March, 2025

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Farmer calls for action — not handouts and loans — in the face of tariffs on canola

Real Agriculture

Its literally costing me money now to seed canola $200,000 that(we) lost off of our canola, just like that, just due to the tariffs. This is the message that Christi Friesen of Rebellion Farms based out of Brownvale, Alta., wanted to get across to Premiere Danielle Smith in a recent post on X (see below). Read More Its literally costing me money now to seed canola $200,000 that(we) lost off of our canola, just like that, just due to the tariffs.

Seeding 362
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In Hawai‘i, American Farmers Believe They Do Cacao Better

Modern Farmer

On the rainy side of Hawaii Island, Daeus Bencomo steps through fresh mud in his cowboy boots, rows of leafy cacao trees on either side of him. He grips a bright orange pod and slices it neatly at the stem before bending a knee to cut the fruit open. Daeus Bencomo. Photography by Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton. The pods dense and waxy exterior gives way to seeds coated in white pulp sweet, bitter and nutty to the taste.

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Bird flu, egg prices, and what urgently needs doing

Food Politics

I was intrigued by this item from WattPoultry: Blame for high US egg prices is now a political pinata The lack of understanding of basic economics is frustrating, but the misguided blame game over the cause of high egg prices presents an opportunity for change. Read more Everyone in the poultry industry knows that HPAI [Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza] caused laying hen losses and reduced the supply of eggs, and this is why retail egg prices , which have always been demand inelastic , have rea

Poultry 250
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Third global assessment of PGRFA sees the light of day at last

Agricultural Biodiversity

I spent all last week at the 20th Session of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources in Rome : “[t]he Commission is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses all components of biological diversity for food and agriculture.” As ever, there’s a great summary of the session at Earth Negotiations Bulletin. Maybe the most significant milestone was the launch of the Third Report on the State of the Worlds Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture ,

Food 228
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NASDA celebrates National Agriculture Trade Day, emphasizing the benefits of agricultural trade to American communities

NASDA

Press Release ARLINGTON, Va. Today, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, alongside 20+ state agriculture departments , celebrates National Agriculture Trade Day. This day highlights the crucial role agricultural trade plays in boosting state economies and supporting farmers and ranchers while underscoring the need for policies that expand market opportunities and keep U.S. agriculture competitive. “Today, we recognize the vital role of international trade in bolst

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Op-ed: Food and Moral Courage Are Needed to End Childhood Hunger

Civil Eats

Of all the reckless ways for the federal government to save money, taking breakfast and lunch away from 12 million kids in 24,000 schools across the country has to be the most reckless. We could save even more by taking away books, pencils, and computers, but then kids wouldnt learn much, would they? The same goes for taking away their school meals.

Food 141
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Canadian government should compensate farmers for losses due to Chinese tariffs: farm groups

Real Agriculture

A growing list of farm groups are publicly calling for compensation from the Canadian government for lost farmgate revenue as a result of Chinas sanctions on Canadian agricultural exports. Responding to Canadas tariffs on electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum from China, the Chinese government on March 8 announced it will impose 100 per cent tariffs Read More A growing list of farm groups are publicly calling for compensation from the Canadian government for lost farmgate revenue as a result of

Farming 355

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Industry-influenced opinion of the week: Ultra-processed foods

Food Politics

If you have any doubts about the value of the concept of ultra-processed, the breadth and extent of industry pushback against the idea is excellent evidence. The concept is an existential threat to the processed food industry, and it is fighting back. The Italian food industry is especially concerned because it also has the Nutri-Score front-of-pack labeling system to contend with; the letter grades on ultra-processed products tend to be Cs, Ds, and Esas bad as they come.

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Brainfood: Ancient maize trifecta, Chinese Neolithic, Ancient silk, Sheep domestication, Ancient focaccia, Indus diversity

Agricultural Biodiversity

The genomic origin of early maize in eastern North America. There were at least 2 eastern dispersals of ancient maize from the US Southwest. Archaeological findings show the extent of primitive characteristics of maize in South America. At about the same time, semi-domesticated maize also reached deep into South America. Maize monoculture supported pre-Columbian urbanism in southwestern Amazonia.

Maize 162
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NASDA announces new member of public policy team

NASDA

Press Release ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is excited to announce the hiring of Logan Moss as Associate Director Public Policy. As Associate Director, Moss will lead NASDAs Animal Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environment Policy Committees. I am honored to join the NASDA team and help advance its critical mission of enhancing American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement, Moss said.

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A Cookbook From the Host of “Outdoor Chef Life” Entices Us to Fish, Forage, and Feast

Civil Eats

In a Pacific tidepool in Northern California, Taku Kondo squats down, seawater sloshing around his ankles, and examines the rocks below the water. Kondo, a fisherman and forager, uses a knife to detach a purple sea urchin from a large rock. He cuts open the spiky shell, splits the urchin, and discovers a perfect sliver of orange roe, or uniworth at least $80 a pound.

Forage 137
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Kody Blois named new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Carney’s cabinet

Real Agriculture

Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister along with his cabinet on Friday, March 14, 2025. Sporting a much leaner cabinet roster than his predecessor Justin Trudeau with just 23 ministers, Mark Carney is Canadas 24th Prime Minister. Of note, Kody Blois has been named minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development. Read More Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister along with his cabinet on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Food 339
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MEASURING STEWARDSHIP

The Lunatic Farmer

Yesterday I had the distinct privilege of hosting 20 navy and coast guard officers from 15 foreign countries attending a U.S. Coast Guard two-month international program. The U.S. Coast Guard officers in charge of this program put Polyface on their itinerary last year as an example of American agriculture ecological entrepreneurism. We had officers from Mozambique, Madagascar, Italy, Poland, Sri Lanka, Moldives, Mauritania and several other countries.

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The latest on MAHA: a video

Food Politics

The White House posted this video last week. I cant figure out how to make it play on this site, but you can watch it at this link. Its worth watching: It comes straight from the White House. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, does not recognize or know how to pronounce the vitamin riboflavin. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins appears in this as a self-identified MAHA mom.

Food 201
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Brainfood: Ag and CC, Improved varieties, Yield growth, Food system transformation, CGIAR maize, Genetic erosion, NBSAPs, Technology & conservation, Cattle breeding

Agricultural Biodiversity

Conventional agriculture increases global warming while decreasing system sustainability. The global warming potential of conventional grain agriculture has increased x8 from 1961-2020, whereas sustainability index has decreased x3. Whatever are we to do? Adoption of improved crop varieties limited biodiversity losses, terrestrial carbon emissions, and cropland expansion in the tropics.

Maize 143
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Enumerator Spotlight: Meet Bette Hertneky

NASDA

Q&A For over 40 years, Colorado field supervisor Bette Hertneky has brought dedication, local knowledge, and passion to her work with NASDA and NASS. Starting her career as an enumerator in 1984, Bettes commitment and expertise have made a lasting impact on our program. Read more to learn more about her incredible journey! What first interested you in working as an enumerator?

Grain 162
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Op-ed: The Food System Cannot Become Another Fossil-Fuel Industry Escape Hatch

Civil Eats

As I started thinking about this piece in January, wildfires had begun ravaging Los Angeles. By the time I had written it, entire neighborhoods had been wiped off the map, from fires that were among the most destructive in Californias history. While the current administration may blame woke DEI environmentalists for the blazes, science shows that the climate crisis contributed to the severity of the damage.

Food 123
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China slaps steep tariffs on Canadian canola oil, meal, peas, pork, and seafood

Real Agriculture

Chinas Ministry of Commerce has announced steep tariffs on several major Canadian agricultural exports, responding to Canadas levies on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminum that were implemented in the fall of 2024. Canola oil, canola meal, and peas from Canada will face a 100 per cent tariff as of March 20, 2025, according Read More Chinas Ministry of Commerce has announced steep tariffs on several major Canadian agricultural exports, responding to Canadas levies on Chinese elec

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How Climate Change is Transforming Food Flavor and Tradition

Food Tank

Traditional or Indigenous foodsoften defined by locally grown ingredients, unique preparations, and centuries-old customshold a special place in the cultural fabric of societies across the globe, the Journal of Foods describes. But the climate crisis is altering the ecological conditions that define food flavor, threatening familiar tastes and culinary traditions.

Food 104
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Healthy drinks for kids: new recommendations

Food Politics

Several groups under the auspices of Healthy Eating Research got together to produce this guide for kids ages 5-18. To summarize: Drink: water or milk Limit: 100% juice (too much sugar), plant-based milk alternatives (except for medical reasons), flavored milk (too much sugar) Avoid: beverages with caffeine and other stimulants, sugar-sweetened beverages, beverages with non-sugar sweeteners Resources Press Release Consensus Statement [( Spanish ) ( Vietnamese ) ( Tagalog )] Technical Report Sum

Beverage 148
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Save our coffee!!!

Agricultural Biodiversity

The American Geographic Society had very informative post about coffee prices on Facebook a few days back. I don’t really want to link to it, but I’m sure you can find it if you want. Anyway, here’s the text. Coffee prices have hit a 50-year high due to a combination of rising costs of production, supply chain disruptions, and climate changerelated declines in crop yields.

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Coalition letter Seeking Rulemaking to Modify False or Misleading Statements subsection of the Code of Federal Regulations

NASDA

Letter RE: Petition Seeking Rulemaking to Modify False or Misleading Statements subsection of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0562) Dear Director Messina, As organizations representing farmers, ranchers, retailers, co-ops, academics, manufacturers, and other pesticide users, we write to offer our strong support for the state attorneys general (AG) petition seeking rulemaking to modify the false or misleading statements subsection of the code of federal regulations (CFR) (E

Pesticide 130
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This San Francisco Food Pantry Is a Labor of Love

Civil Eats

A version of this article originally appeared in The Deep Dish, our members-only newsletter. Become a member today and get the next issue directly in your inbox. Priscilla “Cilla” Lee gave away nearly 50,000 pounds of food last year to her neighbors in San Franciscos Outer Richmond district. She has hosted a weekly food pantry from her garage since 2021, stocking it with donations from local food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and anywhere else she can get free food fo

Food 131
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“Empty promises”: Saskatchewan ag minister blasts federal AgriStability announcement

Real Agriculture

Saskatchewans provincial agriculture minister is criticizing his federal counterparts announcement of changes to the AgriStability business risk management program on the eve of the federal election campaign. Daryl Harrison tells RealAgriculture the federal government made the announcement despite knowing they cannot unilaterally implement these changes, and that no changes can be made until after the Read More Saskatchewans provincial agriculture minister is criticizing his federal counterparts

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The Illusion of Precision in Agriculture: Are We Managing Fields or Chasing Noise?

Cropaia

Precision agriculture has enabled unprecedented fine-tuning of crop management from variable-rate fertilization to micro-zone irrigation. Growers and agronomists can now make site-specific decisions and respond to variability within a field like never before. But how precise is too precise? There is a point where ultra site-specific recommendations can lead to agronomic inefficiencies, unnecessary complexity, and poor return on investment (ROI).

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Weekend reading: Veggie Smarts

Food Politics

Michael T Compton, MD, MPH. Veggie Smarts: A Doctor and Farmer Grows and Savors Eight Families of Vegetables. Regalo Press, 2025. This one was sent to me for a blurb. Heres what I said: This endearingly quirky book describes Comptons love affair with eight families of vegetables for their growing habits, diversity, nutritional value, flavor, texture, and deliciousness, and he offers science, experience, charm, and recipes to prove it.

Science 130
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Digging up the pig

Agricultural Biodiversity

I’m sure you enjoyed Jeremy’s fascinating conversation with Jordan Rosenblum on how the pig and the eagle diverged as the history of Jewish dietary law and custom played out. Which means you’d probably welcome another helping of Prof. Rosenblum. Well, you’d get that, and much more, in the excellent brief summary of the deep history of the animal — the pig that is, not the eagle — in the Levant coincidentally just out in Archaeology Magazine.

Livestock 123
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NASDA honors National Ag Day, showcasing agriculture’s impact on U.S. economy and national security

NASDA

Press Release ARLINGTON, Va. Today on National Ag Day, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture celebrates the significant contributions agriculture has made in strengthening our nation’s security and prosperity. NASDA is a proud partner of the ninth annual Feeding the Economy report, a national study that highlights the economic impact of U.S. food and agriculture sectors.

Food 147
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From a Farmer and His Son, a Practical and Joyful Guide to Beekeeping

Civil Eats

When farmer Kamal Bell first established a beekeeping operation at Sankofa Farms in North Carolina, his son Akeem was four years old and scared of bees. But with his fathers coachingand the help of a protective beekeeping suitAkeem now loves tending the hives and is now central to the farms beekeeping effort. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to keep doing it every day, the now 8-year-old remembers. “We need to be able to do things on our own, where we won’t have to be as reliant on this

Farming 119
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This isn’t a cash flow issue, this is value destruction of the crop, says Sask Oilseeds of China’s tariffs

Real Agriculture

Unlike a railway strike or work stoppage where crop cant move to port, the latest tariff threat by China to impose huge taxes on canola oil and meal risks devaluing the entire crop, saysDean Roberts chair of Sask Oilseeds. That distinction, Roberts says, means Canada needs to move very quickly to remedy the situation and Read More Unlike a railway strike or work stoppage where crop cant move to port, the latest tariff threat by China to impose huge taxes on canola oil and meal risks devaluing th

Crop 290
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Meet Florence Malemba, the virtual plant doctor reaching more farmers through video

CABI

Even from afar, it’s easy to spot Florence Malemba. She’s wearing a white lab coat labelled “Plant Doctor”, and a banner hangs behind where she’s organizing her equipment, ready to assist her farmer-patients of the day. Florence is setting up her plant clinic in Njoro, an agricultural town southwest of Nakuru City, Kenya.

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Industry-funded advice of the week: interpreting nutrition science

Food Politics

A dietitian member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who wishes to remain anonymous, emailed me about PepsiCos guide to research interpretation. PepsiCo sent dietitians this webinar and handout for communicating nutrition science and evaluating studies. I took a look at the handout, which gives a high quality research distinction to any studies in which authors have clearly disclosed conflict of interest.

Science 130
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Brainfood: Climate change & health, Cassava disease treble, Solanaceae disease, Parasitoid variation, Cucurbita diseases, Orange disease, Chestnut disease

Agricultural Biodiversity

Climate change and nutrition-associated diseases. Climate change is going to be bad for human health. To help us cope with the heavier burden of disease, crops will need to be able to cope better with pests and diseases themselves… Genome-wide association study of cassava brown streak disease resistance in cassava germplasm conserved in South America. …and studying genebank collections will help us help them do just that… Candidate genes for field resistance to cassava brown st

Seeding 132
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Coalition letter supporting CODEX

NASDA

Letter Dear Secretary Rollins: The undersigned participants in the Food Industry Codex Coalition (FICC)1 congratulate you on your recent confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture. We write to express our strong support for continued U.S. leadership of and engagement with the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). We urge that Codex remain a core strategic focus and resource priority for the Department as it champions prosperity and fairness for American agriculture.

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USDA Pauses Additional Food Bank Funds, Directs New Money to Texas Farmers

Civil Eats

Yesterday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA awarded a $280 million grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture to pay farmers affected by water shortages in her home state. Water scarcity has put Texas farmers crops at risk and shuttered the states last sugar mill , and Mexico is far behind on its obligations to share water from the Rio Grande and Colorado Rivers.

Food 126
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With election looming, federal Ag Minister Blois proposes tariff support through changes to AgriStability

Real Agriculture

Canadas new agriculture minister has proposed making changes to the AgriStability farm business risk management program to support farmers affected by tariffs from China. Kody Blois announced the measures late Saturday, on the eve of the expected election call on Sunday, when the Carney government will no longer be able to make funding announcements as Read More Canadas new agriculture minister has proposed making changes to the AgriStability farm business risk management program to support farm

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How the Growth of Organic Farming and Indigenous Food Sovereignty Support Each Other

Organic Farming Research

Explore the deep connection between Indigenous cultures and land stewardship, and how the Indigenous food sovereignty movement seeks to reclaim traditional ecological knowledge, promote sustainable agriculture, and challenge industrial food systems. The post How the Growth of Organic Farming and Indigenous Food Sovereignty Support Each Other appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Food 96