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Agriculture

USDA demands Mexico cooperate to protect US agriculture products

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has sent a letter to her counterpart in Mexico demanding Mexico eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment that are critically impairing the U.S. response to spread of the New World screwworm. Secretary Rollins wrote, “Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response.” Additionally, Secretary Rollins informed the government of Mexico, “…that if these issues are not ...

Redding hosts roundtable in Northampton County

NAZARETH — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined Second Harvest Food Bank Associate Executive Director Sarah Wassel and Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft recently for a roundtable discussion with local farmers to highlight proposed investments in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) and the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP). These programs are vital to strengthening Pennsylvania’s food supply chain and ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it, especially with announced federal cuts to support for Pennsylvania farmers and food banks. The ...

Agland Preservation applications being accepted

BURNHAM — Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board has announced that applications will be accepted until the close of business on May 30, 2025 for the Mifflin County Agland Preservation Program. Generally known as the “Conservation Easement Program,” Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now preparing to enter its 32nd year of operation. The purpose of the program is to permanently preserve our most valuable and productive agricultural land through the purchase or donation of conservation easements, often called “development rights.” ...

U.S. ag secretary Rollins visits Pa.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Central Pennsylvania in April where she toured Talview Dairy, participated in a farmer roundtable at Martin’s family farm, and visited the Bank of Bird-in-Hand mobile bank to discuss agricultural lending with community leaders. Secretary Rollins was joined by Senator Dave McCormick, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, and Representatives Dan Meuser, Rob Bresnahan and Lloyd Smucker. Secretary Rollins also wrote a joint opinion piece wrapping up the visit with Senator McCormick. “President Trump and I ...

Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale slated for Saturday

REEDSVILLE — Penn State Master Gardeners of the Juniata Valley will hold their annual plant sale on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at Mifflin County Airport, 547 Airport Road, Reedsville. The annual plant sale will include perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs and native pollinator plants. There will be kids’ activities and displays. Penn State Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions.

USDA says those who can work, should work while receiving SNAP

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum to all state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) making it clear states must ensure SNAP benefits are provided with an expectation that those who can work, do. “Since my confirmation, I have reiterated that the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” said Secretary Rollins. “It is important to remind states that Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by able-bodied adults without ...