Administration says its proposal to tighten SNAP rules would cut 3 million recipients
The Trump administration would oust one in every 12 SNAP recipients, a total of 3.1 million people, under a plan released today to restrict access to food stamps through so-called categorical eligibility. “Some states are taking advantage of a loophole” to load SNAP rolls, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.
Crop insurance costs could rise steeply with climate change
Climate change is expected to lower U.S. corn, soybean, and wheat production and drive up the cost of the federally subsidized crop insurance program. The increase could be as small as 4 percent or as large as 37 percent, depending on how much temperatures rise and whether mitigation efforts are effective, said a USDA report on Monday.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Pushing for a PFAS plan (NPR): In New Hampshire, undecided voters are using their state’s key electoral position to demand answers from presidential candidates about how to address PFAS pollution in drinking water.
Sweetening the pot for restaurant workers (Wall Street Journal): In a tight job market, restaurant owners and managers are offering added incentives, benefits, and bonuses to attract workers.
Soil bacteria neutralizes vomitoxin (AAFC): Researchers at the Canadian agriculture ministry have discovered a soil bacteria that produces two enzymes that detoxify the grain fungus vomitoxin, potentially averting wheat, corn, and barley losses to the fungus.
New biofuels partnership (Bunge): Grain exporter and processor Bunge Ltd. will partner with BP Plc to create BP Bunge Bioenergia, which will produce a mix of ethanol and sugar in Brazil and generate electricity by burning sugarcane waste at the mills.
Bounty of scallops (AP): A combination of the conservative management of fishing grounds and high demand for scallops has led to an increase in the U.S. scallop catch, boosting revenues for commercial fishermen.
Latin America takes on obesity (Washington Post): Chile passed a food-labeling law, Mexico put a tax on sugary drinks and junk food, and Brazil is relying on voluntary measures, but all are part of a campaign across Latin America to head off a surge in obesity and the chronic diseases that accompany it.
