Supreme Court upholds animal welfare law in blow to pork industry
In a 5-4 decision on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a California law that regulates the treatment of sows and other farmed animals and prevents the sale of meat products from other states that do not meet its requirements. The Humane Society of America has called it “the strongest law in the world addressing animal confinement,” while farm interests claim that it interferes with interstate commerce protected by the U.S. Constitution.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Regen ag on Native land: The Environmental Defense Fund and the Intertribal Agriculture Council are launching a pilot project to help Native farmers implement regenerative ag practices. (GreenBiz)
Tastier vegetables: Modern plant breeders, armed with new gene-editing technology, are increasingly prioritizing flavor instead of just focusing on disease resistance and other traits that help crops thrive. (Scientific American)
UN to investigate Starbucks?: Labor unions on Thursday asked a UN agency to investigate whether gaps in U.S. law have allowed Starbucks to allegedly violate the rights of baristas organizing at the coffee chain’s cafes. (Reuters)
FDA warning on molecular farming: The FDA warned molecular farming startups that transferring animal proteins into crops — such as egg and dairy proteins into genetically engineered soybeans — will require strict allergen management. (AgFunderNews)
The Bear is back: The Bear, FX’s acclaimed series that chronicles the lives of workers in Chicago’s restaurant industry, will return for a 10-episode second season starting June 22. (Eater Chicago)
