Author

Adam Goldstein

Adam Goldstein

Adam Goldstein is the D.C. Bureau intern for States Newsroom. Goldstein is a graduate student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, studying digital reporting. He is originally from San Francisco, and loves swimming, cooking, and the San Francisco 49ers.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

Limits on foreign ownership of U.S. farmland gain support in Congress, despite skepticism

By: - March 17, 2023

WASHINGTON — Bipartisan momentum is building in Congress to restrict China and other foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. farmland, a reflection of a similar push by some states as well as apprehension over Chinese spy balloons, rising land prices and growing international competition.  “Foreign ownership of agricultural land threatens small family farms and the overall […]

root vegetables

Progressive agriculture groups rally for land access, climate-smart policies in farm bill

By: - March 8, 2023

WASHINGTON — Farmers and leaders from more than 20 progressive agricultural groups gathered this week to march on the U.S. Capitol, and promote climate solutions and underserved producers as priority issues for lawmakers in the upcoming farm bill.  “As farmers, we are close to the land. We love the land. We understand the sanctity and […]

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. agriculture secretary unveils initiatives aimed at small and midsized operations

By: - March 7, 2023

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced new steps the Department of Agriculture is taking to recenter U.S. agriculture and benefit small and midsized operations, including a proposed new “Product of USA” labeling rule and an $89 million expansion of the USDA intermediary lending program.  At the National Farmers Union conference in San Francisco on […]

USDA projects farm income will fall in 2023 after two robust years

By: - March 1, 2023

WASHINGTON — After two strong years of growth, U.S. farm income is forecast to drop substantially in 2023 as commodity prices fall and expenses rise, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. And with food prices projected to rise into 2023, the nation’s producers will not be reaping the financial benefits. The economic […]

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

Market innovation a path to economic equity in farming, Vilsack tells ag conference

By: - February 23, 2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urged private sector and government officials to address inequity and promote innovation in what he called a “pivotal moment” in the nation’s history at an industry conference Thursday. In the opening session of the 99th USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, Vilsack said new income streams and markets will be […]

State ag officials push for on-time farm bill to fund slew of programs

By: - February 19, 2023

WASHINGTON – State agriculture officials from across the country sought this month to remind a new crop of lawmakers in Congress of their states’ needs for a robust farm bill to address a host of food issues. Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture gathered in Washington for their annual winter meeting […]

Fossil fuel drilling threatens air and wildlife in national parks, advocacy group finds

By: - February 13, 2023

WASHINGTON — A “massive” methane cloud forming over Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.   Noxious air pollution fouling Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.  Herds of mule deer and pronghorn at risk of decimation at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Environmental problems like these are already resulting from fossil fuel extraction near four […]

Democratic governors pitch federal funds for housing, clean energy

By: - February 9, 2023

WASHINGTON — Using the recent influx of federal funds to expand state and local clean energy infrastructure, affordable housing and workforce development will pay long-term dividends, a group of Democratic governors and mayors said Wednesday at an event hosted by a prominent liberal think tank. Ahead of the National Governors Association’s winter meeting here this […]

Medical marijuana was approved by Oregon voters in 1998, and the possession and use of recreational marijuana has been legal in the state since mid-2015.

State medical cannabis programs failing to make enough progress, advocacy group finds

By: - February 6, 2023

WASHINGTON — A report from a patient advocacy group found the future of medical cannabis in the states is hazy unless costs are decreased, product safety standards are improved and civil rights are strengthened for patients and prescribers.  Americans for Safe Access issued its annual State of the States report on Thursday. The organization, a […]

Mount Hood National Forest

USDA to use outdoors recreation to boost economy around national forests, grasslands

By: - January 31, 2023

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture began planning this month to develop outdoor recreation opportunities near national forests and grasslands, part of a broader Biden administration push to help communities reap economic rewards from the growing recreation sector. Three USDA agencies — the U.S. Forest Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and […]