Rural poverty rate 15 percent: The U.S. poverty rate held steady at 11.6 percent in 2021, and the rural poverty rate of 15 percent was not significantly different from 14.1 percent in 2020. (Census Bureau)
Transformative farm bill needed: A coalition of more than 150 organizations urged passage of a farm bill in 2023 that will tackle climate change, expand public nutrition programs, promote competition, protect farmworkers, and advance social and racial equity. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
U.S. prepares for rail strike: With nearly a third of all freight shipped by rail, the Biden administration is making contingency plans for delivery of critical goods in case labor unions and freight railroads do not agree on a contract this week. (Reuters)
RFS ‘set’ is on track: EPA administrator Michael Regan said the agency is on track to announce the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2023 by Nov. 16, a “set” that could include multiple years and will be the first biofuel mandate written solely by the EPA. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)