Debt deal toughens SNAP rules for some, eases them for others — White House
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed in debt limit negotiations with President Biden to exempt able-bodied veterans and homeless Americans from a 90-day limit on SNAP benefits, said two White House officials. But the agreement also applies the 90-day limit to so-called ABAWDS — able-bodied adults without dependents — up to age 55; the cutoff age is 50 now.
One in six retail food dollars was spent on ‘natural’ food
Consumers spend more on foods labeled “natural” than for items with the “USDA Organic” seal on them, said three USDA economists who looked into usage of the word “natural” on food labels. Scanner records and other data indicated that 16 percent of retail food expenditures were for foods labeled “natural.”
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Water agency overestimates supply: The California Department of Water Resources routinely overestimates the state’s water supplies during drought and has made only limited progress in accounting for climate change in its water-supply forecasts. (Los Angeles Times)
Hunger hot spots worsen: A spillover of the Sudan crisis could increase hunger in neighboring countries, said two UN agencies in forecasting that acute food insecurity could rise in magnitude and severity in 22 nations. (FAO)
U.S., China trade chiefs meet: Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao raised concerns about U.S. policy toward Taiwan and tariffs on Chinese products while meeting U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai, who criticized Beijing’s “state-led, non-market approach to the economy.” (South China Morning Post)
Longer signup for revenue aid: The USDA extended to July 14 the deadline for producers to apply for assistance under two revenue-loss programs, the Emergency Relief Program Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program. (Farm Service Agency)
ON THE CALENDAR
Tuesday
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Wednesday
USDA releases quarterly Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, 3 p.m. ET. At present, farm exports are forecast at $184.5 billion, the second-highest total ever, but $11.9 billion lower than the record set in fiscal 2022. The USDA also releases the monthly Agricultural Prices report at 3 p.m. ET.
Ducks Unlimited holds national convention, through Saturday, Las Vegas.
Final day for producers to return Census of Agriculture questionnaires.
Thursday
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association holds Young Cattlemen’s Conference, through June 9. The conference begins in Denver and moves to Washington on June 8.
Friday
House Agriculture Committee holds a farm bill listening session, 1:30 p.m. ET, Albany, Oregon.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization releases monthly Food Price Index, Rome.
