GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (RFD-TV) — The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has officially entered into force after receiving ratification from more than two-thirds of its members, including the United States.
WTO leaders said the pact is the first multilateral trade deal focused directly on sustainability, aimed at curbing practices that deplete fish populations and distort global markets. The agreement bans subsidies that support illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as subsidies for fishing on overfished stocks or in unregulated high seas.
For U.S. aquaculture and seafood producers, the new rules could level the playing field by reducing competition from countries that previously subsidized harmful fishing activities.
The agreement also introduces stronger transparency requirements, allowing nations to challenge unfair subsidy programs more easily. While benefits may flow to domestic producers, the shift could also affect wild-caught fisheries that supply U.S. processors, potentially influencing costs and availability.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
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Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
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According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
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Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
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Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
January 05, 2026 02:36 PM
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A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
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More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
December 23, 2025 11:37 AM
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Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
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