China’s Self-Reliance in Ag Tech. & AFBF Convention in Puerto Rico

**President Xi (Zhee) Jinping is pushing for China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agriculture technology.

Farm Doc Policy News says China’s president identified seed development and core equipment among the areas he’d like to focus on.

In 2020, the central leadership said the country’s seed industry was a weak link in its food chain and needed to make more and better use of science and technology to turn that sector around.

**The National Association of Conservation Districts is grateful the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill passed the House before the break.

They say the agreement supports voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts across the country by providing strong funding for critical conservation programs.

The package includes no cuts to mandatory spending for USDA farm bill conservation programs.

It also has $941 million for Natural Resources Conservation Service Operations, including more than $800 million for Technical Assistance.

**Florida Farm Bureau is looking forward to supporting outstanding young farmer and rancher state winners as they advance to the national competitions in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, that runs today through Wednesday.

Three competitions enable members to showcase their leadership experience, communication skills and successful business plans as they compete against the best of the best from each state Farm Bureau.

www.floridafarmbureau.org/news/florida-young-farmers-travel-to-san-juan-for-national-competitions/