This week U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a $12 billion plan to support farmers hurt by retaliatory tariffs imposed by U.S. trading partners. In acknowledgment of the disproportionate effect on U.S. farmers of trade retaliation, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to implement a plan to protect U.S. farmers and agricultural interests. USDA’s trade assistance package will help offset the roughly $11 billion in negative effects suffered by U.S. agricultural producers.
“This is a short-term solution to allow President Trump time to work on long-term trade deals to benefit agriculture and the entire U.S. economy,” Secretary Perdue said.
In announcing the trade assistance package, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue stated, “USDA will not stand by while our hard-working agricultural producers bear the brunt of unfriendly tariffs enacted by foreign nations. The programs we are announcing today help ensure our nation’s agriculture continues to feed the world and innovate to meet the demand.”.
Recent U.S. decisions to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum in addition to other imports from China have provoked retaliation in the form of countermeasures by China, the European Union, Mexico, and Canada on thousands of U.S. exports, including corn, rice, soybeans, sorghum, cotton, fruits, nuts, wine, wood, cheese, and pork.
In providing this aid to farmers negatively impacted by tariffs, USDA is exercising its authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. USDA will provide aid via three programs:
While Congressional approval is not required to implement the trade assistance package, specific details will be subject to a formal administrative rulemaking process. There is still a lot that is not known about the plan. USDA has not disclosed the amount of payments, although officials mention payments will be based on production. Other determinants for assistance remain unclear. USDA officials expect to announce more details around Labor Day.
USDA dismissed concerns that the new trade assistance package violates WTO commitments with regard to trade-distorting subsidies. When the U.S. joined the WTO, negotiators agreed to cap trade-distorting domestic subsidies at $19.1 billion annually. USDA says that even with the new assistance, U.S. subsidies remain well below that cap.
Dwight Roberts, President & CEO of the US Rice Producers Association and in representation of its charter member, the Texas Rice Council, gave testimony earlier this week at a public hearing at the State Capitol on Texas House Concurrent Resolution 33 calling on the U.S. Congress to end the Cuba embargo. The resolution is an initiative of Rep. Rafael Anchia (District 103-Dallas), chair of the Committee on International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs for the Texas House of Representatives. Mark Keough (District 15-The Woodlands) serves as vice-chair.
Dwight talked about why normal trade with Cuba is long overdue for agriculture, trade and as good policy with a neighboring country. Afterwards Dwight made comments on Texas House Resolution 408 that urges the U.S. Congress to preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement that has come under debate in Washington, DC.
[vc_row][vc_column][special_heading title="Western Rice Belt Conference and Texas Rice Council Annual Meeting" subtitle="January 18, 2017 - El Campo Civic Center, El Campo Texas" separator="bottom"][vc_column_text]The annual Western Rice Belt Production Conference will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the El Campo Civic Center. Registration for the conference will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the remainder of the program to begin at 8:15 a.m. After a catered lunch, provided by area agribusiness sponsors, the program will conclude at 2:30 p.m.
This joint effort of our Western Rice Belt planning committee, The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, U.S. Rice Producers Association, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will offer growers and others the opportunity to hear presentations from the top Extension and Research scientists from Texas as well as respected individuals from the rice industry. Topics and speakers will include: Association updates from U.S. Rice Producers and USA Rice; Price Risk Management Tools, Dennis Delaughter; Rice Market Inventory and Outlook, Thomas Wynn; Rice Disease Management Update, Dr. Shane Zhou; Weed Management Update, Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan; Insect Management in Rice, Dr. Mo Way; Pesticide Laws and Regs Update, Greg Baker; Financial Risk Management, Silveus Financial; and a Rice Policy Update from Dr. Joe Outlaw. The Texas Rice Council will also conduct their Annual Meeting in conjunction with the 2017 Western Rice Belt Conference. The Texas Rice Council will conduct their producer elections during the lunch hour, following the announcement of the Rice Poster Contest.
For more information, contact the Texas AgriLife Extension office in Matagorda County at 979-245-4100; or Colorado County at 979-732-2082; or Wharton County at 979-532-3310; or go to http://wharton.agrilife.org and click on Events to view a flyer for the Rice Conference. 2 1Ž2 CEU’s (1 L&R and 1 1Ž2 IPM) for TDA Pesticide Applicators will be awarded at this event. CCA hours have been applied for and will be offered pending approval. Pesticide Applicators are reminded to provide their Pesticide Applicator License number at registration.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="1482" alignment="center" onclick="img_link_large"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Mix rice wine vinegar with sugar and oil. Pour over rice and other ingredients. Toss well. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Wash and soak the rice in the water. Blend the rice in the same soaking water, keep blending and add sugar and milk. Strain and serve with crushed ice and cinnamon powder. (Serves 12)
Preheat oven to 350F. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat; stir in onion, rice and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 7 minutes. Spoon into 2-1/2 quart casserole. Stir in broth, parsley and pepper. Cover and bake until liquid is absorbed, 50-55 minutes. Fluff with fork. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 6 servings.
25722 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 203, Katy, Texas 77494
Phone: 713-974-7423
USRPA does not discriminate in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of information (such as Braille, large print, American sign language, language translation, etc.) should contact USRPA at 713-974-7423. EEO.
