District of Columbia Agriculture News (United States)

The recent FCC application withdrawal for the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger will significantly delay the build-out of rural broadband, the National Grange said Friday, and further put rural Americans behind their urban and suburban counterparts.

The National Grange spoke against proposed regulations by the U.S. Dept. of Labor that would limit the ability of teens to assist in farming operations across America, calling the proposal “destructive” to the agriculture industry.

During his annual address, National Grange President Edward Luttrell advanced the Grange's platform regarding USPS reforms, rural broadband expansion, cutting spending and more.

Delegates for the National Grange passed more than 50 resolutions during the145th Annual National Grange Convention held in Tulsa, Okla., including support of USPS reforms, expansion of rural broadband and changes to U.S. dairy policy.

The National Grange created policy supporting United States Postal Service reforms during its 145th Annual Convention earlier this month, stressing the need for USPS service in rural areas.

The National Grange, in conjunction with Yankee Candle, have created a fundraiser program benefiting local Granges and the O.H. Kelley Farm through the sales of candles with Grange logo and tagline, "American Values. Hometown Roots." on the label.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, the National Grange filed suit against a New York City-based agri-business Brooklyn Grange, LLC, that has used the Grange name without authorization for trademark infringement and unfair competition.

During the 145th Annual National Grange Convention starting in Tulsa on Tuesday, Nov. 8 National Grange President Ed Luttrell will discuss Grange policies on the U.S. Postal Service reform, rural broadband expansion and the 2012 Farm Bill.

Micheal Martin, of Pennsylvania, will bring years of expertise and love for organization with him to position with the National Grange.

National Grange President Ed Luttrell says Grange members expect legislators to approach financial decisions as everyday Americans do with their personal finances.

On Tuesday, August 23, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that rural communities in 18 states will receive more than $103 million in funding for projects that will provide broadband access to under served rural communities.

On Wednesday, Ed Luttrell, President of The National Grange commended the decision by USDOT regulators to listen to opposition from the Ag community and refrain from imposing new regulations on the transport and operation of agricultural equipment.

Panic Button Pendant/Autodialer Has Custom Numbers, 2-Way Voice, 600 Foot Range, No Monthly Bills

The World Cocoa Foundation held the 1st Chocolate Fest Event at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC. Thanks to our corporate sponsors Kraft Foods, The Hershey Company, Mars Incorporated, Cargill and Dependable Distribution Services.

“Celebrating the Diversity of Cocoa Origins” World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) announced this week that it advised client Townsends, Inc. with respect to the sale out of bankruptcy of its operating divisions to Peco Foods and Omtron. The transactions closed on February 25, 2011.

Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs Applauds President Obama’s Budget that Offers Renewed Hope for America’s Farmworkers

Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC, (OFW) the leading law and lobbying firm in the fields of agriculture, food, drugs, medical devices and health care policy, has announced that Gary Baise has joined the firm as a Principal.

AFOP Executive Director David Strauss urged participants at the National Migrant Head Start Annual Conference to work to change harmful labor standards that put thousands of children that work in agriculture at risk.

AFOP released the following statement regarding the reauthorization of SCHIP:

An unparalleled list of global leaders will join at the Times Center in New York City, January 5, 2009 to solve our world’s toughest challenges.