EPA withdraws interim registration, but glyphosate remains in use
The EPA withdrew its interim approval of glyphosate, the most widely used weedkiller in the world, while insisting that the herbicide is safe to use and does not cause cancer. In a court filing, the EPA said it would concentrate on completing the periodic review of glyphosate required by law, most likely in 2026.
Minnesota’s new climate plan asks farmers to change how they farm
The state’s ambitious new climate plan hinges on the agricultural sector adopting practices to sequester more carbon in the soil. But it’s unclear whether the governor’s team can convince farmers to make big changes for the sake of the planet.
USDA: Highest grocery price inflation since 1974
Grocery prices will rise an average of 11 percent this year, the largest year-on-year increase since 1974, when prices soared by a torrid 14.9 percent, said the USDA. The monthly Food Price Outlook said grocery inflation would ebb to a near-normal 2.5 percent in 2023.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Equal rights for bees, fish: The California state Supreme Court cleared the way for an array of insects to be protected under the state’s endangered species law, an action “which may carry deep consequences for the state’s agriculture industry.” (Los Angeles Times)
HPAI toll hits 46.4 million: With the discovery of bird flu at a Colorado egg farm with 1.15 million hens, losses to avian influenza reached 5.68 million birds in domestic flocks this month, the highest monthly total since April. (USDA)
Factory-farm ban rejected: Swiss voters defeated by a large margin a proposal to ban factory farming in their wealthy nation, with their government recommending a ‘no’ vote. (Reuters)
Double MAP, FMD funding: A bipartisan Senate bill would double the funding for two USDA cost-share programs that promote food and ag exports, the $200-million-a year Market Access Program and the $34.5-million Foreign Market Development program. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Horn of Africa hunger: Severe drought in the Horn of Africa has pushed people to the brink of starvation by destroying the crops and livestock that ordinarily feed people in the region. (FAO-WFP)
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City holds annual Ag Outlook Forum, Kansas City. Speakers include USDA chief economist Seth Meyer, vice president Nathan Kauffman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, and chief commodities economist Arlan Suderman of StoneX Group Inc.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture holds annual meeting, through Thursday, Saratoga Springs, New York. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is to speak on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET and FDA commissioner Robert Califf is to speak on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
International Fresh Produce Association holds Washington Conference, through Wednesday, Washington.
CropLife America holds annual meeting, through Wednesday, San Antonio, Texas.
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
Senate Agriculture Committee votes on nominations of Alexis Taylor to be Agriculture undersecretary for trade, Jose Esteban to be Agriculture undersecretary for food safety and Vincent Logan to be a member of the board of the Farm Credit Administration. Time and location to be determined.
Farm Foundation holds an online forum, “Antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture: How far have we come and what’s next?” 10 a.m. ET. Speakers include William Flynn, FDA deputy director for science policy.
Wednesday
President Biden speaks at White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, the first national hunger conference since 1969. “In parallel to the conference, we will be announcing a national strategy that identifies steps the government will take and catalyzes the public and private sectors to address the intersections between food, hunger, nutrition, and health,” say organizers.
The House may vote as early as Wednesday on HR 8446, to reauthorize through 2028 the Feed the Future program, operated by USAID, and HR 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act.
Informa holds Natural Products Expo East, through Saturday, Philadelphia.
Thursday
House Agriculture subcommittee hearing, “A 2022 review of the farm bill: Title XII — department operations and outreach,” 9:30 a.m. ET, 1300 Longworth.
Farmdoc webinar, “Update on Farm Policy After the Inflation Reduction Act,” noon ET.
North American Millers Association holds annual meeting, through Sunday.
USDA releases quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, 3 p.m. ET.
Friday
USDA releases quarterly Grain Stocks and annual Small Grains Summary, noon ET. The Small Grains report is the final estimate of the wheat, oats, barley and rye crops until January’s Crop Production Annual report.
USDA releases monthly Agricultural Prices report, 3 p.m. ET.
The Aquaponics Association holds 2022 Aquaponics Conference, through Sunday, Oklahoma City.
