Category: National Grange News

National Grange Asks Congress to Include Ag Organizations in Paycheck Protection Program

  As Congress debates another COVID relief package  to include in its budget reconciliation negotiations, the National Grange is urging  the Hill to support the inclusion of PPP eligibility for 501(c)5 agricultural not-for-profit organizations .  These ag-focused groups provide vital resources and support for the nation’s agriculture, food and rural economies. CLICK HERE TO READ … Continue reading “National Grange Asks Congress to Include Ag Organizations in Paycheck Protection Program”

Watch FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Farewell Message

  Watch the National Grange and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s virtual final address on the digital divide on January 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. FCC Chairman Pai discussed his contributions to bridging the digital divide for all Americans during his tenure at the … Continue reading “Watch FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Farewell Message”

OpEd: Technology Drives the Sustainable Practices Needed to Meet 21st Century Food Demand

BY BETSY HUBER December 23, 2020 at 5:00 am ET Late last week, President-Elect Joe Biden named Michael Regan, currently serving as head of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality, as the head of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. We welcome his expertise and are looking forward to working with him over the next four … Continue reading “OpEd: Technology Drives the Sustainable Practices Needed to Meet 21st Century Food Demand”

Grange thanks Congress for broadband funding and mapping aid

  On Tuesday, Dec. 22, National Grange President Betsy E. Huber released a statement praising the inclusion of funding for broadband mapping in the recently passed $900 billion relief package. Huber said, “Congress has recognized the plight of rural Americans and the digital divide that separates them from the rest of the country.  The $7 billion allocated in this … Continue reading “Grange thanks Congress for broadband funding and mapping aid”

Vilsack nomination to lead USDA called ‘wise choice’ by Grange president

  Betsy Huber, President of the National Grange, has issued a statement on the Nomination of Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture: “The National Grange welcomes Tom Vilsack back to USDA as Secretary of Agriculture,” she said, pending his confirmation. “President-elect Biden has made a wise choice to lead the Department at a time when farming … Continue reading “Vilsack nomination to lead USDA called ‘wise choice’ by Grange president”

Grange cheers RDOF Phase 1 Auction

  This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took another historic step toward closing the digital divide in 49 states through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction.  National Grange President Betsy Huber said, “The sound regulatory approach and carefully calibrated incentives championed by the FCC have delivered results, yielding $9.2 billion in support during … Continue reading “Grange cheers RDOF Phase 1 Auction”

Grange reacts to new House Ag Committee leaders

  Today the National Grange released statements in support of both the newly selected Democratic House Ag Chairman and Republican Ranking Member. National Grange President Betsy Huber has a long working relationship with Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, as both have worked closely with the agriculture community of Pennsylvania for decades.  Huber called the move by … Continue reading “Grange reacts to new House Ag Committee leaders”

National Grange Urges Innovative COVID-19 Vaccination Options

  How will rural communities fare in obtaining COVID-19 vaccine? Rural communities do not currently have the infrastructure necessary to store, maintain and distribute these new vaccines. The National Grange is urging FDA to explore multiple vaccine delivery mechanisms including pill form. Click here to read.

Grange Issues Statement on Final International Pricing Index Rule

Washington, DC November 24, 2020 – The National Grange released the following statement expressing its disappointment with FDA’s Final Rule and Guidance on Prescription Drug Importation and can be attributed to Betsy Huber, president of the National Grange: “The National Grange, on behalf of rural communities across the United States, is disappointed the Administration has … Continue reading “Grange Issues Statement on Final International Pricing Index Rule”

Grange sends rural priority memo to Biden transition team

  On November 11, the National Grange sent a memo to the transition team of President-elect Joe Biden. In it, the Grange welcomed Biden back to Washington D.C. and conveyed policy priorities for the incoming administration that are essential for rural Americans. Click here to read the full memo.

Grange supports FCC’s judicious approach to 5G Fund for Rural America

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted several important measures that will help close the digital divide in rural America. This includes the creation of a $9 billion 5G Fund for Rural America to extend basic connections to those in most need and invest in cutting-edge agricultural technologies. As long-time advocates for more precise broadband … Continue reading “Grange supports FCC’s judicious approach to 5G Fund for Rural America”

Webinar: Innovation from Farm to Table

National Grange President, Betsy Huber hosts a virtual panel discussion with industry leaders on agricultural innovation and its role in domestic food security, supply and production.

OpEd: Congress should strengthen rural access to broadband for communities to utilize telehealth services

  Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgent need for high-speed connectivity as more Americans are turning to the internet to access vital services – such as telehealth – than ever before. In fact, one expert study found that virtual health interactions surged by 50% at the outset of the pandemic and are projected to top … Continue reading “OpEd: Congress should strengthen rural access to broadband for communities to utilize telehealth services”

National Grange files comments in support of TV white space technology to expand broadband

  As America scrambles to reach its unserved and underserved citizens with critical broadband service, the National Grange is petitioning the Federal Communications Commission to approve access to unused TV white space spectrum that would pave the way for mixed-technology hybrid-network broadband deployments. On Oct. 20, the National Grange along with other coalition members of … Continue reading “National Grange files comments in support of TV white space technology to expand broadband”

Grange urges FDA to be innovative in vaccine distribution

  The National Grange writes letter urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider any and all COVID-19 vaccine delivery options that prioritize the health and safety of those from rural walks of life. For these Americans with limited access and formidable barriers to care, we believe that innovative options such an oral vaccine … Continue reading “Grange urges FDA to be innovative in vaccine distribution”