ASSOCIATION NEWS
Tariffs & trade top priorities
Trade with our No. 1 export market is still hindered by China’s retaliatory tariff on U.S. beans. Talk of a partial agree- ment is positive yet vague, and the American Soybean Association remains focused on rescinding the tariffs rather than relying on purchase com- mitment promises.
Government-to-government purchases are helpful short term but not a long-term solu- tion to restoring open market access in China. Still, a partial agreement could bode well for potential structural chang- es to China’s biotechnology approval system and a future without escalating tariffs.
It seems a long time since the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agree- ment was signed by the three countries in November 2018. Yet as of early December 2019, it has not passed through the congressional approval process. Roughly $43 billion in agriculture products are ex- ported to Canada and Mexico annually, meaning a finalized North American trade agree- ment is critical for soybean farmers and rural communi- ties. We continue pushing for a bipartisan path to passage.
For more information, go to
www.soygrowers.com.
Podcast showcases new ag tech
Western Growers has launched Voices of the Valley, a podcast where WG Center for Innova- tion and Technology Director Dennis Donohue interviews leaders in agricultural technol- ogy and innovation. The Center works with farmers, entrepre- neurs, educators and technolo- gists to provide new solutions for today and tomorrow’s challenges — all of whom are interviewed on the show.
Each episode explores what’s challenging and new in agri- cultural innovation. To date, ep- isodes include interviews with numerous startup companies that are inventing technologies to solve issues surrounding water quality and water scarci- ty. This includes Kevin France of SWIIM System, Roi Adar of RootsTalk, John Skardon of Tailwater Systems and Connor Cunningham of WaterBit.
In addition to irrigation startups, the show also covers companies that are inventing new tech relating to every- thing from food safety and compliance costs to data management and labor avail- ability. Voices of the Valley is now available on iTunes – Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music.
For more information, go to .
CAIA participates in tech showcase
The California Agricultural Irrigation Association, jointly with the Irrigation Association, participated in the Innovations in Ag Irrigation Technology Demonstration and Showcase on Nov. 15 at the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State University.
The event focused on the latest technology in irrigation and water management and included a tour of the Uni- versity Farm Laboratory. The future of fertigation, telem- etry, nitrogen leaching and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act were high- lighted. The CAIA/IA booth was manned by CAIA Board members Carl Carlsen and Dan Schueler. During the event, Da- vid Zoldoske, EdD, introduced the new CIT Director, Charles Hillyer, PhD.
The CAIA’s 2020 World Ag Expo Meeting and Dinner will be held Feb. 11 in Tulare, Cali- fornia. The event will include a panel discussion on the SGMA. The CAIA encourages both members and nonmembers to attend and network with irrigation professionals who promote common ideals, stan- dards and business practices.
For more information, go to .
Foundation donates to Water Well Trust
The Groundwater Foundation presented the Water Well Trust with a donation of $100,000 on Oct. 24. The check was presented by National Ground Water Association CEO Terry S. Morse, CAE, CIC, at the Water Systems Council fall members’ meeting in Lost Pines, Texas.
The donation will fund a joint effort by the Water Well Trust and Groundwater Foundation to drill wells for low-income families across the United States who lack access to clean water. The program pays for the initial cost of drilling the well, and participating families are given a 20-year 1% interest loan.
The $100,000 donation will fund the drilling of 10 wells in selected states. Drilling is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
Currently, there are 2.9 million housing units lacking com- plete plumbing and access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
For more information, go to
www.ngwa.org.
34 Irrigation TODAY | Winter 2020
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