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Goodlatte, Vilsack Spar On RFS Impacts On Agriculture

By Rachel Gantz

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), who last week introduced two bills that would reform and repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), sparred with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the biofuel provision during a House Agriculture Committee hearing.

“I’m concerned about the continued growth of the consumption of corn under the RFS,” Goodlatte said. He asked Vilsack how USDA is working on preventing further negative impacts to the RFS, which he called “unworkable.”

“You and I are going to have to respectively disagree about this,” responded Vilsack, an ardent biofuels supporter. “I’m sure you’re not surprised by that,” he said.  “The reason I feel so strongly is because of the productivity of American agriculture. Corn production has increased significantly,” he explained, noting that there has also been significant growth in non-corn-based biofuel feedstocks.

“I don’t disagree with the ability to produce fuel from a wide variety of sources…. That would be a good thing, but that has been a promise for a long, long time,” Goodlatte responded. “In the meantime, there are growing concerns by consumer groups, environmental groups … [and others] to make sure the corn crop is not manipulated by an artificial government policy,” he continued.

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Why SaskSeed is Rejuvenating its Annual Meeting

Video: Why SaskSeed is Rejuvenating its Annual Meeting

The Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association (SaskSeed) is switching things up for 2024.

In a recent interview, SaskSeed President Kurt Printz, the owner of Printz Family Seeds, shared some of the notable accomplishments and changes within his organization over the past 12 months, including switching venues for the SaskSeed annual meeting coming up in January.

The decision to move their meeting from a familiar venue to a downtown location is a refreshing change aimed at offering members more freedom and a change of scenery outside of meeting hours, he says. The shift is also an attempt to attract a younger crowd, tapping into the vibrant dining and social opportunities downtown.

“The goal is to inject some fresh energy into the proceedings while still paying homage to the heritage of our meetings. It’s about blending excitement with respect for our established traditions, ensuring that the change doesn’t compromise the essence of what makes our AGMs special,” he says.

One of his proudest accomplishments as SaskSeed president is getting new executive director Chris Barker up and running within the organization. Printz expressed excitement about the positive direction Barker is taking SaskSeed and the impact this has on SaskSeed’s overall goals.