United States
USDA grants extension for Emergency Watershed Protection program
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in North Carolina has been granted an extension for interested sponsors that have been affected by Tropical Storm Helene under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. The application deadline for interested sponsors is now Feb. 28. The EWP program’s objectives are to relieve imminent hazards to life and structures/infrastructure caused by floods, fires, windÂstorms, and other natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program. The USDA-NRCS does not provide EWP assistance directly to private property owners with the exception of floodplain easements. All projects undertaken which include public and private properties must have a project sponsor. Sponsors cannot be reimbursed for work done prior to entering into a formal agreement with NRCS.
Rollins confirmed as ag secretary
The Senate Agriculture Committee approved U.S. president Trump’s nomination of Brooke Rollins as the country’s new ag secretary. Although Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar expressed concern on behalf of democrats about conservation, the workforce and trade issues, the nomination was approved unanimously by the committee. The nomination still must be passed on the senate floor. Various industry groups, including Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall, have called for a swift confirmation vote. Rollins’ confirmation was delayed earlier in January due to a paperwork issue.
Canada
Canada announces funding to help farmers lower emissions
Canada will expand the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), which will provide an additional $300 million to 13 organizations in continuation of their efforts to help farmers become more climate resilient over the next three years. The organizations span from British Columbia to P.E.I. Direct support to farmers falls under the target areas of cover cropping activities, nitrogen management and rotational grazing. Organizations will redistribute funding through individual application intakes. Farmers across Canada are encouraged to use the On-Farm Climate Action Fund Web Tool for Farmers to determine which organization best serves their geographic area and needs.
Ontario increasing Risk Management Program funding
The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP) from $150 million to $250 million to enhance support for farmers and the province’s $51 billion agri-food sector, according to a press release from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The $100 million increase, which will be phased in over a three-year period, will support farmers in responding to market challenges while boosting their long-term business confidence and competitiveness. This investment builds on the $50 million annual increase to RMP in 2020 to $150 million, and past reforms which allowed unused program funds to be rolled over to future year claims, allowing the program to be most responsive in times of greatest need. This also builds on the 2023 changes to the compensation rates for AgriStability which were increased from 70 per cent to 80 per cent, a change that Ontario led the fight on at the federal level to better serve farms facing significant margin declines due to production losses as part of the national suite of Business Risk Management programming.
Corporate news
Weltec changes up management structure
German biogas company Weltec has appointed Christian Hower-Knobloch as its immediate future CEO of Weltec Holding. Hower-Knobloch’s term will begin May 1, 2025, assuming responsibility from Jens Albartus. Albartus will remain within the company, focusing on Weltec Biopower and serving in an advisory capacity for Weltec Holding. Weltec has so far built more than 400 energy plants, spanning 26 countries. It serves the agriculture sector as well as waste, food and wastewater.