Global deforestation slows but not enough for climate goals
At the Glasgow climate summit a year ago, 145 nations agreed to reverse forest loss and land degradation by the end of the decade as part of a strategy to slow global warming. The rate of deforestation has slowed modestly, to an area the size of Ireland, but not enough to meet the 2030 target, said the Forest Declaration Assessment released on Monday.
Trade agreements boost U.S. food and ag
Both the United States and its partners benefit from free trade agreements (FTAs), judging by the increased volumes of food and agricultural commerce between the nations, according to a USDA analysis of 14 pacts covering a total of 20 countries.
Florida growers say U.S. will ‘stem the onslaught’ of unfair Mexican imports
The Biden administration will address Mexico’s trade practices although it will not open a formal investigation into unfair government support of the produce industry, said the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association on Sunday.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
USFS ‘burn boss’ arrested: In an apparently unprecedented action, a U.S. Forest Service “burn boss,” who oversees prescribed fires on federal land, was arrested by sheriff’s deputies in western Oregon for “reckless burning.” (High Country News)
Bird flu in Rhode Island: Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed among 40 birds at an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the Newport, Rhode Island, area; the state is the 43rd with HPAI since February. (USDA)
‘Long enough’ for Grassley: Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, 89, models himself as an independent but has eroded into a “divisive partisan figure,” said a state newspaper endorsement of Grassley’s opponent, Democrat Mike Franken, for Senate. “Simply put, Grassley has served long enough.” (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
Still seeking debt relief: After thanking USDA for aid to financially distressed farmers, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund said it was steadfast in seeking debt relief for 20,000 farmers of color under a program authorized by Congress last year and repealed this year. (FSC/LAF)
‘Serious concerns’ about merger: The leaders of the Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee said they have “serious concerns” about the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, and will hold a hearing in November on the consequences that consumers may face. (Klobuchar)
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
National Dairy Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association hold joint annual meeting, through Wednesday, Denver.
USDA releases monthly Cold Storage report, 3 p.m. ET.
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
The National Organic Standards Board holds fall meeting, through Thursday, Sacramento, California.
USDA releases monthly Food Price Outlook, 9 a.m. ET. At present, food prices are forecast to rise by an average of 9.5 percent compared to average prices during 2021.
Wednesday
The National Chicken Council holds 67th annual conference, through Thursday, Washington.
The World Cocoa Foundation holds 2022 partnership meeting, through Thursday, Brussels.
Thursday
International Fresh Produce Association holds Global Produce and Flower Show, through Saturday, Orlando.
Friday
USDA releases Conservation Practice Adoption Motivation report, 3 p.m. ET.
