Black Sea shutdown imperils global food security into 2023 ‘and perhaps beyond’
Ukrainian farmers and food-importing nations in the Middle East and North Africa will feel the pain of the Russian interruption of grain exports through the Black Sea corridor, said the IFPRI think tank on Monday. The importer nations face their highest need for grain in the months ahead with supplies in doubt and commodity prices jolted higher.
Winter wheat crop in poor shape amid drought
Only 28 percent of the U.S. winter wheat crop is in good or excellent condition, one of the worst starts for the crop in years, said the USDA’s Crop Progress report on Monday. Three-quarters of winter wheat land is in drought, including nine of every 10 acres in Kansas, the top wheat producing state.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Friday fish fries lower CO2: Cambridge University researchers found that if the Pope reinstated meatless Fridays across the global church, it could mitigate millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases annually (Phys.org).
Lula victory boosts environment: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the winner of Brazil’s presidential election, has vowed to reduce deforestation of the Amazon and to combat climate change, a change in course from the policies of the incumbent Jair Bolsanaro. (CNBC)
Britain orders birds indoors: With the nation facing its largest-ever outbreak of bird flu, Britain’s chief veterinary officer ordered owners to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors for one week and to practice “scrupulous biosecurity.” (Sky News)
Expand meat processing capacity: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was expected to announce funding on Wednesday in Omaha to expand meat and poultry processing capacity in 18 states. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
Bacon 24/7 in Vegas: The new restaurant Bacon Nation, open all day, every day, in Las Vegas offers 13 “gourmet bacon varieties” and items such as the Reverse BLT, in which woven bacon replaces the bread. (National Hog Farmer)
