More than $1 billion for public nutrition in COVID-19 bill
The government would provide lunch money for low-income children shut out of school meals by COVID-19 closures under the “families first” bill proposed by House Democrats. The bill would provide an additional $1 billion for other public nutrition programs.
In a wink to Congress, Perdue concedes on crop insurance
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue reached back to his days as a governor to explain why the Trump administration proposed a 31-percent cut in crop insurance funding even if the plan has no traction on Capitol Hill.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
COVID-19 continues to affect food events (Ag Insider): The James Beard Awards are being postponed until summer, one of the latest major food industry events to be affected by the spread of the new coronavirus.
Appeal challenges ag-gag dismissal (Animal Legal Defense Fund): Several animal rights and environmental groups filed an appeal to overturn the Arkansas ag-gag law, which bans undercover investigations at animal farms or other businesses in the state.
EPA inspector general to review dicamba (DTN/Progressive Farmer): The EPA inspector general’s office says it plans to review whether the agency adhered to federal rules and scientifically sound principles when it approved the weedkiller dicamba for use by farmers in 2016 and then renewed the registration in 2018.
Seafood may suffer under U.S.-EU air limits (Undercurrent): Seafood importers and wholesalers say trade may be disrupted by U.S. restrictions on air travel that could cause the cancellation of flights bringing fresh EU-caught seafood to U.S. buyers.
Pay more for higher yields (Food and Power): Seed and ag-chemical giant Bayer is experimenting with an “outcome-based” pricing system that would refund part of the cost of its products if they underperform but entitle Bayer to a share of the user’s revenue if they exceed expectations.
China sets limits on hormone residues (Reuters): In a step that would further open its market to U.S. imports, China has drafted food safety limits on growth hormones in beef that are in line with global standards; previously, it barred beef with any detectable residues.
Doing the ‘chicken wing’ (Ag Insider): Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is from Georgia, the No. 1 poultry state, so it’s understandable that the “chicken wing” is how he refers to the “elbow bump” greeting popularized as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
