Europe to till fallow land to offset food shortages from war in Ukraine
Responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission approved a $550 million aid package for its farmers on Wednesday and said they could grow food and feed crops on fallowed land without losing any of their so-called greening payments.
Think tank sees highest annual food inflation rate in 14 years
U.S. food prices will rise by at least 4.2 percent this year, propelled by high energy and commodity prices, said a University of Missouri think tank on Wednesday. The group’s director said the actual figure could be higher still.
Today’s Quick Hits
Andres to co-chair fitness council: President Biden appointed chef José Andrés, founder of the crisis relief group World Central Kitchen, as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, along with WNBA star Elena Delle Donne. (White House)
Bunge facility damaged in Ukraine: Global grain trader Bunge reported “some damage” to its port facility in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, during fighting along the Black Sea. (Reuters)
Bird flu toll rises: With the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a flock of 570,000 broiler chickens in Butler County, Nebraska, the nationwide toll in domestic flocks increased to 13.9 million birds, mostly chickens. (USDA)
Crop insurance flood costs: The government should increase funding for land retirement programs and charge higher crop insurance premiums on farmland in the Mississippi River basin that floods frequently and has cost $1.5 billion in indemnities since 2001. (Environmental Working Group)
Nominees advance: Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee cleared four nominees for CFTC commissioner for a confirmation vote in the full Senate. (Senate Agriculture)
