Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced China trade enforcement and a new cover crop program at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta Monday. He says despite the recent expiration of ag purchase commitments under the Phase One agreement, U.S. efforts to assure China meets remaining commitments under the trade deal continue as they came up short on their purchases.
He says China also has outstanding barriers to trade that must be resolved.
Vilsack also announced USDA is partnering with other farm and conservation groups with a goal of doubling cover crop acreage by the year 2030.
Plus, USDA is investing $50 million in 118 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
The Equity Conservation Cooperative Agreements, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will fund two-year projects to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to farmers who are new to farming, low income, socially disadvantaged or military veterans. Projects will support USDA’s broader effort to address climate change and equitable access to programs.
