California farmworker bill will reduce intimidation during union elections
In a remarkable reversal, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Wednesday that will make it easier for farmworkers to vote in union elections, after indicating that he would veto the bill only weeks before. The governor changed course after facing mounting pressure from union leaders, workers, and political allies, including President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Climate change is a rare focus in farm bill debate
Congress allocated nearly $20 billion for USDA land stewardship programs in the climate, healthcare and tax bill that was enacted in August — historic investments, said Jonathan Coppess, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, on Thursday. The funding could lead to a rare focus on climate change and the agriculture sector, though he said that was not assured.
Talks & Eats returns to Brooklyn 10/24!
The climate crisis in agriculture is a frequent topic of reporting here at AFR. But climate change is also having a significant effect on wine and beer. How are vintners and brewers responding? In this conversation, wine writer Alice Feiring — proclaimed “the queen of natural wines” by the Financial Times — will talk about what she’s seen and what she’s worried about. Also joining us is Garrett Oliver — Brewmaster, The Brooklyn Brewery and Editor-in-Chief, The Oxford Companion to Beer — who will talk about the ancient grains he’s now using to brew climate resilient beers. Tickets include complimentary beer and wine. A tax-deductible VIP ticket includes a reception with beer, wine, and eats.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Costa’s prospects improve: With the likelihood of a GOP mega-wave fading, the seat of Rep. Jim Costa of California, second in seniority among Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee, was upgraded to “safe” for the midterm elections. (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
Farm bill wish list: State agriculture directors said at their annual meeting that for the 2023 farm bill, they support “continued and increased investments in nutrition and food assistance programs,” the creation of water-quality improvement programs to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and “comprehensive and reliable disaster assistance programs that cover all segments of agriculture.” (NASDA)
Zero emissions in New York: State officials will write regulations to require that by 2035, all new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York be zero-emissions vehicles. California announced a similar plan a month ago. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)
Family affair: John R. Tyson, the 32-year-old great-grandson of the founder of Tyson Foods and son of board chair John H. Tyson, will become chief financial officer of the Arkansas-based meat processor. (Talk Business & Politics)
Boost for biofuels?: The EPA updated its regulations to include three additional ways for ethanol plants that co-process corn kernel fiber and corn starch to prove how much cellulosic biofuel they produce, potentially aiding second-generation renewable fuels. (Ethanol Producer)
