Groups representing corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat and other commodities told members of the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday what they would like in the next farm bill. And one of the few issues that seemed to unite them was opposition to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns' proposals to bar commodity program payments to anyone with adjusted gross income over $200,000. Most of the changes farm groups asked for Wednesday would cost more, but their leaders are hoping...

But what is needed is a drive and proper infrasturctural support to motivate the farmers and the youths as well to take to farming in a vigorous manner. Considering this, the State Government is laying more stress on setting up markets and encouraging horticulture in the potential areas, like the areas located in the Himalayan foothills, and, also in those areas, where productivity of the soil has come down due to constant cultivation of rice, she said. Considering this, the State...

The Iranian ambassador pointed to the growing presence of Iranian businessmen in Thailand and said that bilateral economic ties have improved significantly in recent years. The Southeast Asian country exports mostly rice, electronic devices, air conditioning systems and steel products to Iran. Pak-Aein echoed Thailand's minister by saying that Tehran is ready to help organize joint workshops in both countries designed to exchange their experiences in labor relations. The Thai minister said...

They still need to reach major compromises in areas such as automotive trade and investment protections, according to people close to the discussions. Rice prices will remain high and land that could be more profitably used for other crops will remain tied to rice. South Korea is afraid that boosting imports of beef and rice will hurt business for its farmers, though it would reduce food prices for a far greater number of its consumers. Bush said beef exports rose 50% last year as more...

In India, for example, GM cotton has increased yields by around 150 per cent, trebled small farmers' profits, and reduced pesticide volumes by 80 per cent. Anti-GM groups, however, argue that in many developing countries, GM crops are now grown mainly for export by big farmers, not for local consumption, and that there are big effects of this monoculture cropping. Ten years after the first GM crops were planted, evidence is mounting that the technology can increase crop yields with...

Given the declining budget baseline for farm programs, the subcommittee will have to work in a bipartisan manner if we want to further build upon the strong fundamental structure of that which is already in place. Get the latest industry news delivered right to your computer! A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on the Committee website in four to six weeks. The House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing this week (28 March...