There’s never a shortage of agriculture news. Here are a few policy stories you may have missed over the past week.

Torres Small announces $28 million for beginning farmers and ranchers

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced USDA will devote $27.9 million to programs supporting beginning farmers and ranchers. The funds will be spread across 45 organizations and include incentives for veterans entering agriculture.

“The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural prosperity,” Torres Small says. “Under the Biden administration, USDA is providing our newest producers with the support they need to succeed and the educational resources to guide their operations on the path toward long-term sustainability and profitability.” 

The investments will be distributed through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

Bringing new people into farming and ranching is critical to the future of American agriculture. According to USDA National Agricultural Statice Service census data, approximately one-third of the nation’s 3.4 million farmers are older than 65.

Budzinski and Nunn introduce Ag Bio Act

Reps. Nikki Budzinski, D- Ill., and Zach Nunn, R- Iowa, introduced legislation they say will increase biofuel production and drive down energy costs.

The Agriculture Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act, or Ag Bio Act, would increase funding for innovation in the biofuels and bioproducts industry. Budzinski cites the work being at the University of Illinois Integrated Bioprocessing Research lab as an example of the type of innovation that should be incentivized.

“I’m proud to join my friend and colleague, Zach Nunn, to introduce bipartisan legislation supporting the critical agricultural research happening at places like my alma mater,” Budzinski says. “By investing in our bioeconomy, we can spur innovation and expand markets for family farmers throughout the Heartland.”  

The Ag Bio Act would increase funding for grant and loan programs to $100 million annually over five years. It would create a grant program for the construction and expansion of new or existing biorefineries. The bill would also expand the types of biofuels eligible for funding and eliminate certain bureaucratic requirements critics say have impeded biofuel projects.

“The biofuels industry drives Iowa’s economy and is critical to our nation’s energy security,” Nunn says. “The bipartisan Ag BIO Act will eliminate bureaucratic red tape that is driving up energy costs by making it harder for biofuels producers to innovate and expand their manufacturing capacity.”

It’s unclear how much support the Ag Bio Act has in the House. The Senate is considering similar legislation introduced by Sens. Jery Moran, R- Kansas, and Amy Klobuchar, D- Minn., in October.

Thanksgiving meal prices fall

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey found the average cost of a Turkey Day meal is down 4.5% compared to last year’s record price tag. According to data collected across the country between Nov. 1-6, the average feast for 10 people will cost $61.17.  While the price is down slightly from last year, it’s still about 25% higher than prices in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

Unsurprisingly, turkeys are the most expensive item on the Thanksgiving menu. A 5.6% decrease in the price of the gobblers is the primary driver of this year’s dinner price decrease. The average cost of a 16-pound frozen whole turkey this year is $27.35.

AFBF has been conducting the annual survey since 1986. Volunteers collect pricing data on turkey, cubed stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, frozen peas, fresh cranberries, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix, pie shells, whipping cream and whole milk. Of those 11 items, the average price of seven were lower than 2022. However, prices for sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie mix and relish trays of fresh celery and carrots are slightly higher.

The Bureau also collected data on larger meals including boneless ham, Russet potatoes and green beans. When those items are included, the average price of an expanded Thanksgiving meal for 10 people is $84.75.

New plan aims to help non-English Speakers

USDA is starting a language access plan to help those with limited English proficiency. The announcement comes one year after Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum to federal agencies directing them to strengthen their commitment to language access obligations mandated by an Executive Order.

As part of the new plan, USDA will work to ensure all programs comply with those obligations. They include planning for and providing people with limited English proficiency access to timely, accurate and effective communications. It’s part of a broader effort the agency has undertaken to makes it programs more accessible, equitable and inclusive.

“USDA’s work touches the lives of everyone across the country, and ensuring meaningful and equitable access to our programs is vital,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says. “Our staff work hard every day to strengthen the services and programs that deliver on our mission, and the policies included in this plan will help make USDA a better and stronger department.” 

USDA signs memorandum of understanding with U.S.  Small Business Administration

USDA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have signed memorandum of understand they say will help create jobs and expand opportunities for those in rural communities.

The SBA’s mission is to aid, counsel assist and protect the interests of small business. It was created as part of the Small Business Act signed into law by President Eisenhower in 1953.

Per the MOU with USDA, both agencies committed to increasing investment in small and underserved communities to help grow the rural economy. The two sides also committed to expanding opportunities for rural technical assistance providers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and small business owners. As part of the agreement, USDA and SBA spelled out several areas in which the two agencies may work together.

“Rural small businesses strengthen local economies - creating jobs and serving communities,” SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman says. “SBA’s partnership with USDA will build upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in underserved rural Americans and providing the needed resources to help them start and grow their businesses to advance our economy and global competitiveness.”