The Pew Center for Climate Change has released the first in a series of environmental impact reports exploring "anticipated effects of climate change on US agriculture." The Foreword, Executive Summary, and comments are posted on-site, and the full report is available for download in .pdf format.

This new Issues Center report from the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS) (last mentioned in the May 7, 1999 Scout Report) offers a concise economic assessment of the agricultural impact of the recent drought. The report includes an overview; background on the drought; an examination of the roles played by crop mixing, irrigation, and crop insurance; and...

The watchword of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is "protection". The APHIS is primarily considered with improving agricultural productivity and also ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. First-time visitors may wish to click on the "Hot Issues" section to learn more about some of the most pressing issues that the APHIS...