A news release yesterday from the USDA indicated that, “[USDA] today announced the availability of assistance for agricultural producers in the Midwest affected by the recent severe weather to help eligible farmers and ranchers reestablish their operations. “‘Our agricultural producers provide Americans and consumers around the world with such abundance, it’s critical that we stand… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Keith Good
USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Recent Derecho
Posted in Agriculture Law
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USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP- Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11
A news release yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the [USDA] is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
A news release yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “[FSA] announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept…. Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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The Pandemic Sparks New Demand For Vertical Farming
Dickson Despommier indicated in a column late last month in The Wall Street Journal that, “The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted agricultural production and supply chains around the world. Farmers have often struggled to get their food to distant markets, and sharp shifts in demand have repeatedly forced them to dump crops. Avoiding such logistical problems is… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law, Start-up Company Law
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Mortgage Rates Fall to Historic Lows
Washington Post writer Kathy Orton reported yesterday that, “The federal government’s inability to come to an agreement on a coronavirus relief package has been good for mortgage rates. “The 30-year fixed mortgage rate, the most popular home loan product, sank to its lowest level on record. It fell to 2.88 percent with an average 0.8… Continue Reading
Posted in Real Estate Law
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Agricultural Technology Greenhouse Startup AppHarvest Raises More Money
Bloomberg writer Emily Chasan reported today that, “In a bid to push more sustainable production into the U.S. food system, hedge funder-turned impact investor Jeff Ubben is backing agricultural technology greenhouse startup AppHarvest in his first deal since leaving ValueAct Capital Management LP in June to launch a new firm, Inclusive Capital. “AppHarvest, which is… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law, Start-up Company Law
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USDA Extends Deadlines, Defers Interest Accrual Due to COVID-19
A news release today from USDA stated that, “The [USDA’s] Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced it will authorize Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to extend deadlines for premium and administrative fee payments, defer the resulting interest accrual and allow other flexibilities to help farmers, ranchers, and insurance providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “‘USDA recognizes… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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January 1 Honey Bee Colonies Up 8 Percent
A report yesterday from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) stated that, “Honey bee colonies for operations with five or more colonies in the United States on January 1, 2020 totaled 2.88 million colonies, up 8 percent from January 1, 2019. The number of colonies in the United States on April 1, 2020 was… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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FBN Raised $250 Million To Expand Agriculture Tech Platform
Bloomberg writer Katie Roof reported today that, “Farmers Business Network Inc. [FBN] says it raised $250 million in financing to expand its agriculture technology platform. “The financing round was led by BlackRock Inc., with participation from investors including Lupa Systems, T. Rowe Price Associates Inc., GV and Kleiner Perkins. “The investment values the company at… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law, Start-up Company Law
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ADM Accused of Ethanol Market Manipulation in Lawsuit
Reuters writer P.J. Huffstutter reported last week that, “Green Plains Inc, one of the biggest U.S. ethanol producers, sued Archer Daniels Midland Co on [July 14th], accusing the global grain trader of manipulating the price of the biofuel to profit from its positions in the derivatives market. “Green Plains filed the proposed class action with… Continue Reading
Posted in Agriculture Law
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