10-26 NWR Pence  and FFA

10-26 NWR Pence and FFA

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
This is your Northwest report for Wednesday, October 26th, I'm David Sparks and the Republican vice presidential nominee, Mike Pence intertwined with the future of agriculture yesterday. Pence made a surprise appearance at the national FFA convention and told FFA members to be ready for unexpected opportunities. After speaking about Indiana and its agriculture, Pence issued a charge to the gathered crowd... Be prepared. "I want to encourage you to be ready for leadership. Mrs. Pence and I know a little bit about being surprised by opportunities. We got a phone call this summer to join a national ticket and we found ourselves serving the people of the state of Indiana and now I have the privilege of running for vice president of the United States. Pence went on to speak more broadly about the role that FFA and agriculture can play in what he calls challenging times. "In these days of decision for America, I would submit to you that now, more than ever, America needs rising leaders."

Meanwhile, Pense's running mate, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has promised to halt the EPA's efforts to regulate farming.

Finally, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is making available $17.6 million for research and outreach activities to support the organic agriculture sector. The grants are funded through NIFA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), authorized by the 2014 farm bill.

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