AFBF Honors Purdue and WOTUS Report Applauded
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The American Farm Bureau Federation presented its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award to former Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue during the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta.
According to www.gfb.org, under the Georgia native’s leadership, the USDA’s notable accomplishments included launching the Market Facilitation Program, development of the Coronavirus Food Assistance and the Farmers to Families Food Box Programs, and the creation of ReConnect, a rural broadband initiative.
www.gfb.org/media-and-publications/news.cms/2022/1197/afbf-honors-sonny-perdue-with-distinguished-service-award
**The Supreme Court hands down a ruling on mandatory COVID-19 vaccines in large workplaces, saying the Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t have the authority from Congress to impose a vaccine mandate on larger employers.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says, the action shows that OSHA needs to consider other alternatives to encourage vaccinations for workers across the country.
The National Grocers Association says the ruling “takes some pressure off independent community grocers who already face staffing shortages.
**The EPA’s recent report on its Waters of the U.S rule is getting positive reviews.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Scott Yager says they strongly support the recommendation to develop a clear and limited WOTUS definition and protect key exemptions for common agricultural features.
Among the recommendations are ensuring EPA’s compliance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent limiting federal jurisdiction.
They also recommend a clear WOTUS definition that’s easily interpreted by farmers and ranchers.
