China Moves To Halt Exports Over Zinka
In a move that could halt exports of US produce and other crops to China , China is requiring US imports to be mosquito-free. Chinese authorities have said that containers from certain countries including the US shall be subject to anti-mosquito treatment in order to prevent the Zika virus from spreading. USA Today quoted the Agriculture Transportation Coalition’s program manager Abigail Struxness as saying that the agriculture exporters’ trade group is working to find out who will fumigate, with what, when, who issues the certificate of extermination and whether cargoes from the entire country are subject to the requirement when “only one corner of one state” -- Florida -- has had Zika reports from mosquitoes that are believed to be in the area”.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack awarded almost $18 million in funding for projects impacting beginning farmers and ranchers . In addition to the funding, Vilsack also announced a series of forums that will gather information on “emerging issues or existing issues that require some thought.” Information gleaned from the dialogues will be used in formulating a transition document for the next administration.
Events will be held on college campuses in several states that will be key in the November elections, including Colorado, Florida, and North Carolina, along with Arkansas, Arizona, and New Hampshire.