public access beginning this spring.

    “This site is integral in telling the story of Pennsylvania and its fight to end slavery,” said Secretary Dunn. “As we celebrate Black History Month, we must not forget those who fought for their own freedom, risking their lives to travel the Underground Railroad North. We must also remember those who fought for what was right, despite the prevailing norms of the time.”

    Speaker list:
    Nelson Polite, Jr., President, African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania
    Mark Platts, President & CEO, Susquehanna National Heritage Area
    Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR
    Neicy Deshields-Moulton, Genealogist
    Doug Hoke, York County Commissioner
    State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sowing the Seeds of Change in Danbury Schools

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Gardens welcome students, employees, and visitors at all of Danbury’s schools, thanks to Anne Mead, the director of family, school, and community partnerships for Danbury Public Schools, and the many people and organizations she works with on the school garden initiatives. Her role includes working with partners and developing strategies for families to engage with the schools.

    Mead ’06 (BGS) has a master’s and doctoral degree in educational and organizational systems and the Danbury Schools recruited her to lead the partnerships initiatives in 2008.

    Mead is a UConn Extension Master Gardener volunteer and collaborates with this program and UConn Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in her work with Danbury Schools.

    “I came into the district with a farm and garden approach to schools, and we have gardens at many schools now. We have a Farm to School Institute team and are implementing the 3C’s classroom, curriculum, and cafeteria,” she says.

    Students have opportunities for experiential learning through the gardens, including planting, watering, and caring for the plants. This fosters their education, and nutrition awareness as they harvest produce from the garden and help prepare healthy meals.

    Mead’s Extension involvement began as a child, growing up in Redding. Her mother was an avid gardener and healthy cook; a 4-H leader, as well as a cookbook committee member. Mead always loved gardening because of this early introduction. She and her husband live in Danbury and have extensive gardens on their property as well.

    During the pandemic, Mead enrolled in UConn Extension’s Master Gardener Program and earned her certification.

    “The Master Gardeners brought my horticultural understanding to a different level intellectually because of the amount of knowledge you walk away with; you understand the whys, permaculture, and wind patterns.” She also recently became an Advanced Master Gardener.

    In addition to the skills and knowledge she has gained, Mead also appreciates the community connections Extension programming provides. She helps families who visit the Master Gardeners at the farmers market, providing resources and recommendations on types of vegetables to grow and scaling up their garden each year. She continues volunteering with the program and helping people with gardening and food choices, in addition to her role with the schools.

    “I encourage everyone to visit an Extension location; there is one in every county,” Mead says. “Talk to the program coordinator and graduates, spend some time volunteering with the Master Gardeners or sit in on a class. Look at the projects in your community. Becoming a Master Gardener is one way to become informed and spend time in your community.”

    Mead’s building in the Danbury School System is connected to the elementary school building, and this year, she received a grant from the Connecticut Master Gardener Association to add a pollinator garden for butterflies and insects on their playscape. She also serves on the district’s health and wellness committee, and they are developing healthier snacks, cutting down on highly processed, sugar-laden foods, and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to the menus. The 3- to 5-year-olds participate in making the meals and then filling their plates.

    “Anne Mead is a dynamic partner. She brings in-depth knowledge about greater Danbury and coupled with her knowledge of public education, especially understanding the needs of area students and their families, exemplifies how Extension increases its reach even further as we support and help grow these important initiatives,” Bonnie Burr, the assistant director of UConn Extension says.

    One of her next projects will be helping bring a Green Academy to Danbury High School’s Wall to Wall Academy. This will include gardening aspects and career pathways, and she’s excited to incorporate her horticultural knowledge and Master Gardener experiences in this new initiative.

    The gardening and nutrition projects are one aspect of Mead’s work with Danbury Public Schools, but the impact is far-reaching.

    “We hope to see much better nutrition,” Mead shares. “Gardening with the students is a time without a lot of competition and very little technology, they can be themselves in the garden. The parents are participating too, and it’s building a sense of community with the youth and families.”

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – “State of food emergency” while the country is in electoral campaign

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Foto di Eduardo Prim su Unsplash

    Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The state of “food emergency” declared by the Philippine government to counter the “rice crisis” – due to an “extraordinary” increase in the price of the country’s staple food – “is an economic problem, but it also has political implications: we are in the electoral campaign, with a view to the elections in May, and the rice issue will influence this period. It will be used by politicians to capitalize on the consensus for or against President Marcos”, underlines Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao, in an interview with Fides.“In Mindanao”, says the Jesuit, “there is discontent at the moment, but people can still buy rice at the market. Of course, this is an important issue and we are in a precarious balance”. “There are farmers who have a low income from growing rice for sale,” the Archbishop continued. “Their situation overlaps with the problem of imports, since domestic demand in the Philippines cannot be met by local production. Making the country self-sufficient in rice needs and finding measures to achieve this is an open and protracted problem.These are all issues that affect the common good, but they are now entering the electoral campaign and are in danger of being instrumentalized,” he explains.The declaration of rice food emergency was signed on February 4 and allows for the release of rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to stabilize prices “and ensure that rice, a staple food for millions of Filipinos, remains accessible to consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. A release of 300,000 tons of rice, about 30,000 per month, is planned for a period of 10 months to stabilize the market through lower prices. The NFA will start selling its rice stocks in selected markets to government-controlled companies at a price of 36 pesos per kilo, while rice currently sells between 50 and 60 pesos per kilo. This will benefit both consumers and local farmers as rice will be available at a lower price. The food safety emergency will remain in effect until it is lifted by the department. In this regard, Laurel stressed that food prices have remained high despite the decline in global rice prices and the reduction of tariffs on imported rice in July 2024. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), rice inflation reached 4.2 percent at the end of 2024, with a steady increase. In this situation, welfare programs for the sale of cheaper rice in centers and outlets under the “Rice for all” program were launched to help the country’s citizens, especially from the poorer sections of the population. In the Catholic communities, to support the food security of the poorest, the “Pondo ng Pinoy” program is active, an anti-poverty initiative that was first launched in the Diocese of Manila in 2004 and has now spread to 30 dioceses. The basis of the program is the formula “a little for many”, in which as many people as possible are invited to donate 25 cents every day as a gesture of charity towards those in need. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 7/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £15 million food surplus fund now open for applications

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Food redistribution charities can submit applications for grants starting at £20,000

    Food redistribution charities can now submit applications for a new £15 million Government scheme, which is helping to ensure surplus food is delivered to those who need it.  

    Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates. This food should be going onto the nation’s plates, but charities often lack the resources to salvage it and provide it to the most vulnerable. 

    The new Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme will strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms, with grants starting from £20,000 to help organisations fight hunger in communities.  

    From today (Friday 7 February), applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.  

    The funding can go towards purchasing new packaging and labelling equipment and vehicles to move goods from farms to a redistribution organisation, as well as new equipment, like fridges or freezers, to safely store food and ensure it lasts longer.  

    The fund is open to food redistribution charities and any groups with an interest are encouraged to apply. 

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on our nation’s tables. This fund will help charities work more closely with farmers to create new ways to get fresh produce to the people who need it most. 

    I encourage our brilliant, dedicated redistribution charities and non-profits to apply for this funding to ensure more British fruit and veg gets to those who need it most.

    In a joint statement, the CEOs of The Bread and Butter Thing, City Harvest, FareShare, The Felix Project and Co-Chairs of The Xcess Group said:

    As leaders of the surplus food redistribution sector and following years of campaigning, we are delighted to welcome the launch of this fund ahead of British growing season. 

    It presents an opportunity to make a profound impact by empowering local charities and community organisations. These groups are the backbone of British society, and we are proud to support them. 

    By working across the charitable redistribution sector, we can help ensure that this scheme is implemented efficiently through our joint capacity, delivers tangible value to taxpayers, and helps millions of meals reach as many people as possible at a time of considerable need. 

    Applications can be submitted online until 11:55am on 13 March 2025.  

    There is more to come as the Government moves to ensure the throwaway society is ended for good.  

    A new Circular Economy Taskforce, comprising members from industry, academia, and civil society across the UK, has been set up. They will lead on the development of a Circular Economy Strategy for England, which will outline how individual sectors can contribute to ambitions in this area.   

    This is alongside continued support for the Courtauld Commitment 2030, managed by environmental NGO WRAP, which looks to deliver a more sustainable supply chain and reduce food waste in the home – tackling food waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.

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    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Catholic priest kidnapped.

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic priest was kidnapped yesterday morning, February 6. He is Fr. Cornellus Manzak Damulak, who studies at Veritas University in Abuja, the federal capital. According to the diocese of Shendam, to which the priest belongs, “Fr. Damulak was kidnapped in the early hours of February 6 from his home in Zuma 2, Bwari Area Council of the capital district.””We call on all believers in Christ and all people of good will to pray for his speedy and safe release from the hands of his kidnappers. We entrust our brother, Fr. Cornelius Manzak Damulak, to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, and all the saints, to give him strength and bring him back to us,” the diocese concluded.The diocese of Shendam is a suffragan of the diocese of Jos, in Plateau State (central Nigeria). The Bwari region, where the priest was kidnapped, is one of the regions most affected by kidnappings. Many residents of the area, especially farmers, were kidnapped and large sums of money were demanded for their release.The way in which the priest was kidnapped, namely by bandits who attacked him in his home, is not new either. At the end of January, an entire family was kidnapped by bandits armed with Kalashnikovs who entered their home in Chikakore, a town on the outskirts of Kubwa (also in the Bwari region), about 30 kilometers from the center of Abuja. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 7/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New deal for agriculture

    Source: Scottish Government

    Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.

    Farmers and crofters will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.

    Speaking at the NFU Scotland annual conference he outlined how at least £14 million of the funding will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.

    Other significant announcements included:

    • an additional £7 million in 2025 through the Agri-environment climate scheme (AECS) to undertake activities supporting nature, climate and biodiversity alongside food production
    • hosting a new entrant’s summit bringing key individuals together to find solutions to attract more people into farming
    • a three year programme of national land Lidar laser scanning to accurately map terrain
    • committing £75,000 to RSABI (founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) to provide mental health support for farmers and crofters
    • further details of how the routemap to implementing a new framework of agriculture support will work
    • a commitment to delivering ultra-high frequency (UHF) electronic identification for cows to improve traceability

    Mr Swinney said:

    “I want to see a farming sector that is equipped and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. That is why at least £14 million will be delivered through our Future Farming Investment Scheme.

    “We will work at pace to consult with industry to ensure the capital grant scheme guidance and priorities work for a range of businesses and that the application processes are simple and straightforward. They will not be prescriptive, as long as the funds are used to drive efficiency or support nature and climate friendly farming your bid will be valid and could receive support.

    “A flourishing Scotland means a flourishing rural Scotland. And for rural Scotland to thrive, farming must thrive. I look forward to working with the industry – building on the constructive working relationships we have with NFU Scotland to show that this government is committed to continuing to support our nation’s farmers.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ESTABLISHMENT OF CRIDA MISSION OFFICE IN MARATHWADA REGION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:46PM by PIB Delhi

    ICAR- CRIDA is working in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra extensively and directly in three different ways with an overall aim to conduct essential and strategic research on dryland agriculture (through All India Coordinated Research Project on Dry Land Agriculture (AICRPDA) and All India Coordinated Research Project on Agro-Meteorology (AICRPAM) centres and utilize its results in the Marathwada Region to assist struggling farmers through National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture – Technology demonstration component (NICRA-TDC):

    (1). AICRPDA Parbhani centre located in Marathwada region is working for evaluation and establishment of region-specific crops and cropping systems; rainwater management; nutrient management; energy management; alternate land use management and Rainfed Integrated Farming Systems (RIFS).

    (2). AICRPAM Parbhani centre located in Marathwada region is working in the area of resource characterization; establishing crop-weather-insect-pest relationship of major crops in Marathwada region, and dissemination of region based agro-met advisories.

    (3). Jalna, Latur and Osmanabad centres of NICRA-TDC through the KVKs situated in the Marathwada region are upscaling the climate resilient technologies in the region under four modules, i.e., natural resource management, crops and cropping system, livestock, village level institutions, capacity building etc. The major technologies which are being upscaled in the region are short duration and drought escaping soybean variety (MAUS-158); short duration pigeonpea variety (BDN-711) for the frequently drought prone regions; stress tolerant variety of safflower (PBNS-12) for receding moisture conditions; stress tolerant rabi sorghum variety (Parbhani Moti); Intercropping systems for stabilizing production and to minimize risk in drought prone-regions for risk minimization in frequently drought prone regions of Maharashtra to assist struggling farmers.     

    The proposal to establish a mission office in Marathwada region of Maharashtra is not under consideration.

    ICAR-IGFRI has developed Fodder Resource Development Plan for Maharashtra including Marathwada Region focused on aiding farmers in distress.  This Plan helped in reducing the gap of 31.3% shortage of dry fodder and 59.4% shortage of green fodder in Maharashtra. To further add the forage availability, a policy was developed for Indian Rangeland and Grassland Conservation, Restoration and Sustenance, which helped in rejuvenating the grasslands of Maharashtra.

    Further, Two Centres of All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization (AICRP-FC&U) supported from ICAR are already working at Pune and Rahuri, to generate and disseminate the technologies for whole of the Maharashtra including Marathwada region on fodder Crops in Rabi and Kharif season on Farmers’ Field.

    During the last five years, more than 50 varieties in different fodder crops have been developed and recommended by AICRP-FC&U and ICAR-IGFRI for the cultivation in the different parts of Maharashtra.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government through ICAR flagship network project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) develop and promotes climate resilient agricultural technologies in 151 climatically vulnerable districts spread across the country, which are prone to extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heatwaves, etc in light of the challenges posed by climate change. Climate resilient technologies viz., climate resilient varieties, intercropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero-till sowing, green manuring, integrated farming systems, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, protective irrigation, micro irrigation methods etc. have been developed and demonstrated to large number of farmers through farmers’ participatory approach. Further, these technologies have been documented for 23 States and 3 Union Territories and shared with the State departments for further upscaling and convergence with on-going schemes in the States.

    To promote Precision Agriculture, ICAR has a Network Program on Precision Agriculture (ICAR-NePPA) working at 16 locations to develop ICT based technologies for accelerated profitable and sustainable system through precise use of inputs. Some of the outcomes of the project related to adopting to climate change/ weather aberrations are as, sensor-based soil and crop health monitoring and precision management of inputs (water and fertilizer) using robotics, IoTs and Data analytics; developed technologies for pest and disease monitoring particularly for rice and cotton crops for value added advisories for real time management.

    ICAR operates All India Coordinated Research Programme on Integrated Farming Systems (AICRP-IFS) in 25 States/UTs and All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AINP-OF) in 16 States to develop sustainable farming practices such as alternate efficient cropping systems, integrated farming systems, organic farming and natural farming to address the challenges posed by climate change. A total of 76 models of integrated farming system (IFS) including 8 integrated organic farming system models for 26 States/UTs and organic farming packages for 80 cropping systems suitable to 16 States have been developed so far.          

    (c):    To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMSA has three major components i.e. Rainfed Area Development (RAD); On Farm Water Management (OFWM); and Soil Health Management (SHM). The Government of India provides financial assistance to the states through the NMSA to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.

    Further, Government has introduced flagship yield based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) from Kharif 2016 to help farmers build resilience against extreme weather events.

    Through Technology Demonstration component of NICRA, 6,93,629 farmers were benefitted through technology demonstrations and 6,47,735 farmers were benefitted through 23,613 capacity building programs on climate resilient agriculture.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Re-election in sight for Chair of ICC World Chambers Federation

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Re-election in sight for Chair of ICC World Chambers Federation

    Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu’s three-year mandate will begin on 1 July 2025, following formal ratification by the ICC World Council in June. This will be Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu’s second and final mandate, following his initial election in 2023. As ICC WCF Chair, he will continue to strengthen the chamber community worldwide and increase the impact of the ICC World Chambers Federation, ICC’s unique forum connecting chambers across borders.

    Responding to the election results, Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

    “I am honoured by the trust of my fellow chamber colleagues in re-electing me for a new term. We are committed to working even harder to strengthen and expand our unique global network of chambers, ensuring it becomes even more diverse and representative. We will also reaffirm the ICC World Chambers Federation as a trusted business partner to all chambers in our network, equipping them with ICC tools and resources to enhance their operations, drive growth, and create a better business environment.”

    ICC Secretary General John W. H. Denton AO said:

    “I congratulate Rifat on his re-election – a testament to the trust our chamber community places in him and a well-deserved recognition of his leadership.”

    About Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu

    Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu is the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), the country’s largest business organisation, representing 366 chambers and commodity exchanges and over 2 million members. He also serves as Chair of ICC Türkiye. 

    With an extensive background in international business and chamber leadership, he currently holds key positions in several global organisations, including Vice-President of EUROCHAMBRES, Vice-President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce, Vice-President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Chair of B20 Türkiye, and member of the ICC Executive Board.  

    In addition to his institutional leadership, he is a prominent business figure in Türkiye and the surrounding region, serving as Chairman of Eskihisar Group, which operates in construction, real estate, the food industry and the automotive sector. 

    About the election process

    In accordance with the ICC WCF Articles, Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu’s re-election is subject to formal ratification by the ICC World Council in June 2025 upon recommendation by the ICC Executive Board.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Keep your heart healthy this February with the blood pressure monitor 7 February 2025 Blood pressure monitor loan scheme

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    In September 2024 the Isle of Wight Council launched its blood pressure monitor loan scheme. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, checking your blood pressure is a positive step you can take. Residents could visit one of the council libraries and borrow a blood pressure monitor for free.  

    The scheme has gone so well that the council is now also making this service available in East Cowes Library, in addition to six other libraries which are, 

    There have been nearly 80 loans to date, allowing people to help monitor their blood pressure in the comfort of their own home. Should individuals have any concerns they should consult/ access appropriate help and support from a medical professional.  

    Teams from within the libraries have given some great feedback on the scheme so far.  

    Staff at Ventnor Library said: “Our customers think the service is wonderful and they can’t believe that it’s free! When they need to monitor their blood pressure, they just go to the library and borrow one. No wait and no fuss.” 

    Ryde Library staff said “Customers are delighted by this new service available from the library. They’re really grateful to be able to borrow a blood pressure monitor for free. It’s so easy to use at their leisure in the comfort of their own homes.” 

    Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health commented ‘’We’re really pleased with the response and use of the blood pressure monitor scheme so far. February is Heart Month, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this amazing offer.’’ 

    Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight added ‘’we are really pleased at how well the blood pressure monitor loan scheme has been received by residents on the Island. We know that high blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease but often has no symptoms. Around 1 in 4 people will have high blood pressure without knowing it. Knowing your blood pressure means being able to make the lifestyle changes and or get the help needed to bring blood pressure down to a healthy level. 

    The free to loan monitors are available to Island residents over the age of 18 years old who hold a valid library membership. If you are not a member of your local library it takes just a few minutes on arrival, just bring along a photo ID.  

    Residents can also visit their local pharmacy and enquire about a free blood pressure check.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Sanders, Colleagues Call on Administration to End Harmful Freeze on Health Communications and Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) led a group of 34 Senators calling on Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy Fink to end the unprecedented freeze on all external communications and funding.

    This freeze has disrupted clinical trials, prevented the National Institutes of Health and other agencies from engaging with patient groups and scientific advisory committees, and delayed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the nation’s premier publication for disseminating public health updates, for the first time in over 60 years. The political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented, unacceptable, and a threat to public health.

    “We write to express our deep concern over the Administration’s recent decision to freeze external communications and suspend federal health funding at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),” wrote the Senators. “The abrupt order has already disrupted patient care, public health oversight, halted medical research funding, and obstructed critical regulatory processes.”

    “This political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented and unacceptable. … The American people depend on HHS agencies to provide accurate, real-time information about disease outbreaks, medical research, and regulatory decisions. We urge you to immediately reverse this harmful decision,” the Senators continued.

    Klobuchar and Sanders were joined by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Acting Secretary Fink:

    We write to express our deep concern over the Administration’s recent decision to freeze external communications and suspend federal health funding at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The abrupt order has already disrupted patient care, public health oversight, halted medical research funding, and obstructed critical regulatory processes.

    On January 22, all 13 HHS operating divisions – including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were told to immediately “pause” all external communications and grant disbursements until at least February 1, with no clear plan for restoration. This directive prohibits agencies from issuing public health advisories, publishing scientific reports, updating websites, announcing regulatory decisions, or conducting outreach to patient groups – unless such activity is explicitly approved by politically appointed leadership.

    With the Administration’s own deadline having passed, it remains unclear when these restrictions will be lifted. While limited exceptions exist for critical health, safety, or national security concerns, the freeze has already severely impeded essential public health and biomedical research functions.

    The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the nation’s premier publication for disseminating public health updates, was abruptly delayed for the first time in over 60 years, limiting reporting on the H5N1 bird flu outbreak and other emerging infectious disease threats. The MMWR often includes clinical recommendations for doctors, such as guidance on how to treat diseases that are currently circulating in the United States – and delaying the MMWR means that doctors may not have all the latest information they need to keep their patients healthy.

    At the NIH, new clinical trials have been delayed and external peer-review grant processes have faced disruptions. NIH study sections – which legally must review grant applications before funding can be disbursed – were initially canceled, creating uncertainty about when federal research funds will be awarded. Despite efforts by the Administration to provide clarity, it remains unclear whether the full peer-review process has resumed and how long grant funding decisions will continue to be delayed. This uncertainty has placed billions in federal research funds in limbo, directly threatening ongoing medical studies and academic research programs.

    The freeze has also blocked NIH from engaging with patient groups on ways to recruit participants into ongoing clinical trials. This means that patients with rare diseases, cancer, and other serious conditions who rely on clinical trials for treatments may be prevented from enrolling, directly jeopardizing their access to life-saving care.

    This political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented and unacceptable. While it is not unusual for a new administration to conduct brief reviews of existing programs, no past transition has implemented a blanket freeze of this magnitude.

    Accordingly, we request an immediate and detailed response to the following questions by Monday, February 10:

    1. Provide a full accounting of all scientific reports, disease surveillance updates, grant decisions, public health advisories, events, calls, research reviews, reports, issue briefs, inspections, surveys, and postings that have been postponed or cancelled since noon on January 20.
    2. Which of the postponed or cancelled items will be rescheduled or published, and by what date?
    3. Has the pause affected communications between HHS and other federal Departments or state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture. If so, in what capacity?
    4. Can you confirm that all external communications, including those listed above in your answer to the first question, have already resumed or will resume by February 10? If not, please provide a detailed explanation for any continued delay.
    5. Has the communications and funding freeze affected the department’s ability to respond promptly to public health threats and ongoing outbreaks? If so, in what ways?
    6. Given that we are at the height of virus season, how has this pause affected the department’s ability to fulfill its core mission of protecting public health?

    The American people depend on HHS agencies to provide accurate, real-time information about disease outbreaks, medical research, and regulatory decisions. We urge you to immediately reverse this harmful decision.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. We look forward to your response and to working with the Department to protect public health and ensure Americans can get the care they need.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 33-2025: *Cancelled* Scheduled Outage: Saturday 08 February to Sunday 09 February 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    07 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

    All clients required to use the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients required to use the Export / Next Export Documentation (EXDOC/NEXDOC) systems during this planned maintenance period.

    …

    MIL OSI News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Trump Administration Nominee’s Threat to Georgian’s Pocketbooks in Hour-Long Floor Speech

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Trump Administration Nominee’s Threat to Georgian’s Pocketbooks in Hour-Long Floor Speech

    Senator Reverend Warnock delivered a nearly hour-long Senate floor speech opposing Russell Vought’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

    The speech follows the recent federal funding freeze, orchestrated by Vought and the OMB, which has impacted federal funding and programs for everything from seniors to law enforcement to child care to veterans

    Senator Reverend Warnock also used the speech to highlight personal stories from Georgians who have been impacted by the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to gut the federal government

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “My state has been plagued by chaos, by confusion that has harmed Georgia families and Georgia workers and organizations serving their communities. We are witnessing, right now, a careless and heartless assault on federal investments and a freeze of government funding that has already been appropriated by Congress”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s speech HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered a nearly hour-long speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate highlighting his opposition to Russell Vought’s nomination to be head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

    “I rise today in strong opposition to the nomination of Russell Vought to be the head of the Office of Management and Budget. His leadership will only continue the disruption that is hurting Georgians in every corner of my state, even as I speak,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    During his floor speech, which was the longest of his tenure in the Senate, Senator Warnock addressed the continued efforts by the Trump Administration to gut the federal government from within. He also addressed the impacts of the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze which has affected federal programs across Georgia and threatened services that support our veterans, law enforcement, seniors, schools, and our health system. The careless freeze is the brainchild of Russell Vought, the nominee to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

    “If you want to get a sense of who President Trump is looking out for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. On that stage when he was inaugurated, you saw them, some of the richest people in the world. They were the ones who had proximity. Well, proximity matters. You can tell a whole lot about the character of a person’s public service based on the people who can get close to them. The folks who get to speak into their ear. If you want to know who Donald Trump is working for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. The likes of Elon Musk, the billionaire, the richest man in the world who is now telling the rest of us that we need to tighten our belts. How quaint,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    “Look, I will work with anyone who is able to have a serious bipartisan conversation about how to best utilize government resources and taxpayer dollars. Working across the aisle to get good things done for Georgia has been a cornerstone of my service in the Senate over the past four years. I’m listed as one of the most bipartisan senators in the Senate. I have worked with Republicans many, many times. But right now, the playbook is obvious. Cut programs that you rely on and give the richest of the rich the money. Robin Hood in reverse. Steal from the poor, give to the rich,” Senator Reverend Warnock added.

    Watch Senator Warnock’s full speech HERE.

    Below are key excerpts from Senator Warnock’s speech:

    “Mr. President,

    “I rise today in strong opposition to the nomination of Russell Vought to be the head of the Office of Management and Budget. His leadership will only continue the disruption that is hurting Georgians in every corner of my state, even as I speak.

    “Over the past two and a half weeks, my state has been plagued by chaos, by confusion that has harmed Georgia families and Georgia workers and organizations serving their communities. We are witnessing right now a careless and heartless assault on federal investments and a freeze of government funding that has already been appropriated by Congress. To help Georgia seniors, veterans, students, and so many more.”

    “I dare say that the people of Georgia who elected me, and the people of Georgia who elected Donald Trump, did not vote for this. But just as we warned, his dangerous plans are playing out in real-time. This is exactly what they said they were going to do. Some didn’t believe them. Even after they attempted to gaslight the American people into thinking otherwise, here we are in no time flat.”

    […]

    “This stunt that was pulled a few days ago is a disaster for communities who want well-funded law enforcement, thriving businesses, safe roads and bridges, and as they attack federal workers, attack the government, they’re trying to convince you that the government is some third entity outside of us — some third entity outside of us? No, this is by the people, for the people, of the people.

    “This is the highest of our aspirations, what we’re trying to achieve together. As we witness this assault, it is hitting Democrats and Republicans. Blue states and red states. As the people’s voices are being squeezed out of their democracy.

    “Just last week, without even being confirmed, Vought orchestrated the effort to freeze federal spending, as if this money is his money rather than our money, the people’s money, throwing programs from infrastructure upgrades, to Medicaid, to free school lunches, to support for homeless veterans into chaos. How dare you take funds that are needed by the veterans of Georgia and all across this state? Those who fight for us should not have to fight with us to get what they deserve.”

    […]

    “My constituents were deeply shaken by last week’s federal funding freeze. I received thousands of calls and e-mails from folks afraid of the freeze’s unknown harm to their community. So, let’s peel back the curtain even more on what happened over the last few days. The Trump Administration froze trillions of dollars of government spending to enact massive and disruptive funding cuts. These cuts are being orchestrated in part by Russell Vought and in partnership with the world’s richest man, Elon Musk — Elon Musk, the co-president.

    “This unelected, unvetted bureaucrat who by my best guess appears to think that the livelihood of Georgians and Americans is some kind of start-up he can tear apart. So, if you want to get a sense of who President Trump is looking out for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. On that stage when he was inaugurated, you saw them, some of the richest people in the world. They were the ones who had proximity. Well, proximity matters. You can tell a whole lot about the character of a person’s public service based on the people who can get close to them. The folks who get to speak into their ear.

    “If you want to know who Donald Trump is working for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. The likes of Elon Musk, the billionaire, the richest man in the world who is now telling the rest of us that we need to tighten our belts. How quaint.

    “President Trump isn’t serving you, he’s serving them. He’s serving those in our country who are well off and who don’t play by the rules and putting at risk basic programs that help folks send their kids to school, keep food affordable, and lower their energy bills.”

    […]

    “So when Elon Musk and his billionaire buddies go looking for spending cuts and they’re focused on cutting government waste, they start by targeting the working class. He said he couldn’t cut taxes for billionaires because they are the job creators. What about the folks who work on the job day to day? What about the folks who clean hospitals? Who mop floors? Who pick up our garbage? Why is it that those at the top deserve so much more than those working at the bottom? Those in the middle? Hardworking Americans who play by the rules?”

    […]

    “Look, I will work with anyone who is able to have a serious bipartisan conversation about how to best utilize government resources and taxpayer dollars. Working across the aisle to get good things done for Georgia has been a cornerstone of my service in the Senate over the past four years. I’m listed as one of the most bipartisan senators in the Senate. I have worked with Republicans many, many times. But right now, the playbook is obvious. Cut programs that you rely on and give the richest of the rich the money. Robin Hood in reverse. Steal from the poor, give to the rich.”

    […]

    “This is not how the most powerful government in the world ought to serve its people. The reality is, this new level of Washington’s dysfunction has real-world consequences that extend beyond Washington politicians. Georgia’s economy does not stop just because Washington is exercising a kind of chaos.”

    “While we’re trying to get our act together up here, guess what? Farmers still need crop insurance, childcare workers in community health centers still need to make payroll, our roads and our bridges, and pipes still need repairs. When federal investments are put in limbo, the stability of our states and local communities are also put in jeopardy. And let me be clear, the trump administration has demonstrated that it will try this again and again and again, and when they do, the business community will suffer and Georgians will be out of their jobs, unless we stand up and say no.

    “If this federal funding freeze continues, as Russell Vought hopes, the impact will be felt hardest by those who can least afford it. It’s easy in all the blusters of the beltway who is actually bearing the brunt of Donald Trump’s actions. Delays and freezing are not just inconvenient, they create instability, and they cost the jobs of our friends, our families, and our neighbors.

    “So, it’s up to us in this moment to stand up. I am listening to the people who sent me to represent them. I’m thinking about those who do the work every single day. It is our job to respond to the call and the urgency of this moment. History will not treat us kindly if we are silent at a time like this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on RFD-TV: President Trump Will Take Care of Our American Farmers and Ranchers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined RFD-TV to discuss this week’s Senate Ag Committee hearing, the challenges farmers are facing, trade agreements, and President Trump’s tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On the challenges farmers are facing:
    “I don’t have to tell your listeners that we had a record drop in net farm income that was basically due to high interest rates and high input costs. Again, you’re all well aware of those as well and the regulatory environment we’re drowning in.”
    “The mental health of farmers, the farmer suicide issue comes to mind. The right to work on your own property and work on your own tractors and machinery. All those little issues add up, the average age of the farmer, I think is in the 60s now. So plenty of challenges out there, and our challenge up here now is just to prioritize those and do what we can to help the American farmer and rancher.”
    On the importance of trade agreements benefitting farmers:
    “We got to talk about trade. And certainly, we’re grateful for the past trade agreements. President Trump got done with USMCA, South Korea, Japan…And Joe Biden didn’t do any new trade agreements. So for four years, we’ve sat idle, and we’re looking forward to President Trump hopping back in there and doing some strong bilateral trade agreements.”
    On President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada:
    “This is a drug war and not a trade war. And first and foremost, my farmers and ranchers, they’re parents and grandparents. And this is about the fentanyl drug war, that we’re losing 200 Americans every day from fentanyl poisoning. We’re losing 75,000 Americans every year from fentanyl poisoning, more than we lost in the entire Vietnam War. So President Trump has asked Canada, Mexico, and China, to stop the nonsense.” 
    “These precursors were mostly made in China, but now a lot of the precursors are in laboratories in Canada. So we need those countries to step up. And they are.” 
    “I think as long as over the next 30 days, we see significant progress that the tariffs on Mexico and Canada won’t come to fruition, at least I hope they don’t. But I do appreciate President Trump worried about our national security, and I appreciate that our farmers and ranchers are patriots and still supporting him.” 
    “And don’t forget one last thing, the last time we had it out with China, President Trump gave farmers and ranchers $28 billion from that tariff money. He’s not forgotten about us. We’re a huge priority to President Donald J. Trump.”
    On China promising retaliatory tariffs:
    “China is just next to impossible to deal with, and America needs to divorce from China as much as possible. You know, they’re constantly stealing our intellectual property. We talked about the fentanyl issues already. They’re trying to buy up American farmland. They don’t play fair. They simply don’t.”
    “We’ve given them huge breaks for decades now. They’ve had 25-50, 75% tariffs on American goods and products forever, and now we just want it to be fair and equal. They’re no longer a developing nation, so we have to play hardball with them before they’re going to come to the table.” 
    “This is why USMCA was so important – that Canada and Mexico are our number one trade partners now for agriculture…at the end of the day, I have faith in President Trump that he’s going to take care of the American farmer and rancher. I think we could come back and talk about 45Z someday, and how we’re hoping President Trump will support that in the biofuels industry, rolling back regulations. I think that you can count on President Trump to champion that so we can’t look at all these issues in little single silos.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Tax on Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    Nearly 143,000 Alabamians received Social Security in 2024

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act to stop the unjust double tax on Social Security benefits. The legislation follows Senator Tuberville’s recent announcement that he will serve on the Senate Committee on Aging in the 119th Congress.

    “Seniors work the majority of their adult lives so that they can spend their retirement comfortably,” said Senator Tuberville. “In a day and age where the cost of living has skyrocketed, our seniors should not experience a second tax on their Social Security, when they’ve already paid income tax on their paychecks. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ll continue to fight for our seniors to enjoy their hard-earned Social Security benefits.”

    U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    “Although seniors have already paid tax on their Social Security contributions via the payroll tax, they are still required to list these benefits as taxable income on their tax returns,” said Rep. Massie. “This is simply a way for Congress to obtain more revenue for the federal government at the expense of seniors who have already paid into Social Security. My bill would exempt Social Security retirement benefits from taxation and boost the retirement income of millions of older Americans.”

    Read the bill here.

    BACKGROUND:

    As the Congressional Research Service reports, “Before 1984, Social Security benefits were exempt from the federal income tax. Congress then enacted legislation to tax a portion of those benefits, with the share gradually increasing as a person’s income rose above a specified income threshold.”

    The Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the inclusion of tier I railroad retirement benefits and Social Security benefits in an individual’s gross income. As this legislation takes effect, seniors will notice their tax liability is significantly reduced and will no longer deal with the ‘double tax’ on their federally earned benefits.

    MORE:

    Tuberville Rails Against Double Taxing Americans on Social Security

    Tuberville Calls Out Joe Biden for Voting to Tax Social Security

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Wiregrass Peanut Farmer at Senate Ag Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced Garrett Moore from Chancellor, Alabama, at a U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ag) hearing. Today’s hearing is the first in a series titled, “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy.”

    In yesterday’s hearing, Senator Tuberville also spoke with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall about how President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 helped bolster the agriculture community and the need to eliminate the “death tax” to help preserve family farms. Senator Tuberville has been, and will continue to be, a staunch advocate to eliminate the death tax. 

    Earlier this year, it was announced that Senator Tuberville will remain on the Senate Ag Committee where he will continue to be a voice for Alabama’s farmers, foresters, and producers as the Senate prepares to draft a Farm Bill.

    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his full remarks can be found on YouTube or Rumble. 

    INTRODUCTION OF GARRETT MORE OF CHANCELLOR

    “Today, I’m proud to introduce Mr. Garrett Moore from Chancellor, Alabama. Garrett’s a proud fourth-generation farmer in Alabama’s Wiregrass region, which is the Southeastern part of the state. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served as an infantryman for four years, some of that overseas in Japan and near the DMZ of South Korea. After completing his military service, Garrett wanted to return to his roots and farm in LA – that’s Lower Alabama. He currently farms nearly 1,500 acres of peanuts, cotton, corn, and cattle with his father across Southeast Alabama. Garrett is Chairman of the Coffee County Young Farmers Association, “Alabama Row Crop Farmer of the Year” recipient, and part of the Southern Peanut Farmers’ Leadership Academy. I am grateful for the hard work Garrett has done to produce food and fiber for Alabama and advocate for our young farmers, and also being an Auburn Tiger fan—War Eagle. Garrett, thanks for being here today.”

    OPENING REMARKS

    “Thank you Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing. As everyone in this room knows, the state of the agriculture economy is in dire straits. We’re in trouble, and it’s not getting much better. Our farmers are struggling. Producers have lost over $40 billion in net farm income since 2022, and the current agriculture trade deficit is $45.5 billion. We cannot stay on that same track. Producers in my state of Alabama and across the country are producing bumper crops, but they can’t break even, much less make a profit due to low commodity prices and high input costs, interest rates, and inflation. It’s been 13 years since reference prices for Title 1 commodities have been updated. Yet, the costs of production are not what they were 13 years ago – in fact, they are 30 to 40% higher. Our farmers need a new Farm Bill with a strong and reliable farm safety net to support producers amidst fluctuating market conditions, natural disasters, and skyrocketing production costs. The $10 billion in economic assistance Congress passed in December was a crucial lifeline to keep some producers afloat – and we need to ensure it is implemented quickly.”

    ON HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TCJA HELPS FARMERS

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Duvall—In your testimony, you discuss the importance of extending the expiring provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(TCJA) to keep farmers in business. Can you discuss the tax provisions that our producers rely upon the most?”

    DUVALL: “Yes sir, I can. One, it provided for a reduced tax rate. Most of our farmers—98% of them—are operating under pass-through entities, and that’s important to them. Section 199A is important to them very much because it preserves that 20%business income deduction. Section 179 also needs to be continued—it’s called ‘bonus depreciation.’ It allows our farmers to reinvest in their business so they can meet the goals that our country has for us, whether it be conservation, climate, whatever it might be—soil health. But we have to have that bonus depreciation. And then of course, the last one we spoke about—young farmers and beginning farmers—estate taxes. Estate taxes—itneeds to be eliminated—so that we can continue to pass our farms on for generations to come and make sure we bring stability to our system—our food system. This is something people sweat blood from to pay for. This is their land, their home, and they want to keep it in production. And there’s so many pressures on that land staying in production—it’s just unreal and this pressure makes it unbelievable when a family person dies and you have to sell part of the farm to pay the taxes and what does that do? It takes it out of production, puts it into houses or solar panels or whatever and it never comes back to agriculture .”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Bonus depreciation, estate taxes—my phone rings off the wall. And we need to listen to it. And I’m sure the rest of the senators are the same. Mr. Duvall, the agriculture trade deficit, as I just said, is $45.5 billion. This is shameful. America has the best farmers and producers in the world. What suggestions do you have to improve ag trade and close the gap?”

    DUVALL: “We’ve got to have new agreements. We got to open up the markets. We can compete with anybody in the world as long as we’re allowed to use innovation and the research that has come into our farms that keeps us on cutting edge, and as long as our farmers are led by voluntary, market-based programs, we will do anything this country asks us to do if it’s led in that direction and we have proven that in conservation by putting over 140 million acres into conservation efforts over the last few decades—and that’s the size of California and New York state together.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025
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