Americans expect high food inflation to persist
Despite the recent slowdown in the rise of food prices, many consumers believe high food inflation will persist for a year to come, said Purdue researchers on Wednesday. Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to predict higher food prices, suggesting a partisan tint in expectations.
Senate Republicans renew bid to shift climate funds
Pointing to a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Republican staffers on the Senate Agriculture Committee proposed on Wednesday shifting more than $13 billion earmarked separately for climate mitigation into USDA land stewardship programs. Under Congress’ arcane budget rules, the transfer would result in a long-term increase of $1.8 billion a year for stewardship, they said, “subject only to congressional reauthorization.”
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Climate-smart easements: The USDA has allocated $138 million for climate-smart conservation easements to prevent wetlands, grasslands, and prime farmland from being converted to other uses. (USDA)
Wage-fixing settlement: As part of a class action lawsuit, meat processors Tyson Foods and JBS USA agreed to pay a combined $127.25 million to settle claims they had fixed wages at their plants. (Meat and Poultry)
ADM ethanol probe: The Justice Department is investigating ethanol trading by Archer-Daniels-Midland as part of a larger probe into the company’s accounting practices. (Reuters)
Front-of-package labels: The FDA released examples of front-of-package food labels that it may adopt as part of an effort to help Americans improve their diets. FDA commissioner Robert Califf said the labels would “help people identify healthier food choices.” (Politico)
Warm winter, early weeds: Although mild winter weather in the Midwest has allowed many weed species to resume growing earlier than usual, conditions may be too cool for herbicides to efficiently and consistently control them. (Iowa State University Extension)
