Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro has told Reuters that the U.S. and the European Union are considering talks on a free trade agreement that would include agriculture. If the two sides are unable to agree to launch talks on a comprehensive pact, Sapiro says they could tackle a more limited agenda to reduce trade barriers. But U.S. farm organizations want to ensure agriculture isn’t left out. In March, a coalition of 40 food and agriculture groups urged the White House to insist on a single undertaking approach.
The Federal Communications Commission has officially put the planned development of a nationwide wireless network by LightSquared on ice - all but killing it. Agricultural groups had voiced concerns with the plan because of the potential effects it would have on precision farming. It had been shown that LightSquared’s devices would interfere significantly with GPS.
There will be no marketing quota in effect for the 2013 wheat crop. The 2008 Farm Bill only authorizes a commodity program for the 2008 through 2012 crops of wheat. That means unless new farm legislation is enacted or the current bill is extended, any actions taken pertaining to the 2013 wheat crop must be done in accordance with permanent law provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949 as amended.
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