The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on Wednesday, February 23^rd it will make $450M in grant funds available this year to expand port capacity. Some of those dollars could go towards improving the ability of ag exporters to ship commodities to overseas buyers. The deadline to apply for the grant money, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed through the DOT’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, is May 16, but recipients won’t be announced until the fall.

California Farm Bureau was invited to participate in a small group, closed press briefing with senior DOT leaders and White House officials this week. DOT leaders shared information on an upcoming release of the Department’s forthcoming One-Year Supply Chain Assessment by the Administration, pursuant to President Biden’s Executive Order 14017, “America’s Supply Chains.”

As of February 23^rd, USDA APHIS has confirmed HPAI in commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and wild birds in the following eight states: Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New York, Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, and South Carolina. As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. USDA will report these findings to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as well as international trading partners.

USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. APHIS will continue to announce the first case of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks detected in a state—but will not announce subsequent detections in any currently-impacted states. All cases in commercial and backyard flocks will be listed on the APHIS website here. 

Anyone involved with poultry production from small backyards to large commercial productions should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available on the APHIS website. 

This week, an extension was granted for public comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Proposed Rule that would list four of the six Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of the foothill yellow-legged frog under the Endangered Species Act. Originally set to close at the end of the month, the 30-day extension will give interested parties more time to submit feedback on the proposal. Previously, California Farm Bureau led a joint letter requesting that the Service extend the public comment period. Additional signatories on the letter included the American Forest Resource Council, Association of California Water Agencies, California Cattlemen’s Foundation, Calforests, Family Farm Alliance, Public Lands Council, and Rural County Representatives of California.

Collectively, the listing would impact 25 counties in California including Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Plumas, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Ventura.

Last week, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminded producers of an upcoming deadline for enrolling in either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year. Those interested have until March 15^th to sign a contract for either program. Both ARC and PLC are designed to provide income support for farmers that experience significant drops in crop prices and/or revenues. For those looking for more education on either program, the USDA recommends referencing the Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator and the ARC and PLC Decision Tool. 

Last Thursday, both the House and Senate managed to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March 11^th. It marks the third such continuing resolution for the 2022 fiscal year alone, leaving many legislators exasperated at the process. Although out of session this week, it is expected that both Democrats and Republicans will come to an agreement on a longer deal that should fund the federal government through the end of September. 

The California Department of Water Resources Feb. 1- Feb. 15 forecast update showed a total decrease in projected annual inflow to Shasta, Oroville, Folsom, and New Melones reservoirs of 1.2 million acre-feet. To view Reclamation’s announcement in its entirety, click here. Allocations will be updated if conditions warrant.

This proposed rule may be viewed in today’s Federal Register. Beginning Tuesday, February 22, members of the public may submit comments. All comments must be received by April 25, 2022. California Farm Bureau is currently working with stakeholders and members to align on the proposal and submit comments. 

Yesterday, the USDA announced they would be making up to $215 million available in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. It will include $150 million towards startup and expansion activities through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), as well as $40 million existing workforce development under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Addressing issues in the meat-processing industry have come under focus for the Administration, particularly as it relates to food security in the nation’s supply chains.