News Update

News Update
June 28, 2007

Senate Denies Efforts to Reform Immigration Laws

The Senate voted today to block comprehensive immigration reform, according to The New York Times.

After intense debate, the bill couldn’t garner enough support to move it toward passage, receiving only 46 votes out of the needed 60, according to the article. Now it appears the issue — which, among other significant immigration reform, was set to establish updated citizenship procedures for illegal immigrants — will be tabled until after the 2008 elections.

S. Korea to Inspect U.S. Facilities

South Korean officials today announced plans to conduct inspections of U.S. beef facilities, Business Week reports.

According to the article, an eight-member delegation will tour ranches, harvesting facilities and animal feed facilities beginning as early as June 30.

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated it “plans to hold consultations with the U.S. on whether to revise the current terms of importing U.S. beef.”

Johanns Furthers Agricultural Cooperation with Kazakhstan

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns yesterday met with Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Minister Akhmetzhan Yesimov and agreed on specific areas of cooperation under the memorandum of understanding signed September 2006.

Johanns said the two parties have identified several significant activities that will foster the use of more advanced agricultural technologies, improve agricultural productivity and rural development, create opportunities for trade and investment and strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks.

Visit www.usda.gov for more information on such activities as scientific research fellowships, market-oriented agricultural training, agricultural economics and business management instruction and more.

$19.25M in Loans, Grants Available for Rural Business

Secretary Johanns announced yesterday the award of $19.25 million to create or retain jobs at rural businesses.

“These funds will help local communities finance business expansions, implement economic development plans and make infrastructure improvements to ensure rural areas remain attractive, economically viable places to live and work,” Johanns said.

Johanns said the funding is expected to help create or save more than 1,000 jobs in 23 states.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.