National Milk Producers Federation’s Post

5 Profitable farm diversification for pork farmers The pork industry continues to struggle following the impact of COVID on the hospitality market and the ongoing impact of Brexit on the movement of meat products. Headlines have been full of worrying statistics on the current situation of the pork industry and its effect on pork farmers across the UK. Now more than ever before pork farmers need to find farm diversification options. Farm diversification helps farm businesses to become more financially sustainable and stable. By diversifying your income streams, you can reduce the impact of global trends and marketing factors on your farm income. http://ow.ly/F3K150GnAZa

Are current #marketing policies in the potato industry about to change? 🥔 The upcoming Parliament vote could significantly shift how potato seeds are marketed and sold across Europe. This is a pivotal moment that could affect everyone from farmers to consumers. Stay ahead of the game and understand what's at stake. Our latest article dives deep into the fears, expectations, and potential impacts of these changes. Whether you're in agriculture, business, or simply a potato lover, this is something you need to read! 👉 Click on the link to get the full scoop: https://lnkd.in/dC8kpdMC #Agriculture #BusinessPolicy #EuropeanParliament #RootieUpdates

In 1937 Congress passed the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act which among other things authorizes USDA to regulate the minimum prices paid to U.S. dairy farmers. DWT filed major comments September 13 with USDA on behalf of a number of innovative and innovating dairy companies opposing USDA’s proposed enormous price increases imposed on your fluid milk. After 87 years, USDA declines to recognize the myriad of changes or the precipitous decline in consumption of fluid milk. It is time for change, and DWT is prepared to be the agent for that change.

"The biggest complication is how dairy farmers are paid for the products they produce. In 1937, the Federal Milk Marketing Orders, or FMMO, were established under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act. The purpose of these orders was to set a monthly, uniform minimum price for milk based on its end use and to ensure that farmers were paid accurately and in a timely manner. Farmers were paid based on how the milk they harvested was used, and that’s still how it works today. Does it become bottled milk? That’s Class 1 price. Yogurt? Class 2 price. Cheddar cheese? Class 3 price. Butter or powdered dry milk? Class 4. Traditionally, Class 1 receives the highest price."

Make sure to catch this informative FDA webinar on May 20th! #ReadyForWhatsNextNow

As you may have seen, the FDA published the Standards for Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water Rule last week, and has now announced that they will hold an informational webinar on Monday, May 20, 2024. They will be providing an overview of the rule and answering pre-submitted and live questions. The Rule replaces pre-harvest ag water requirements in the 2015 Produce Safety Rule with requirements for systems-based ag water assessments. The rule covers assessment requirements, options for testing ag water, and requires farms to implement mitigation measures within defined timeframes based on the assessments conducted. The compliance dates range from 9 months to 2 years and 9 months depending on the size of the farm. You can register for the webinar and submit questions at the link below. #FDA #foodsafety #food #produce #foodlaw #agriculture #FSMA #water

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a substantial investment of $196 million during the inaugural meeting of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience. The initiative aims to fortify the agricultural supply chain and reduce food costs. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, enhancing supply chains, foreseeing economic opportunities, and increasing competition. This funding will bolster 185 projects nationwide, fostering market opportunities for producers and entrepreneurs. Examples of funding allocations include Lot 279 LLC’s plan to expand direct-to-consumer beef sales, Centrillium Protein LLC’s meat processing equipment acquisition, FlexCold LLC’s investment in cold storage equipment, and White Oak Pastures Inc.’s utilisation of funds for processing beef and chicken products. These investments aim to enhance revenue streams, create jobs, and augment the availability of diverse food options for consumers. To learn more about the disruptions in the grocery industry, subscribe to our newsletter at: https://lnkd.in/dKaG2D25

US dairy farms are disappearing, down 95 percent in terms of numbers since the 1970s—milk price rules are one reason why. https://lnkd.in/gQ3A58TY #america #dairyfarms #disappearing #reasons #milk #price #rules #massive #consolidation #dairyfarming #impact #ruralcommunities

My heart cries out to all our smallholder farmers in these times that we are in. How can a government that started its reign with the guise of helping Mama Mboga now pass such punitive laws? The government is gearing to implement one of the harshest agricultural laws known on land. Over 3m vegetable farmers will not be able to sell vegetables anymore and that also means that that mama Mboga in your estate cannot be able to sell vegetables to you. These typically means that homes all over the country will consequently be affected as most if not all homes at least have a meal with vegetables a day. Be it a simple meal of Sukuma wiki and ugali or stir-fried vegetables. The mandatory rules, which the government has stated will be “anchored in law”, could mean only large-scale farmers, companies and importers will be permitted to supply fruit and vegetables in Kenya, with traders who buy produce from farmers who are nor certified risking stiff penalties. The penalties will apply to middlemen, distributors, processors or any direct buyer who purchases fruits and vegetables from a farmer who has not been certified as having implemented the 55-page, mandatory, KS1758 Kenyan standard. Farmers will be required to apply for National Environment Management Authority (Nema) licenses to grow vegetables at a minimum cost of Sh10,000 per license, carry out soil and water analyses at a cost of Sh2,500 to Sh5,000, pay for certification with a national or international standards certifier, and prepare dozens of records, including analyzing the nutrient content of any compost or manure they use. International agricultural Non-Governmental Organization CABI said in July that it would not be possible for individual farmers to cover the cost of certification. Its time we wake up to the realities that are unfolding each day and act fast before even the most basic of our needs are taken away from us.

Seed Sharing Among Farmers Unaffected by New Legislation The Kenyan government has recently clarified that small-scale farmers can continue sharing seeds among themselves without facing any legal repercussions, as the Seed and Plant Varieties Act only regulates the… #Farmers #Seed >>> Read more