OKAgPolicy Today is a morning email containing the day’s top agriculture and policy headlines. The inclusion of a particular story does not equal an endorsement. Subscribe to the email here.
TOP HEADLINES
Ag groups raise over $1 million in support of Oklahoma ballot measure:
A political action committee called “Oklahoma Farmers Care” has also provided backing. On the other side of the issue, the Humane Society of the United States is the single largest donor opposing the measure [HPPR].
How farmers help feed the global population (audio):
Dr. Bob Young, American Farm Bureau Federation’s chief economist, discussed how farmers help feed the global population at a recent National Press Foundation educational event for journalists. Young pointed out that conventional farming is often attacked, even as it boosts production [National Press Foundation].
As thirsty cities drive up water’s price, can farms survive on the front range?:
Few things are more valuable to a farmer in the arid West than irrigation water. Without it, the land turns back into its natural state: dry, dusty plains. If a fast-growing city is your neighbor, then your water holds even more value [NPR].
STATE
Oklahoma bipartisan coalition calls for immigration reform:
While Oklahoma’s immigrant population is growing slower than the national rate, more than 10,000 immigrants came to the state from 2010 to 2014 and nearly 220,000 residents were born abroad, according to a report released Wednesday by a bipartisan group urging reforms [The Oklahoman].
Oklahoma Senate Leader authorizes 36 legislative studies:
Developing a long-term strategy for replacing state revenue from oil and natural gas production and examining the costs and feasibility of creating a child abuse registry in Oklahoma are among 36 legislative studies authorized by the leader of the state Senate [News9].
FEDERAL
Will consumers use QR codes to learn about genetically modified food?:
A new law allows food producers to use digital codes to inform consumers that food contains genetically modified (GM) ingredients. But will consumers use smartphones or in-store readers to scan those Quick Response or QR codes [Annenberg Public Policy Center].
Small food companies ponder response to new GMO labeling law:
A new law that requires food makers to label the packaging of any products that contain genetically modified ingredients has small and medium-sized manufacturers facing some big decisions [Washington Post].
House Speaker Ryan: No point in lame duck vote on TPP deal:
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday that he saw no point in bringing up the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal for a vote in any “lame duck” session of Congress later this year after November elections, because “we don’t have the votes” [CNBC].
MISCELLANEOUS
Amid economic hard times, Venezuelans turn to city farming:
Facing a national food crisis, Venezuela’s pumpkin-growing socialist president is exhorting compatriots to grow fruit and vegetables on balconies and roofs and in barracks across the country [Reuters].
Organic food fights back against ‘Non-GMO’ rival:
Organic food sales are growing, too, but not as rapidly. And it’s creating some soul-searching among organic companies, some of which actually launched the Non-GMO Project because they wanted to have their products tested for the presence of GMOs [NPR].
US wheat exporters hope GMO find won’t hurt sales to Japan, South Korea:
The U.S. Wheat Associates is hopeful there will be no business lost and only minor trade delays after a Washington state farmer found 22 unapproved genetically modified plants growing in a field last week, a USW spokesman said [Agri-Pulse].
