Nebraska Costco Plant Gains Final Approval Despite Lawsuit

Despite a lawsuit filed this week against the proposal, the Freemont, Nebraska Costco poultry processing facility received final approval from the city this week. The approval came just a day after three citizens of Freemont filed a lawsuit accusing the city of illegally designating land for the project as blighted to qualify for the tax increment financing, or TIF funding. The City Council approved issuing a $13.5-million TIF note, and Costco also is applying for additional tax incentives, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The company – which intends to process chicken for its retail stores at the facility – is evaluating the proposed site and still must give its final approval to the project. The proposed facility would include a hatchery, feed mill and chicken processing operation and employ up to 1,100 people.

 

Senators Ask USDA to Address Organic Livestock Rule Concern Before Publishing Rule

A group of bipartisan Senators has signed a letter to the Department of Agriculture requesting the agency address concerns with the proposed organic livestock and poultry rule before publishing the regulation. Led by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, a Republican from Kansas, 13 Senators in all signed the letter that says “the proposed rule raises significant concerns regarding the impact on current organic poultry and egg producers, as well as access and price for organic consumers.” Further, the group says “proposed changes to outdoor access standards could have a detrimental impact to both animal health and food safety.” Other Senators signing the letter include Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan. On May 26th, leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees sent a letter requesting an extended public comment period. USDA granted an additional 30 days on June 7th.

 

China-based Investment Group Creates $1 Billion Ag Fund

An investment group based in Beijing, China plans to establish a $1 billion fund for special food and agriculture investment in Australia. Tsing Capital, an investment management company, says the fund will invest in high-tech fermentation and extraction of grains, cane and vegetables, with the intention of supplying the market for health foods and dietary supplements in mainland China. The plan is to invest in the entire supply chain, and will include establishing processing factories, according to the Weekly Times. Representatives from China and Australia plan to raise $500 million to $1 billion in capital, with the possibility of increasing that amount to $2 billion through loans. Organizers say Chinese demand is driving the investment. The end products for export to China are likely to include high-protein health supplements, tonics, pills and sports drinks, as well as vitamins.

Source;  NAFB News

 

 

More From AM 950 KOEL