ICE agents have reportedly been increasing immigration raids on farms and ag processors around the nation. While the agency has said they're looking to catch the bad players when it comes to employers - Craig Regelbrugge (RAYGLE-brooguh) of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform says it's not working out that way:
“Too often the farms that are targeted in these things are model employers in all respects including labor law compliance yet they need to fire up to 80% of their work force with no realistic way to replace them. The workers themselves are not being deported they are simply going down the street to work for a competitor.”
The national co-chairman of the coalition believes ICE is simply targeting agriculture because they know they will find illegal immigrants there.
Consumer Price Index Rises
Economist Joel Naroff believes the rate of inflation is moderate, not mild as some have described the point three per cent rise in the consumer price index in March.
“With wages going up relatively slowly the rise in consumer prices really does hurt an awful lot of people.”
Government Proposes Incentive to Protect Endangered Species
Most of us would rather be offered a carrot than threatened with a stick. American Farm Bureau Regulatory Specialist Rick Krause says that’s just what the Department of Interior is doing with a new initiative to protect endangered species:
“The interior department is asking for suggestions on how private land owners including farmers and ranchers can work with them to help conserve species. And they are looking for suggestions on how people can do this on a voluntary basis.”
Retail Food Prices Increase in First Quarter of Year
The American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey shows retail food prices at the supermarket increased slightly during the first quarter of 2012. This informal survey shows an increase of about seven-percent for the total cost of the 16 food items surveyed compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. The cost for the overall basket of goods - at 52-dollars and 47-cents - is also an increase of about seven-percent compared to a year ago.
Profits for the Pork Industry Looking Dimmer
South America is to blame. Really - that’s how the world works. The less than stellar soybean crop from Brazil and Argentina has pushed the price of soybeans and the soy complex - higher around the globe. It will take its toll on the pork producer’s bottom line this year -
Soy Foods and Lower Blood Pressure
Young adults may be able to lower their blood pressure by eating foods that contain isoflavones - a key compound in soy milk, tofu, green tea and peanuts - every day. The study’s lead investigator - a graduating medical student at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons - says this study is unique in that the results are very applicable to the general population.
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