The FDA & USDA Animal Oversight Brawl

The FDA & USDA Animal Oversight Brawl

A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) directs the FDA to hand over regulatory oversight of food animal biotechnology to the USDA – and they aren’t loosening their grip. The MOU, signed by Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Brett...
USDA’s Cross-Country Move Conundrum

USDA’s Cross-Country Move Conundrum

It was controversial then. It is controversial now. In 2019, you likely remember when two arms of the USDA, the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), were moved out of Washington, D.C. to Kansas City. The move was...
He’s Baaack

He’s Baaack

In a surprising yet recognizable turn of events, a familiar face will be taking back the reins of the USDA in January. Reports confirm that President-elect Joe Biden has all but finalized his pick for Secretary of Agriculture to be former Secretary of Agriculture Tom...
Next Farm Bill Hurdles Comin’ in Hot

Next Farm Bill Hurdles Comin’ in Hot

Only two years into the existing Farm Bill and ag policy circles are getting antsy as they look towards 2023. As the only industry with a bill passed on its behalf every 4-5 years, the work will begin on the early draft of the next version in 2021. The big...