Corn to take a leading role as farmers chase high commodity prices
Lured by two years of strong market prices, U.S. farmers will expand crop plantings significantly in 2022, with corn area rising by 3 percent despite sharply higher fertilizer costs, said economist Scott Irwin of the University of Illinois on Monday. This stands in contrast to many other early projections that say farmers will shy away from corn, the most widely grown crop in the country, in 2022 because of higher input costs and put more land into crops such as soybeans, wheat and cotton instead.
Improve nutrition standards for donated foods — report
Although many food banks discourage donations of junk food, they still don’t get enough donations of healthy food and continue to receive unwanted items, the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest said on Monday.
Today’s Quick Hits
Vaccination penalties delayed: The Biden administration will wait until 2022 to suspend or take more serious action against federal employees who refuse to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and do not obtain a religious or medical waiver. (Government Executive)
Four Corners potato: USDA scientists are studying the Four Corners potato, which has grown in the Southwest for centuries, to see if its resistance to disease, heat and drought can be used to assure a food supply during climate change. (The Counter)
ADM buys Sojaprotein: In a “significant expansion” of its capacity to produce plant-based foods and beverages, agribusiness giant ADM purchased Sojaprotein, which is based in Serbia and exports non-GMO soy products to 65 countries. (ADM)
Underserved producers: Twenty organizations will receive a combined $75 million to help connect veterans, Black and Native American producers and other underserved farmers and ranchers with USDA programs and services. (USDA)
U.S., France tie: The United States and France tied for ninth place in the tenth annual Global Food Security Index, dominated as usual by European nations; seventh-place Canada nipped the United States for top marks on quality and safety of food. (Economist Impact)
