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A decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that says U.S. cotton subsidies are inconsistent with international trade rules is being appealed by the U.S. government.
"We think there is some information that the U.S. government provided to the panel that they overlooked," said Chris Garza, trade specialist with the American Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we're going back through now in this appeals process...hopefully the appeals panel will take a look at that information."
Garza said the reason the ruling is being appealed is that even with U.S. farm programs, there has not been major harm done to Brazil. Cotton prices, he said, have continued to go up, as well as world production.
"What Brazil was hoping to be found is not necessarily the case—that our programs were depressing world prices and world production," Garza said.
The trade specialist said the final ruling probably won't be issued until January. Then, the U.S. would be given time to adjust its programs, if needed, to comply.
"We will most likely have to make some changes," Garza said. "We don't expect the panel to come through and change everything the original panel found. What we're hoping is that we can do them in line with the original time frame of the farm bill. We're looking at debating again and putting together a new farm bill in 2006. We're hoping that the appeals process, as well as the time frame after that to make changes, will put us right in line so that we can make changes under the law of the United States."
If you have been involved in an agriculture project that's good for the environment, now is the time to stand up and be recognized.
Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are seeking entries from the agriculture industry for the 2005 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, the highest environmental honor in the state.
One past winner in the awards program was Hereford Feed Yard, for their preliminary evaluation of a water curtain for dust suppression.
If your project shows innovation in agricultural practices that benefit the environment, you may be qualified to win.
Winning projects will be filmed by a professional film crew and receive a video vignette of their story, publicity for their work, and recognition at the annual awards banquet in Austin this spring.
To enter, go to www.teea.org and download the application, or enter online.
Deadline for entries is Nov. 5, 2004. For more information, contact Dana Macomb, TEEA awards coordinator, at 512/239-4745 or dmacomb@ tceq.state.tx.us.
When sons or daughters return to the family farm or ranch, it often creates a set of financial and relationship issues families may not be prepared for. To help family members prepare for the transition, a two-part workshop has been scheduled next year at the Fort Worth Holiday Inn North.
Part I of "Planning the Return to the Farm/Ranch" is scheduled Jan. 4-7, while Part II is scheduled Feb. 18-19. Sample topics and issues include:
• Can the farm support an additional person or persons? What happens when they get married and have families to support?
• If the business has to expand to accommodate additional people, what are the expansion plans and what are the risks involved?
• Is there a long-term business plan and a shared vision for the future of the business? Does it include an exit strategy?
• As the business is transferred, what if heirs who are not in the business want to sell assets or rent to someone else?
• How will compensation, performance evaluation and distributions be handled? What can be expected? Will different jobs or responsibilities be paid differently?
"This four-day workshop targets young people, their parents and in-laws, approximately one to two years prior to the time the young person would come into the business on a full-time basis," said Dr. Danny Klinefelter, Texas Cooperative Extension economist.
"This workshop will give participants the opportunity to consider and discuss the issues and alternatives that need to be considered before finalizing the commitment of a family member returning to the farm or ranch."
Registration is $695 per family for up to four people. Registration for additional participants is $150 each. The fees cover materials, breaks and lunches during the program and three evening meals.
Sponsors include The Farm Credit System Foundation Inc., The Altria Shared Solutions Agricultural Contributions Program, The G. Rollie White Charitable Trust and Pioneer Hi-Bred Community Investment.
For registration forms and more information, call Klinefelter at 979-845-7171.
"The results of an agroterrorist attack may include major economic crises in the agricultural and food industries, loss of confidence in government, and possibly human casualties. Humans could be at risk in terms of food safety or public health, especially if the chosen disease is transmissible to humans."
An excerpt from a Congressional Research Service report entitled "Agroterrorism: Threats and Preparedness."
