POLICY WATCH
FBI Warns of Ransomware Attacks to Agriculture
Cybercriminals are targeting the food and agriculture sector with ransomware attacks. That’s according to a Private Industry Notification issued by the FBI. The FBI says cyber-attacks disrupt operations, cause financial loss, and negatively impact the food supply chain. Larger businesses are targeted based on their perceived ability to pay higher ransom demands, while smaller entities may be seen as soft targets, particularly those in the earlier stages of digitizing their processes, according to a private industry report. According to the FBI, The U.S. food and agriculture sector has experienced at least four ransomware attacks in 2021, including the temporary shut down of five JBS meat processing plants. In the notification, the FBI has offered steps to mitigate the threat and protect against ransomware attacks.
NEFB and Gov. Ricketts Talk Regulatory Expansion at Husker Harvest Days
Freedom grows here and Nebraska Farm Bureau is dedicated to protecting the freedom of all Nebraskans. President Biden and some members of Congress are pushing major tax hikes they claim would only impact the rich. But in truth, these tax hikes would hammer Nebraska family farms and businesses while hurting Nebraskans who rely on them. At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corp of Engineers are working to repeal and replace former President Trump’s Navigable Water Protection rule. Reverting to EPA’s 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” proposal would harm both rural and urban Nebraskans through expansion of EPA’s power and authorities under the federal Clean Water Act. Join us Tuesday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. CT at the Nebraska Farm Bureau building at Lot 48 at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island to hear from Gov. Pete Ricketts, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2), Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue, and others on these important issues that affect the everyday lives of Nebraska’s farm and rancher families.
Provide Input at 30×30 Virtual Listening Session
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a virtual listening session on the 30×30 or America the Beautiful initiative with stakeholders and the general public September 13 at 3 p.m. CT. The 30×30 initiative proposes to conserve 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. NOAA has significant authority over waters, including the ability to designate and manage marine sanctuaries, manage fisheries, and list species under the Endangered Species Act.
It’s Never too Late to Find Ag-Friendly Candidates
Today, more than ever, it’s important for elected officials to understand the importance of agriculture and have an appreciation for the role farmers and ranchers play in not just providing food, but in supporting our local, state, and national economies. That’s why the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) exists. If you have any questions regarding finding agriculture friendly candidates to run for office, please contact Jay Ferris at (402) 421-4409 or email him at jayf@nefb.org.
