Cow Genetics Study; Canadian Wine WTO Violation
**Even though it’s under a new administration, the EPA continues to underestimate the biodiesel industry, according to the COO of the National Biodiesel Board.
Doug Whitehead calls it a familiar scenario after a recent proposal to further reduce the total renewable fuel volume requirements for biomass-based diesel over the next two years.
He tells Brownfield the EPA possesses data verifying the U.S. biodiesel industry is capable of producing 4.2 billion gallons annually. The proposed cuts are nearly a half-billion.
**Research is underway to match cow genetics to their environment, to increase cattle producers’ profits.
The University of Missouri is leading the USDA-funded study. Professor Jared Decker tells Brownfield, all previous genetic evaluations have been on a national basis, but the goal of this multi-state research is to create tailored and specific genomic predictions based on environment.
**The U.S. keeps trade friction with Canada simmering by filing a new version of a trade complaint over Canadian wine retailing, according to the World Trade Organization.
The new WTO complaint reheats a dispute the U.S. launched in January, challenging Canada over rules for wine retailing in British Columbia grocery stores.
The complaint accuses Canada of breaking WTO rules by giving unfair advantage to B.C. wines by allowing them to be sold on regular grocery store shelves while U.S. wine are placed in separate areas or a so-called ‘store within a store.’