Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal Delayed, USDA Investing in Farms

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said last week the final agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership won’t be made at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit this month in Beijing.
All TPP Leaders will be at APEC, which will give them time to get many issues wrapped up—but the deal won’t be finalized. President Obama is planning to attend APEC and is expected to discuss a way forward on the long-awaited trade deal with several leaders during his trip.
Discussion between the U.S. and Japan continue on a near daily basis on resolving the differences regarding Japan’s trade restrictions the country wants included in TPP.
USDA announced last week it will invest $29 million to provide affordable housing for farm laborers and their families.
USDA will provide grants and loans through the Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program. Financing is available to qualified organizations to develop housing for domestic farm laborers. USDA is awarding $20.7 million in loans and $8.3 million in grants for 10 projects in six states.
Housing projects funding through the investments are located in California, Florida, Mississippi, Oregon and Washington.

Categories: Ag News