Brazil may feel fertilizer pinch more than U.S.
U.S. farmers face sky-high fertilizer prices as the spring planting season approaches, but their supply may be more assured than that of Brazil growers in the wake of economic sanctions on Russia, said three university economists. Brazil imports 85 percent of its fertilizer, with Russia ordinarily supplying one-fifth of it.
Agriculture runoff is the leading cause of water pollution in the U.S.
Last week, water experts marked the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act with a dire warning: After evaluating over 700,000 miles of rivers and streams across the country, they concluded that half of those waters are too polluted to fish or swim in—and agriculture is often to blame.
USDA and Seattle and Tacoma ports enhance ag export ‘pop up’ site
As part of enhancing access to a 49-acre “pop up” site devoted to ag exports, the Agriculture Department said it would pay up to $400 per container to help cover the additional logistical costs of pre-positioning containers with U.S.-grown agricultural commodities at the site.
Today’s Quick Hits
Drought repeats in West: For the second year in a row, the National Weather Service predicted prolonged and persistent spring drought in the U.S. West; the portion of the country in drought, 60 percent, is the largest since 2013. (NOAA)
Five farm bill things: In the early stages of work on the 2023 farm bill, five points stand out, including a likely expansion of spending on land stewardship and climate mitigation. (Farm Progress)
UN climate report nearing: The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is scheduled to release a report on April 4 that includes suggestions on how to avert the most serious consequences of climate change. (Axios)
New Impossible Foods leader: Peter McGuinness, leaving Chobani after serving as president, will become chief executive of Impossible Foods on April 4, with the former CEO, Pat Brown, taking the job of chief visionary officer. (Food Dive)
Family farms’ big role: Family farms generate 41 percent of Ukraine’s gross agricultural production from holdings that average 3 hectares (7.4 acres) and dominate production of milk, vegetables, fruits and berries and honey, as well as providing one-third of the country’s meat. (FAO)