United States
USDA reorganization plan shifts key date
Various reports, starting at Politico, have stated that the USDA has extended the public comment period for its reorganization plan to Sept. 30. The original deadline, announced July 24, was initially set for Aug. 31. That release stated that the proposed reorganization would move just over half of USDA positions currently in the Washington metropolitan area to five hubs around the country, closing a building across from USDA headquaters in Washington and closing two other centres – Braddock Place (location of the Food and Nutrition Service) in Alexandria, VA and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. Stakeholders, including USDA employees, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The date on the post has since been changed to Sept. 30.
Canada
AEM outlines policy priorities
Ahead of the fall parliamentary session, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) rolled out policy priorities to strengthen the equipment manufacturing industry and improve global competitiveness. The priorities will support the 152,000 men and women in an industry that contributes over $41 billion to the Canadian economy. “The equipment manufacturing industry’s ability to adapt and thrive will depend on coordinated policy responses that address the country’s infrastructure deficit, persistent labour shortages and significant trade barriers, while positioning Canada as a reliable supplier of critical materials and advanced manufactured goods to global markets,” said an AEM press release. The policies include supporting nation-building projects, prioritizing investment in export-based infrastructure, promoting Canadian trade, advancing policies that allow farmers to adopt precision technology, addressing labour shortages, supporting farmers’ right to repair and consistent policies for PFAS mitigation and science-based pesticide regulations.
Canada provides assistance to Nova Scotia farmers following dry conditions
Nova Scotia has faced drought conditions this summer due to high temperatures and less rainfall than anticipated for this time of year. This has led to water restrictions and fire bans across the province. In response to water supply issues on farms, the Province has committed to provide an additional $475,000 as part of the On-Farm Water Management Program to support water projects on farms, such as wells and ponds, a news release reports. “This year’s drought has emphasized just how critical reliable water access is to the success of our farms and the security of our food system. Many producers are doing everything they can to adapt, but the reality is that without adequate water infrastructure — wells, ponds, and other on-farm solutions — those efforts can only go so far. Reopening the On-Farm Water Management Program will provide some support to farmers to address the challenges of drought and wildfire risk. This program can help strengthen water management, reduce fire hazards and support farms to continue operating through these difficult conditions,” said Alicia King, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. The On-Farm Water Management Program, as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, provides 50 per cent cost-shared support (up to $15,000) for water supply projects.
Global
New Barber’s pole worm vaccine tested in Vienna
Researchers at Vienna’s University of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Natural Resources and Life Science have developed what is said to be a first-of-its-kind vaccine against Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), a gastrointestinal paraside primarily affecting sheep and goats. The parasite primarily feeds on blood and can cause severe anemia and swelling in livestock, and can be fatal. Developed as part of a study using glycoengineering, it’s been called the first vaccine of its kind. There is currently a commercially available vaccine for Barber’s pole worm, Barbervax, but is not widely available outside of Australia and was created using a different technological process. Tests have found the new, glycoengineered vaccine was not as effective as Barbervax, but reduced faecal egg-shedding by more than 81 percent and reduced worm burden by 25 percent, as well as reducing blood losses through worm feeding.
