News Briefs

Industry Members Talk Farm Bill, Donate Peanut Butter

Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for their annual spring fly-in. During the trip, USPF representatives met with key members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff, to discuss issues facing the peanut industry.

The USPF fly-in is essential to connect with Congress about peanut industry priorities, especially the Farm Bill, which is up for reauthorization in 2023. During their meetings, representatives discussed the rising costs of production for peanuts, the Price Loss Coverage program and the priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

The group also combined advocacy with service during the trip, donating more than 10,000 jars of peanut butter to the Capital Area Food Bank. USPF representatives were able to visit the food bank and hear firsthand how this donation will positively impact families in the local community.

Molly McGlinchy, deputy chief of programs and innovation at the Capital Area Food Bank, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry representatives in attendance.

“On behalf of the staff, the volunteers and the folks we serve, I want to say thank you for this donation,” McGlinchy said. “We recognize that protein is a critical nutrient at all ages and all stages of life for the individuals that we serve, and peanut butter is the perfect vehicle for providing that nutrient.”

Representatives said the donated peanut butter would be distributed quickly to children, families and the elderly in the community.

“Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its long shelf life,” said Georgia Peanut Commission board member Ross Kendrick. “Peanuts are a nutri- tional superfood, containing more protein than any other nut and are a great source of Vitamin E and folate. We are grateful to partner with Peanut Proud and the Capital Area Food Bank to ensure that those affected by food insecurity can have access to safe, nutritional food and delicious peanut butter.”

CAFB works to address hunger for the half-million neighbors across the region experiencing food insecurity. They also work in partnership with organizations across the region to address hunger’s root causes by pairing food with other critical services.

The USPF is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy.

USDA: $1 Billion For Renewable Energy, Efficiency Improvements

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. The grants are available under the Rural Energy for America Program with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Recipients may use REAP funds to install renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements. Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers. USDA will hold competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding will also include the creation of the first underutilized technology fund in the REAP program, with $144.5 million available in dedicated funding.

USDA is particularly interested in REAP projects that will help rural com-

In Brief

• Industry members talk about rising input costs to Washington, D.C. leaders.

• USDA opens grant applications for renewable energy systems and e iciency improvements.

• Support calls for continued RUTF funding with ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

• Several industry segments make plans for summer meetings.

• Mars Wrigley personnel talks about consumer snacking trends.

munities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and improving infrastructure, reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, conserve and protect farmland, and invest in underserved communities.

The maximum federal share which may be requested is up to 50% of the total project cost for all energy-efficiency projects and zero-emissions renewable energy systems. An award of up to 50% of the total project cost is also available for any project in a designated energy community and/or submitted by an eligible tribal entity. All other projects are eligible to apply for grants of up to 25% of the total project cost. The maximum grant is $1 million for renewable energy systems and $500,000 for energy-efficiency projects.

Reps. Request RUTF Funding

U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-GA) along with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Young Kim (R-CA) are teaming up to request