Supreme Court rules against union access to farm property
On a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a California labor law on Wednesday that allowed union organizers onto an agricultural employer’s property to enlist farmworkers to join the union. The 1975 law was a legacy of Cesar Chavez, a founder of the United Farm Workers union.
USDA study finds SNAP participants have a hard time eating a healthy diet
Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, face significant hurdles in putting nutritious food on the table each month, according to a USDA study released yesterday.
‘Oligopoly’ in cattle marketing demands action, say senators
With Sen. John Thune decrying an “oligopoly” in the beef industry, a handful of senators on Wednesday called for Congress to give cattle producers a fairer shake when they send their stock to market.
Crop insurance should be a starting point for 2023 farm bill, say farmers
Farmers from Georgia to California told a House Agriculture subcommittee on Wednesday that the foundation of the 2023 farm bill should be the taxpayer-subsidized crop insurance system. They also expressed interest in the creation of a standby disaster relief fund.
Today’s Quick Hits
Debt relief injunction: A federal judge in Florida issued a preliminary injunction against the USDA program that would provide an estimated $4 billion in debt relief to socially disadvantaged farmers because white farmers are not eligible. (Pacific Legal Foundation)
Wilkes picked for USDA post: President Biden nominated Homer Wilkes, director of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Team, to be agriculture undersecretary for natural resources. (White House)
Grassley or not?: Although nearly two-thirds of Iowa voters say they would prefer “someone new” in the Senate, other indicators suggest that seven-term Sen. Chuck Grassley could be re-elected in the Republican state. (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
Plant-based meals in schools: New York Democratic Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Jamaal Bowman filed a bill to create a voluntary grant program for schools that want to provide “healthier, climate friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entree options for students.” (Velazquez)
McCain to FAO: Cindy McCain, widow of former Sen. John McCain, was nominated by President Biden to serve as U.S. ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. (White House)
