Overtime pay for farmworkers: Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law legislation phasing in overtime pay for farmworkers in Washington state, starting with work that exceeds 55 hours in a week in 2022 and reaching a threshold of 40 hours a week in 2024. President Biden applauded the new law and urged Congress to grant legal status to undocumented farmworkers. (Inslee)
Organic livestock comments: The public comment period on the proposed Origin of Livestock Rule, which addresses the transition of conventional livestock into organic production, will be re-opened for 60 days to gather information about potential changes. (National Organic Program)
Keep aggie tax breaks: A group of 41 national and regional ag groups asked Congress to preserve the “stepped up basis” that reduces tax liabilities when farmland and other property is passed to heirs; they also sought to maintain two other tax breaks that benefit agriculture. (AFBF)
Impact of pipeline shutdown: Farmers and livestock producers are keeping a wary eye on fuel supplies during the planting season following the ransomware shutdown of Colonial Pipeline in the Southeast. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
More time for organics: Mexico extended until Dec. 31 a deadline for U.S. organic products to be certified under its organic products law, meaning that USDA-certified organic products can be exported for the rest of the year. (USDA)