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USDA Expands Market for U.S. Wheat: Adds Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to List of States that Can Export Wheat to Kenya
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that, effective immediately, U.S. wheat may now be shipped to Kenya regardless of state of origin or port of export. This important step will allow U.S. wheat from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to be added to the list of states that can ship
wheat to Kenya.
“American farmers in the Pacific Northwest now have full access to the Kenyan wheat market,” said Greg Ibach, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “This action proves our commitment to securing fair treatment and greater access for U.S. products in the global marketplace.”
For the last 12 years, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has worked closely with Kenyan officials to address plant health concerns that kept U.S. wheat exports from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington out of Kenya. The U.S.-Kenya Trade and Investment Working Group, established after an August 2018 White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, provided the forum for APHIS, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to finally resolve this longstanding issue with Kenya.
On January 28, 2020, Kenya’s national plant protection organization officially signed the Export Certification Protocol between Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service and APHIS/PPQ on Wheat Grain Consignments to Kenya for immediate implementation. The protocol gives U.S. exporters full access to Kenya’s wheat market, valued at nearly $500 million annually.
“Going forward, the USDA team looks forward to building on this success and further strengthening our relationship with Kenya as we pursue a new bilateral free trade agreement that will create additional market opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney.
Background:
After 12 years of discussion and a U.S. technical visit, Kenya agreed to lift its prohibition on U.S. wheat exports from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Kenya will now accept APHIS export phytosanitary inspection and certification for wheat from any U.S. state of origin or port of export, effective immediately.
As part of the technical agreement, APHIS will work with U.S. stakeholders to enhance general surveillance for flag smut of wheat (Urocystis agropyri) in Idaho, Oregon and Washington and ask industry to support a technical visit from Kenya to examine crop surveillance measures for flag smut.
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Secretary Perdue Announces New FSIS Leadership
(Washington, D.C, February 25, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of Paul Kiecker to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Mr. Kiecker will be assuming the role following the departure of Administrator Carmen Rottenberg, who is departing federal service after a career spanning two decades.
“Ensuring the safety of America’s food supply is USDA’s most important responsibility, and one that Carmen carried out with dedication and vision. I know she will continue her passion for food safety in the private sector,” said Secretary Perdue. “Carmen is a true public servant and ushered in an era of modernization at the Food Safety and Inspection Service. This mission and drive will continue and advance with Paul Kiecker in his new leadership role. USDA’s food safety team is the best in the world and works tirelessly to safeguard the food we serve our families every single day.”
Carmen Rottenberg served as Administrator since May of 2018 but led the agency since August of 2017. As Administrator, Rottenberg spearheaded efforts to modernize the agency and implemented several key initiatives to target foodborne illness. Through her leadership and oversight, an unprecedented level of collaboration was achieved with federal, state and municipal agencies and other stakeholders.
“My colleagues in FSIS are among the best and brightest in federal government, and I am confident that the Agency will continue to “do right and feed everyone,” long after my last day in this office,” Carmen Rottenberg said. “Each and every day our FSIS team displays unparalleled commitment to decision making that is both protective of public health and supportable by science and data. They are public servants in the truest form of the term. It’s been a thrill and absolute joy to work with Secretary Perdue and this USDA team, and I’m so proud of all we have accomplished.”
“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Carmen over the past year,” said Deputy Under Secretary Mindy Brashears. “Her leadership and food safety expertise will be greatly missed within the Department, but I am excited to see her succeed in her new ventures ahead. As we move ahead into 2020, I am confident in the direction of the agency as we have experienced senior staff who are ready to step into new leadership roles.”
Background:
Paul Kiecker was named Deputy Administrator for the FSIS in May of 2018 and served as the Agency’s Acting Administrator until January of 2019. Throughout his 30 years with FSIS, he has been committed to a strong public health vision that has guided him to overcome obstacles, identify opportunities for improvement, manage resources efficiently, and achieve food safety objectives to prevent foodborne illness.
Since joining FSIS in 1988 as a food inspector, Kiecker has served in a number of roles at the agency, including Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Field Operations. He came to Washington, D.C. to serve as Executive Associate for Regulatory Operations, after serving as the District Manager in Springdale, AR and Madison, WI, as well as Deputy District Manager in Madison, WI. Kiecker’s experience with FSIS also includes work with the Office of Investigation, Enforcement, and Audit, where he has served as a Compliance Investigator and as Supervisory Compliance Officer.
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Press Release
USDA Invests $9.1 Million in Broadband for Rural South Carolina Communities
COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 25, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development South Carolina State Director Debbie Turbeville announced USDA has invested $9.1 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for 6,251 homes in rural Kershaw County. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments.
“High-speed broadband e-Connectivity is critical to increasing access to health care and educational opportunities and strengthening economic development efforts in rural communities,” Turbeville said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
TruVista Communications Inc. will use a $9.1 million ReConnect grant to deploy 257 miles of fiber-optic cable in unserved areas of Kershaw County. This investment is expected to cover an 81-square-mile area that includes 6,251 rural households, 24 farms, 15 businesses, four critical community facilities, three educational facilities and a health care center.
Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks.
These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload.
In December 2019, Agriculture Secretary Perdue announced USDA will be making available an additional $550 million in ReConnect funding in 2020. USDA will make available up to $200 million for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 million for low-interest loans. The application window for this round of funding opened Jan. 31, 2020. Applications for all funding products will be accepted in the same application window, which will close on March 16, 2020.
A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available on page 67913 of the Dec. 12, 2019, Federal Register (PDF, 336 KB). To learn more about eligibility, technical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA and USTR Announce Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
WASHINGTON, February 25, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced today that China has taken numerous actions to begin implementing its agriculture-related commitments under the landmark U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement on schedule. The agreement entered into force on February 14, 2020.
These actions include:
In addition, China has begun announcing tariff exclusions for imports of U.S. agricultural products subject to its retaliatory tariffs (Tariff Exclusion Process Announcement), and it announced a reduction in retaliatory tariff rates on certain U.S. agricultural goods (Tariff Rate Adjustment Announcement). These types of actions will facilitate China’s progress toward meeting its Phase One purchase commitments.
“President Trump and this Administration negotiated a strong trade agreement with China that promises significant benefits for American agriculture,” Secretary Perdue said. “We look forward to realizing these benefits this year and are encouraged by progress made last week. We fully expect compliance with all elements of the deal.”
Ambassador Lighthizer said, “President Trump signed the Phase One agreement a little more than a month ago and we are already seeing positive results. Under the President’s leadership, we will ensure the agreement is strictly enforced for the benefit of our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.”
Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education kicks off year of savings with Utah Saves Week
SALT LAKE CITY – February 25, 2020 – Utah State Treasurer David Damschen today announced that Utah is kicking off a savings-focused year with “Utah Saves Week” and urges Utahns to automate their savings.
Treasurer Damschen chairs the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education, an organization comprised of more than 50 private and public entities that share a common mission to increase the financial capability of Utahns.
“A primary objective of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education is to support programs that empower individuals and families to achieve economic stability, opportunity and upward mobility,” Treasurer Damschen said. “Utah Saves Week serves as a good reminder for Utahns to automate their savings, while helping connect them with free information, tools and resources to help them attain their savings goals and navigate an increasingly complex financial world.”
Utah Saves is a tool that helps Utahns hold themselves accountable to their savings goals and receive free professional advice from online resources. Utahns are encouraged to pledge to save online at utahsaves.org to receive savings advice tailored specifically to their savings goals.
“You can start small with your savings goals and habits. You just need to start somewhere,” Utah Saves Coordinator Ben Stout said. “Some examples of savings goals include saving for a vacation, paying off a debt, purchasing a home and building your retirement nest egg. Creating good savings habits can have life-changing results over the long-term.”
Treasurer Damschen and the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education’s mascot, a dollar bill named Bill, joined Sen. Dan Hemmert and Rep. Brady Brammer during floor time on Monday for a reading of the Governor’s “Utah Saves Week” declaration.
Utah Saves Week is February 24 – February 29. The Office of State Treasurer will share savings tips and information throughout the week on the Office’s Facebook and Twitter. Utah Saves will also promote useful information and contests throughout the week on social media.
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For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Danielle Bendinelli, 801.315.9532
Danielle.Bendinelli@cblproperties.com
Layton Hills Mall is looking for Local Creatives and Art Lovers
Connections. Friendships. Education. Experience.
Layton, UT (February 25, 2020) – Layton Hills Mall has partnered with Utah Arts Alliance, and Landmark Artist to bring Connect back to Davis County! Join us Friday, February 28th from 6:00p – 9:00p for a free, pop-up exhibit that invites all mediums of visual artists to showcase their art and network with the public.
Attendees will be able to cast votes in various categories. Winners will receive gift cards from Layton Hills Mall retailers or restaurants, and a select few will have their work featured in the next Landmark Artist window display inside Layton Hills Mall.
“The community partnerships we have formed with local arts organizations have been so rewarding” says Danielle Bendinelli, Layton Hills Mall Marketing Director. “From window displays showcasing work by local artists to veteran painted pianos and quarterly networking events, we’ve been able to provide some great opportunities for Utah creatives and added a nice pop of color to the center for shoppers to enjoy.”
CONNECT EVENT SCHEDULE
6:00p - 7:00p Artist Check in, Mingle, Live Music
6:30p Make your own jewelry opportunity with Maryanne Paradis
7:00p Michael Christensen: Activities - Sales Pitch and Presenting Your Art
7:30p Voting Begins
8:00p Voting Ends
8:00p Mark Putshcer: Discussion on Portfolios & Getting Your Art in to Galleries
8:15p Announcements and Presentation of Winners
Artists wanting to participate are encouraged to bring up to two pieces of ready-to-hang work.
Table easels are strongly encouraged.
Please Note: Due to the public nature of the event, organizers have the right to turn down any artwork not deemed appropriate for all ages.
This is event is free and open to the public. Children are required to be with an adult at all times. No food or drink will be allowed in the gallery area.
** Connect is a program of the Utah Arts Alliance. Visit www.utaharts.org for more info & resources. **
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