Farmers

African Coffee Farmers Face Uncertainty as European Market Demand Declines

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – African smallholder coffee farmers are facing a potential loss of income due to new mandatory rules established by the European Union (EU). The rules, implemented in 2023, aim to prevent the importation of commodities, such as coffee, palm oil, and cocoa, that originate from deforested land or involve labor and/or human rights abuses. To avoid heavy fines, companies must prove compliance by the end of 2024. Tsegaye Anebo, the general manager of Ethiopia’s Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, expressed concern over the impact of the new EU regulations. He stated that … Read more

Nine Years in the Making: Farmers’ Lawsuit Finally Goes to Trial

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Brownstown, Indiana – After a nine-year wait, a bench trial in a civil lawsuit between two Bartholomew County farmers finally began this week. The plaintiff, Chad Sims, filed the litigation in 2015 against defendant Gregory W. Daily and his business, Daily Feed and Grain. The trial is being presided over by Jackson Superior Court AmyMarie Travis. The legal battle has faced numerous delays and changes in judges and attorneys over the years. These transitions have required additional time for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the case. Complicating matters further, the lawsuit involves multiple legal agreements, … Read more

California Farmers Adapt to New Agriculture Laws with Minimal Impact on Sentiment

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SACRAMENTO, California – As new laws and regulations take effect in 2024, the California agriculture industry is set to undergo changes. Senate Bill 389 grants the state authority to investigate the validity of water users’ rights and impose penalties for unauthorized diversions. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 1016 will streamline the certification process for farmers who wish to utilize drones for pesticide spraying and beneficial biological treatments. Additionally, the Advanced Clean Fleets rule aims to gradually phase out most diesel trucks in California over the next twenty years. Despite these impending changes, farmer sentiment remained relatively unchanged … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Lifts Injunctions on Iowa’s Animal Welfare Laws, Granting Victory to Farmers

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Des Moines, Iowa – In a recent decision, a federal appeals court lifted two injunctions that had prevented the enforcement of Iowa laws designed to prevent undercover filming of animal confinements. These laws criminalize gaining entry to agricultural production facilities through deception and recording with a camera while trespassing. The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that these laws do not violate the free speech rights of groups that challenged them. The laws have been a subject of contention between animal welfare organizations and agricultural production facilities. Those in favor of the laws argue … Read more