U.S. residents are scooping less of their favorite frozen treats than two decades ago. 

USDA’s Economic Research Service Tuesday reported that in 2020, the United States consumed about 21 pounds per person of frozen dairy products—about five pounds per capita less than in 2000. 

Consumption of regular ice cream in 2020 was estimated at 12.7 pounds per person, a decrease of about 3.4 pounds from 2000. 

At 6.9 pounds, per capita consumption of low-fat and nonfat ice cream was about the same in 2020 as in 2000.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumption of other frozen dairy products, which include frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen dairy products, decreased from 3.4 pounds to 1.6 pounds per person in the same period. 

This trend in frozen dairy products is in line with a decline in consumption of total caloric sweeteners per capita from 149.0 pounds in 2000 to 122.5 pounds per capita in 2020, reflecting shifting preferences among consumers.

U.S. residents are scooping less of their favorite frozen treats than two decades ago. USDA’s Economic Research Service Tuesday reported that in 2020, the United States consumed about 21 pounds per person of frozen dairy products—about five pounds per capita less than in 2000. Consumption of regular ice cream in 2020 was estimated at 12.7 pounds per person, a decrease of about 3.4 pounds from 2000. At 6.9 pounds, per capita consumption of low-fat and nonfat ice cream was about the same in 2020 as in 2000.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumption of other frozen dairy products, which include frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen dairy products, decreased from 3.4 pounds to 1.6 pounds per person in the same period. This trend in frozen dairy products is in line with a decline in consumption of total caloric sweeteners per capita from 149.0 pounds in 2000 to 122.5 pounds per capita in 2020, reflecting shifting preferences among consumers.

U.S. residents consumed less ice cream in 2020 than in 2000

Five executives in the poultry industry were found not guilty of a price-fixing conspiracy between 2012 and 2019. 

The Denver Post says the verdict is a defeat for prosecutors and happened after two mistrials. 

Jurors acquitted the current and former CEOs of Pilgrim’s Pride, a former Pilgrim’s Pride vice president, and the president and vice president of Claxton Poultry. 

Criminal trials of industry executives are unusual. 

The three trials happened as rising meat prices added fuel to soaring inflation. The Department of Justice hoped to succeed in the third trial by narrowing the defendants in previous cases from 10 to five in the third attempt. 

“Although we are disappointed in the verdict, we will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws, especially when it comes to price-fixing schemes affecting food,” the DOJ says in a statement. A lawyer for one of the defendants says the case “should never have been brought.”

Five executives in the poultry industry were found not guilty of a price-fixing conspiracy between 2012 and 2019. The Denver Post says the verdict is a defeat for prosecutors and happened after two mistrials. Jurors acquitted the current and former CEOs of Pilgrim’s Pride, a former Pilgrim’s Pride vice president, and the president and vice president of Claxton Poultry. Criminal trials of industry executives are unusual. The three trials happened as rising meat prices added fuel to soaring inflation. The Department of Justice hoped to succeed in the third trial by narrowing the defendants in previous cases from 10 to five in the third attempt. “Although we are disappointed in the verdict, we will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws, especially when it comes to price-fixing schemes affecting food,” the DOJ says in a statement. A lawyer for one of the defendants says the case “should never have been brought.”

Poultry executives not guilty of price-fixing

Smart growth and investment in Midwest downtowns and main streets have to occur now to secure the land that grows our food. 

That conclusion is from American Farmland Trust, which released a report called “Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future.” 

The report’s research shows that by 2040, more than three million acres, or nearly 5,000 square miles of farmland, may be lost to urban and low-density conversion across the Midwest. 

Six Midwestern states made the top ten list of the number of farmland acres getting converted to urban development by 2040. Those states include Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

The report shows the loss will disproportionately affect smaller farms that often service local markets with fresh products. Many of those smaller farms also tend to bring new farmers into the profession and are instrumental in getting through the supply chain disruptions hitting grocery stores around the nation.

Smart growth and investment in Midwest downtowns and main streets have to occur now to secure the land that grows our food. That conclusion is from American Farmland Trust, which released a report called “Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future.” The report’s research shows that by 2040, more than three million acres, or nearly 5,000 square miles of farmland, may be lost to urban and low-density conversion across the Midwest. Six Midwestern states made the top ten list of the number of farmland acres getting converted to urban development by 2040. Those states include Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The report shows the loss will disproportionately affect smaller farms that often service local markets with fresh products. Many of those smaller farms also tend to bring new farmers into the profession and are instrumental in getting through the supply chain disruptions hitting grocery stores around the nation.

Safeguarding midwest lands that grow food

Gas prices dropped last week by the largest one-day amount in over ten years. 

Auto club Triple-A says the average prices at U.S. pumps fell 3.1 cents per gallon on Friday, the largest one-time decrease since 2008. 

Despite the recent drop in gas prices, they’re still roughly $1.60 higher than last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ten states still have prices over $5 a gallon, and California is above $6 a gallon. &nbsp;

Late last week, Bloomberg said supplies remain tight for fuel. U.S. total gasoline stocks are at their lowest seasonal level in seven years, even though refiners on the Gulf Coast and East Coast have been running at almost maximum capacity. 

East Coast supplies are particularly vulnerable, and they’re at the lowest seasonal level on record since the government started collecting data in 1993. Gas prices are a major contributor to inflation and will be a significant issue in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Gas prices dropped last week by the largest one-day amount in over ten years. Auto club Triple-A says the average prices at U.S. pumps fell 3.1 cents per gallon on Friday, the largest one-time decrease since 2008. Despite the recent drop in gas prices, they’re still roughly $1.60 higher than last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ten states still have prices over $5 a gallon, and California is above $6 a gallon. &nbsp;Late last week, Bloomberg said supplies remain tight for fuel. U.S. total gasoline stocks are at their lowest seasonal level in seven years, even though refiners on the Gulf Coast and East Coast have been running at almost maximum capacity. East Coast supplies are particularly vulnerable, and they’re at the lowest seasonal level on record since the government started collecting data in 1993. Gas prices are a major contributor to inflation and will be a significant issue in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Gas prices see biggest one-day drop since 2008

A coalition of almost 100 American food and agriculture organizations called for the prompt confirmation of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. 

In the letter to the U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee, the groups highlighted McKalip’s deep knowledge of the food and agriculture industry and his institutional, regulatory, and trade experience. 

The groups also note that McKalip has the experience necessary to tackle some of the most pressing trade policy issues the industry is facing. 

“Doug McKalip is an excellent nominee for the critical role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator, especially as the U.S. needs to increase global trade and secure greater market access for U.S. products,” says John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. 

The group of associations that sent the letter endorsing McKalip includes much of the food and agricultural sector that’s responsible for about one-fifth of the country’s economic activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654878888454.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of NCGA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of NCGA</figcaption>
 </figure>A coalition of almost 100 American food and agriculture organizations called for the prompt confirmation of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. In the letter to the U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee, the groups highlighted McKalip’s deep knowledge of the food and agriculture industry and his institutional, regulatory, and trade experience. The groups also note that McKalip has the experience necessary to tackle some of the most pressing trade policy issues the industry is facing. “Doug McKalip is an excellent nominee for the critical role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator, especially as the U.S. needs to increase global trade and secure greater market access for U.S. products,” says John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. The group of associations that sent the letter endorsing McKalip includes much of the food and agricultural sector that’s responsible for about one-fifth of the country’s economic activity.

One hundred groups call for swift confirmation of new Chief Ag Negotiator

Smithfield Foods will pay $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the meatpacker of conspiring to fix pork prices. 

CBS News says lawyers began notifying companies like restaurants and caterers of the settlement. 

Smithfield previously settled with a different group of pork buyers for $83 million. 

Meatpacker JBS agreed to pay the restaurants and caterers an additional $12.75 million in the same pork lawsuit. 

Earlier this year, JBS had already agreed to pay $52.5 million to settle a similar price-fixing lawsuit over beef. Neither Smithfield nor JBS admitted to any wrongdoing as part of those settlements, and officials at Smithfield headquarters wouldn’t comment on the settlement. 

Other price-fixing lawsuits have also been filed against national chicken producers, with almost $200 million in settlements already approved in price-fixing cases to date. Pilgrim’s Pride, one of the country’s biggest chicken producers, was fined $107 million for price fixing in February 2021.

Smithfield Foods will pay $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the meatpacker of conspiring to fix pork prices. CBS News says lawyers began notifying companies like restaurants and caterers of the settlement. Smithfield previously settled with a different group of pork buyers for $83 million. Meatpacker JBS agreed to pay the restaurants and caterers an additional $12.75 million in the same pork lawsuit. Earlier this year, JBS had already agreed to pay $52.5 million to settle a similar price-fixing lawsuit over beef. Neither Smithfield nor JBS admitted to any wrongdoing as part of those settlements, and officials at Smithfield headquarters wouldn’t comment on the settlement. Other price-fixing lawsuits have also been filed against national chicken producers, with almost $200 million in settlements already approved in price-fixing cases to date. Pilgrim’s Pride, one of the country’s biggest chicken producers, was fined $107 million for price fixing in February 2021.

Smithfield settles price-fixing lawsuit for $42 million

Japan’s longest-serving leader and former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, died after being shot at a political campaign event last week. 

The U.S. Grains Council commented on his passing as a great loss for the country. 

“Prime Minister Abe was a leader in many ways, including growing trade between the U.S. and Japan,” says USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. 

‘He continued the long, close friendship between the U.S. and Japan that goes back even farther than the first office we opened in Japan in 1961.” U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says his organization is deeply saddened by the death of Abe. 

“In addition to being a strong and reliable ally of the U.S., he was a true champion for free trade,” Halstrom says, “especially his leadership in advancing the U.S.-Japan agreement, which was a major victory for American agriculture.” Halstrom also called Abe “courageous and relentless.”

Japan’s longest-serving leader and former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, died after being shot at a political campaign event last week. The U.S. Grains Council commented on his passing as a great loss for the country. “Prime Minister Abe was a leader in many ways, including growing trade between the U.S. and Japan,” says USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. ‘He continued the long, close friendship between the U.S. and Japan that goes back even farther than the first office we opened in Japan in 1961.” U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says his organization is deeply saddened by the death of Abe. “In addition to being a strong and reliable ally of the U.S., he was a true champion for free trade,” Halstrom says, “especially his leadership in advancing the U.S.-Japan agreement, which was a major victory for American agriculture.” Halstrom also called Abe “courageous and relentless.”

U.S. ag groups note passing of former Japanese prime minister

The U.S. Department of Agriculture underscored the importance of agricultural research and development at the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists this week. 

Research and development is critical in tackling the challenges of global food security and climate change, according to USDA, which called on G20 members to support the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate. 

USDA’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, led the U.S. delegation to the meeting, where agricultural science leaders from around the world convened to discuss global challenges facing agriculture and to align both national and global research and development priorities. 

Jacobs-Young says, “Ambitious investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation will help create a surge of solutions.” 

Jacobs-Young also highlighted the United States’ leadership role in the global Coalition for Sustainable Productivity Growth, as well as the United States continued focus on innovative technologies and approaches to reduce food loss and waste in the agricultural supply chain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture underscored the importance of agricultural research and development at the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists this week. Research and development is critical in tackling the challenges of global food security and climate change, according to USDA, which called on G20 members to support the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate. USDA’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, led the U.S. delegation to the meeting, where agricultural science leaders from around the world convened to discuss global challenges facing agriculture and to align both national and global research and development priorities. Jacobs-Young says, “Ambitious investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation will help create a surge of solutions.” Jacobs-Young also highlighted the United States’ leadership role in the global Coalition for Sustainable Productivity Growth, as well as the United States continued focus on innovative technologies and approaches to reduce food loss and waste in the agricultural supply chain.

USDA highlights importance of innovation at G20 meeting

The latest Drought Monitor shows much of the U.S. is dealing with dry conditions. 

All but 16 percent of the West region is in some form of drought, with 28 percent considered D3-D4, the worst drought classifications. Another 16 percent of the South region is drought-free, with 23 percent in D3-D4. 

Meanwhile, 67 percent of the High Plains region faces drought conditions, along with 50 percent of the Midwest region. 

Finally, 63 percent of the Southeast region is in drought, along with 36 percent of the Northeast region. Short-term drought continued to rapidly expand across the Ohio, Tennessee, and Middle Mississippi Valleys along with parts of the Corn Belt in the last week. 

Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rainfall and drought relief to parts of the central to northern Great Plains. However, temperatures averaged above normal throughout the Great Plains. 

A tropical disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico and a trough of low pressure resulted in heavy rainfall and improving drought conditions to southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.

The latest Drought Monitor shows much of the U.S. is dealing with dry conditions. All but 16 percent of the West region is in some form of drought, with 28 percent considered D3-D4, the worst drought classifications. Another 16 percent of the South region is drought-free, with 23 percent in D3-D4. Meanwhile, 67 percent of the High Plains region faces drought conditions, along with 50 percent of the Midwest region. Finally, 63 percent of the Southeast region is in drought, along with 36 percent of the Northeast region. Short-term drought continued to rapidly expand across the Ohio, Tennessee, and Middle Mississippi Valleys along with parts of the Corn Belt in the last week. Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rainfall and drought relief to parts of the central to northern Great Plains. However, temperatures averaged above normal throughout the Great Plains. A tropical disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico and a trough of low pressure resulted in heavy rainfall and improving drought conditions to southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.

Drought conditions found in much of the U.S.

The United States and Canada Thursday announced a memorandum of understanding to settle a dispute on trade of solar products under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 

The MOU promotes greater North American solar supply integration and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to prohibit imports of solar products produced in whole or in part with forced or compulsory labor, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. 

The MOU also contains a mechanism to ensure that solar product imports from Canada do not undermine the existing U.S. safeguard measure on imports of solar products. 

Ambassador Katherine Tai says, “Reaching this settlement with Canada will promote greater deployment of solar energy in the United States using products from one of our closest allies.” The U.S. imposed the solar safeguard measure during the Trump Administration. 

This year, a USMCA panel issued its report, finding that the prior Administration’s decision to include imports from Canada in the solar safeguard measure was inconsistent with certain USMCA rules.

The United States and Canada Thursday announced a memorandum of understanding to settle a dispute on trade of solar products under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The MOU promotes greater North American solar supply integration and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to prohibit imports of solar products produced in whole or in part with forced or compulsory labor, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. The MOU also contains a mechanism to ensure that solar product imports from Canada do not undermine the existing U.S. safeguard measure on imports of solar products. Ambassador Katherine Tai says, “Reaching this settlement with Canada will promote greater deployment of solar energy in the United States using products from one of our closest allies.” The U.S. imposed the solar safeguard measure during the Trump Administration. This year, a USMCA panel issued its report, finding that the prior Administration’s decision to include imports from Canada in the solar safeguard measure was inconsistent with certain USMCA rules.

US, Canada, announce dispute settlement on trade in solar products

Consumers are shifting the blame for inflation from the pandemic to supply chain issues, according to a recent poll by the Consumer Brands Association. 

The poll also showed that most Americans say inflation is hitting their household budgets and that tackling supply chain problems will positively affect inflation. 

The poll of 1,000 adults in mid-June found 72 percent of respondents said that increased grocery prices were having a very significant or somewhat significant impact on their household budgets. 

Only 22 percent said it was having a not very significant impact, and just six percent said it was having no impact. The frustration with higher prices has led to a notable shift in American attitudes about what is to blame for grocery inflation. 

The increase in supply chain costs and constraints as a source of blame for inflation coincides with an uptick in the interest of tackling supply chain problems as a means to ease inflation.

Consumers are shifting the blame for inflation from the pandemic to supply chain issues, according to a recent poll by the Consumer Brands Association. The poll also showed that most Americans say inflation is hitting their household budgets and that tackling supply chain problems will positively affect inflation. The poll of 1,000 adults in mid-June found 72 percent of respondents said that increased grocery prices were having a very significant or somewhat significant impact on their household budgets. Only 22 percent said it was having a not very significant impact, and just six percent said it was having no impact. The frustration with higher prices has led to a notable shift in American attitudes about what is to blame for grocery inflation. The increase in supply chain costs and constraints as a source of blame for inflation coincides with an uptick in the interest of tackling supply chain problems as a means to ease inflation.

Americans increasingly blame supply chain for inflation

Despite improved runoff in June, water conservation measures will continue for the second half of the navigation flow support season, based on the July 1 Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System storage. 

June runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 5.2 million-acre-feet, 94 percent of average. 

The updated 2022 runoff forecast is 20-million-acre feet, 78 percent of average and 1.7-million-acre-feet higher than last month’s forecast. June runoff into Garrison was 110 percent of average. 

John Remus of the Army Corps of Engineers says, “Heavy rain in mid-June on the upper Yellowstone River, coincided with mountain snowmelt increasing inflows into Garrison reservoir.” 

However, due to the ongoing drought and the amount of water stored in the reservoir system, water conservation measures will likely continue through the remainder of 2022 and into 2023. Officials say releases from Gavins Point will likely be at a minimum rate of 12,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite improved runoff in June, water conservation measures will continue for the second half of the navigation flow support season, based on the July 1 Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System storage. June runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 5.2 million-acre-feet, 94 percent of average. The updated 2022 runoff forecast is 20-million-acre feet, 78 percent of average and 1.7-million-acre-feet higher than last month’s forecast. June runoff into Garrison was 110 percent of average. John Remus of the Army Corps of Engineers says, “Heavy rain in mid-June on the upper Yellowstone River, coincided with mountain snowmelt increasing inflows into Garrison reservoir.” However, due to the ongoing drought and the amount of water stored in the reservoir system, water conservation measures will likely continue through the remainder of 2022 and into 2023. Officials say releases from Gavins Point will likely be at a minimum rate of 12,000 cubic feet per second.

Increased June runoff not enough for Missouri River basin drought

A new report released Tuesday from the United Nations shows the number of people affected by hunger globally rose to nearly 830 million in 2021, providing fresh evidence that the world is moving in reverse. 

The UN report says the world is moving in the opposite direction from the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, by 2030. 

The report represents an increase of about 46 million since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the world’s economy into a downward spiral, and 150 million more since 2019. 

As many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021, 46 million people more from a year earlier and 150 million more from 2019. After remaining relatively unchanged since 2015, the proportion of people affected by hunger jumped in 2020 and continued to rise in 2021, to 9.8 percent of the world population, according to the report.

A new report released Tuesday from the United Nations shows the number of people affected by hunger globally rose to nearly 830 million in 2021, providing fresh evidence that the world is moving in reverse. The UN report says the world is moving in the opposite direction from the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, by 2030. The report represents an increase of about 46 million since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the world’s economy into a downward spiral, and 150 million more since 2019. As many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021, 46 million people more from a year earlier and 150 million more from 2019. After remaining relatively unchanged since 2015, the proportion of people affected by hunger jumped in 2020 and continued to rise in 2021, to 9.8 percent of the world population, according to the report.

UN report: Global hunger increasing

Senior U.S. and Chinese officials discussed U.S. economic sanctions amid reports that the White House is considering rolling back some of the levies imposed by the previous administration. 

During a call on Tuesday morning, China’s Vice Premier told U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin that lifting tariffs and sanctions and the fair treatment of Chinese enterprises are areas of concern for the Southeast Asian nation. 

Bloomberg says the administration called the talks candid and substantive. However, the secretary mentioned several issues that concerned the U.S., including the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the global economy and China’s unfair, non-market economic practices. 

The discussion happened as President Biden may roll back some of the American tariffs on Chinese imports worth hundreds of billions of dollars, possibly this week. As inflation increases in America, economic experts expect the administration will ease the taxes to help lower the costs of everyday items.

Senior U.S. and Chinese officials discussed U.S. economic sanctions amid reports that the White House is considering rolling back some of the levies imposed by the previous administration. During a call on Tuesday morning, China’s Vice Premier told U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin that lifting tariffs and sanctions and the fair treatment of Chinese enterprises are areas of concern for the Southeast Asian nation. Bloomberg says the administration called the talks candid and substantive. However, the secretary mentioned several issues that concerned the U.S., including the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the global economy and China’s unfair, non-market economic practices. The discussion happened as President Biden may roll back some of the American tariffs on Chinese imports worth hundreds of billions of dollars, possibly this week. As inflation increases in America, economic experts expect the administration will ease the taxes to help lower the costs of everyday items.

U.S., China talk Trump tariffs

A California company intends to build the first ethanol plant in America powered by sugar cane. 

California Ethanol and Power intends to construct a $650 million plant on 160 acres. 

The plant is part of a $1.1 billion project that includes agreements with local farmers to grow sugar cane for the ethanol plant. 

The company also will have an agreement in place with a top farming cooperative to market the ethanol. L.A. Business Journal says if the company gets enough financing, the plan is to have the plant running by late 2025, producing about 68 million gallons of ethanol every year. 

The plant will also generate byproducts like 49 megawatts of electricity and about 740 million gallons of biomethane that can be used to heat businesses and homes. 

The plant will also produce about 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide gas that the company will capture and sell to other companies needing CO2 emission offsets.

A California company intends to build the first ethanol plant in America powered by sugar cane. California Ethanol and Power intends to construct a $650 million plant on 160 acres. The plant is part of a $1.1 billion project that includes agreements with local farmers to grow sugar cane for the ethanol plant. The company also will have an agreement in place with a top farming cooperative to market the ethanol. L.A. Business Journal says if the company gets enough financing, the plan is to have the plant running by late 2025, producing about 68 million gallons of ethanol every year. The plant will also generate byproducts like 49 megawatts of electricity and about 740 million gallons of biomethane that can be used to heat businesses and homes. The plant will also produce about 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide gas that the company will capture and sell to other companies needing CO2 emission offsets.

California company intends to build first sugar cane ethanol plant

Negotiations will continue on a new labor contract for the more than 22,000 workers at U.S. West Coast ports. 

Reuters says industry leaders and the White House are watching the high-stakes talks closely. 

The agreement will include 29 Pacific Coast ports from California up to Washington state, ports that bring in up to 40 percent of America’s imports. 

The Pacific Maritime Association employer group and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union said in a joint statement that cargo will keep moving at the ports until an agreement can get reached. However, Pete Tirschwell of S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence says, “When the contract expired, so did the ‘no strike’ clause.” &nbsp;

More than 150 business groups asked President Biden to push for a swift resolution. Agriculture groups and others business organizations are watching the negotiations with concern after the last West Coast port labor contract negotiations broke down in 2015 after nine months.

Negotiations will continue on a new labor contract for the more than 22,000 workers at U.S. West Coast ports. Reuters says industry leaders and the White House are watching the high-stakes talks closely. The agreement will include 29 Pacific Coast ports from California up to Washington state, ports that bring in up to 40 percent of America’s imports. The Pacific Maritime Association employer group and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union said in a joint statement that cargo will keep moving at the ports until an agreement can get reached. However, Pete Tirschwell of S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence says, “When the contract expired, so did the ‘no strike’ clause.” &nbsp;More than 150 business groups asked President Biden to push for a swift resolution. Agriculture groups and others business organizations are watching the negotiations with concern after the last West Coast port labor contract negotiations broke down in 2015 after nine months.

West Coast port labor contract expires

New York Representative Elise Stefanik and other House Republicans introduced legislation that would prevent adversarial countries from acquiring American companies amid global food shortages. 

Stefanik says food security is national security, and she’s proud to stand against our foreign adversaries as they attempt to exploit potential vulnerabilities and assert control over America’s agricultural industry. The bill would specifically prevent countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from being allowed to buy American agricultural companies, citing them as “prohibited.”It also lists biotechnology and agriculture as critical infrastructure. 

“Adversarial nations like China continue to threaten our homeland, using tactics like buying American agriculture companies and stealing agricultural research to undermine our economy,” Stefanik says. 

Fox News says the food security issue is a global problem because of the war in Ukraine, which has led to global food shortages. Republicans say Russia is using food manipulation as a weapon in its invasion of Ukraine.

New York Representative Elise Stefanik and other House Republicans introduced legislation that would prevent adversarial countries from acquiring American companies amid global food shortages. Stefanik says food security is national security, and she’s proud to stand against our foreign adversaries as they attempt to exploit potential vulnerabilities and assert control over America’s agricultural industry. The bill would specifically prevent countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from being allowed to buy American agricultural companies, citing them as “prohibited.”It also lists biotechnology and agriculture as critical infrastructure. “Adversarial nations like China continue to threaten our homeland, using tactics like buying American agriculture companies and stealing agricultural research to undermine our economy,” Stefanik says. Fox News says the food security issue is a global problem because of the war in Ukraine, which has led to global food shortages. Republicans say Russia is using food manipulation as a weapon in its invasion of Ukraine.

Bill would keep U.S. Ag from exploitation

The National Association of Wheat Growers shared their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. 

As lawmakers continue putting the next farm bill together, wheat growers will be advocating for these priorities on Capitol Hill. The priorities include protecting crop insurance to ensure growers have a strong and reliable safety net assists wheat growers when it’s needed during disasters. They also want to support financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs. 

The wheat growers want an increase in the reference price for wheat in Title 1 to help cover the cost of production more accurately. They also favor enhancing USDA’s market access and development programs to enhance trade. 

“The farm bill addresses many programs that are critical for wheat growers, and we look forward to actively engaging in the farm bill reauthorization process,” says NAWG President Nicole Berg. “Sharing our priorities is the first step in the reauthorization process.”

The National Association of Wheat Growers shared their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. As lawmakers continue putting the next farm bill together, wheat growers will be advocating for these priorities on Capitol Hill. The priorities include protecting crop insurance to ensure growers have a strong and reliable safety net assists wheat growers when it’s needed during disasters. They also want to support financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs. The wheat growers want an increase in the reference price for wheat in Title 1 to help cover the cost of production more accurately. They also favor enhancing USDA’s market access and development programs to enhance trade. “The farm bill addresses many programs that are critical for wheat growers, and we look forward to actively engaging in the farm bill reauthorization process,” says NAWG President Nicole Berg. “Sharing our priorities is the first step in the reauthorization process.”

Wheat growers list 2023 Farm Bill priorities

The National Corn Growers Association is concerned about a move by the Environmental Protection Agency that could restrict access to a critical crop protection tool. 

The EPA says it’s revising its registration for atrazine, a well-studied herbicide essential to farming. 

“We’re disappointed by this,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a critical tool for farming.” 

The new labeling requirements will impose difficult new restrictions and mitigation measures on the herbicide, limiting how much product farmers can use. The latest development marks a step backward in EPA’s commitment to transparency and using the best available science. However, Edgington says that EPA listened to growers’ requests and agreed to additional scientific review. NCGA will continue working with EPA through the entire process, which now enters a 60-day comment period.

The National Corn Growers Association is concerned about a move by the Environmental Protection Agency that could restrict access to a critical crop protection tool. The EPA says it’s revising its registration for atrazine, a well-studied herbicide essential to farming. “We’re disappointed by this,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a critical tool for farming.” The new labeling requirements will impose difficult new restrictions and mitigation measures on the herbicide, limiting how much product farmers can use. The latest development marks a step backward in EPA’s commitment to transparency and using the best available science. However, Edgington says that EPA listened to growers’ requests and agreed to additional scientific review. NCGA will continue working with EPA through the entire process, which now enters a 60-day comment period.

EPA revising Atrazine registration

The Court of International Trade is considering an appeal against the U.S. International Trade Commission’s decision to place duties on phosphorous fertilizers from Morocco and Russia. 

The National Corn Growers Association says that’s put fertilizer companies under scrutiny this week. 

“We’ve been sounding the alarm for a long time and telling officials these tariffs are hurting farmers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. 

“We finally have seen results as a judge with the Court of International Trade began asking tough questions about the assertions made by fertilizer companies.” 

The appeal comes after the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission ruled last year in favor of a petition by U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Russia and Morocco. 

Mosaic claimed the imports were unfairly subsidized and undercutting prices in the U.S. Decisions from the ITC and the Court of International Trade are expected later this summer.

The Court of International Trade is considering an appeal against the U.S. International Trade Commission’s decision to place duties on phosphorous fertilizers from Morocco and Russia. The National Corn Growers Association says that’s put fertilizer companies under scrutiny this week. “We’ve been sounding the alarm for a long time and telling officials these tariffs are hurting farmers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We finally have seen results as a judge with the Court of International Trade began asking tough questions about the assertions made by fertilizer companies.” The appeal comes after the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission ruled last year in favor of a petition by U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Russia and Morocco. Mosaic claimed the imports were unfairly subsidized and undercutting prices in the U.S. Decisions from the ITC and the Court of International Trade are expected later this summer.

Court of International Trade looking into high fertilizer prices

The U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association applauded Canada for its finalized Clean Fuel Regulations. 

Those regulations are an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuel and energy used in Canada. 

That will help Canada achieve more than 20 million tons of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. 

The Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations will rely heavily on the use of low-carbon biofuels like ethanol. The program will include an average of 15 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2030. 

The groups issued a release commending Canada as a global leader because of its plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through higher blends of biofuels. 

The groups say the Clean Fuel Regulations in Canada set the country on a path toward better air quality, energy security, and carbon mitigation by moving to achievable goals like 15 percent ethanol in all gasoline by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656690572054.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Department of Energy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Department of Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association applauded Canada for its finalized Clean Fuel Regulations. Those regulations are an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuel and energy used in Canada. That will help Canada achieve more than 20 million tons of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations will rely heavily on the use of low-carbon biofuels like ethanol. The program will include an average of 15 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2030. The groups issued a release commending Canada as a global leader because of its plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through higher blends of biofuels. The groups say the Clean Fuel Regulations in Canada set the country on a path toward better air quality, energy security, and carbon mitigation by moving to achievable goals like 15 percent ethanol in all gasoline by 2030.

U.S. biofuel groups applaud Canada Clean Fuel Regulations

The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO, Corey Rosenbusch, praised the bipartisan congressional letter sent this week to the Surface Transportation Board regarding poor railroad service. 

The letter outlined the negative impact the poor service is having on the fertilizer industry and the overall agricultural sector. 

“With over half of all fertilizer moving by rail, we are grateful for the 51 lawmakers who brought the issue of inconsistent rail service to the Surface Transportation Board’s attention,” says Rosenbusch. 

Fertilizer shipments heavily rely on railroads to reach farmers, but imposed restrictions, along with skeleton crews and railroad-led initiatives such as precision-scheduled railroading have forced fertilizer shipping reductions and potential delays. 

“With the world leaning on U.S. farmers more than ever before to feed the growing population, fertilizer must get to farmers in a timely manner and crops harvests also need to get to their destinations promptly, including the kitchen table,” Rosenbusch adds.

The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO, Corey Rosenbusch, praised the bipartisan congressional letter sent this week to the Surface Transportation Board regarding poor railroad service. The letter outlined the negative impact the poor service is having on the fertilizer industry and the overall agricultural sector. “With over half of all fertilizer moving by rail, we are grateful for the 51 lawmakers who brought the issue of inconsistent rail service to the Surface Transportation Board’s attention,” says Rosenbusch. Fertilizer shipments heavily rely on railroads to reach farmers, but imposed restrictions, along with skeleton crews and railroad-led initiatives such as precision-scheduled railroading have forced fertilizer shipping reductions and potential delays. “With the world leaning on U.S. farmers more than ever before to feed the growing population, fertilizer must get to farmers in a timely manner and crops harvests also need to get to their destinations promptly, including the kitchen table,” Rosenbusch adds.

TFI appreciates congressional letter on rail service issues

Two California Democrats Wednesday introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act in the House of Representatives. 

John Garamendi and Jim Costa say the bill follows up on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Representative Costa says, “We need to remove bottlenecks and mitigate congestion at our ports to carry out American exports.” 

The legislation would ensure fair trade for U.S. businesses and keep hard-won foreign markets accessible to agricultural exporters by codifying the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other U.S.-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports. 

Additionally, the legislation would establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the United States, and ensure that the new preferential berthing would never interfere with U.S. Coast Guard orders for commercial vessels, port safety or collective bargaining agreements for port workers. 

The legislation is endorsed by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, National Milk Producers Federation, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Two California Democrats Wednesday introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act in the House of Representatives. John Garamendi and Jim Costa say the bill follows up on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Representative Costa says, “We need to remove bottlenecks and mitigate congestion at our ports to carry out American exports.” The legislation would ensure fair trade for U.S. businesses and keep hard-won foreign markets accessible to agricultural exporters by codifying the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other U.S.-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports. Additionally, the legislation would establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the United States, and ensure that the new preferential berthing would never interfere with U.S. Coast Guard orders for commercial vessels, port safety or collective bargaining agreements for port workers. The legislation is endorsed by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, National Milk Producers Federation, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

House lawmakers introduce American Port Access Privileges Act

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced additional commodities and features are available on the free USDA Market News App. 

The App provides producers and others along the supply chain with instant access to market information about conventional and organic products. 

Version 2.0 includes access to three additional commodity areas – Cotton and Tobacco, Dairy and Specialty Crops, as well as the ability to filter searches to see reports by Commodity Area and Market Type, the ability to add reports to Favorites and Subscriptions by Commodity Area and Market Type, an improved way to manage subscriptions and a calendar feature that provides access to previously released reports. 

USDA launched the first version of its free Market News app in February 2022, with access to about 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports. The USDA Market News app is available in both iOS and Android versions and may be downloaded through the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced additional commodities and features are available on the free USDA Market News App. The App provides producers and others along the supply chain with instant access to market information about conventional and organic products. Version 2.0 includes access to three additional commodity areas – Cotton and Tobacco, Dairy and Specialty Crops, as well as the ability to filter searches to see reports by Commodity Area and Market Type, the ability to add reports to Favorites and Subscriptions by Commodity Area and Market Type, an improved way to manage subscriptions and a calendar feature that provides access to previously released reports. USDA launched the first version of its free Market News app in February 2022, with access to about 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports. The USDA Market News app is available in both iOS and Android versions and may be downloaded through the Apple and Google Play stores.

USDA announces new features for Market News App

Smart growth and investment in America's downtowns and main streets must occur now to secure the land that grows our food, according to American Farmland Trust. 

The organization Wednesday released its new report, Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future and the accompanying web mapping tool. 

AFT research shows Americans are paving over agricultural land at a rapid pace. 

From 2001-16, the nation lost or compromised 2,000 acres of farmland and ranchland every day. The report shows the U.S. is on track to convert 18 million acres of farmland and ranchland from 2016-40—an area the size of South Carolina. And it could get worse. 

If rural sprawl accelerates, America could squander one million acres of agricultural land every year and over 24 million by 2040. But if Americans choose a better path—embrace smart growth and minimize sprawl—they can save up to 13.5 million acres of the nation’s farmland. Find the full report at farmland.org.

Smart growth and investment in America's downtowns and main streets must occur now to secure the land that grows our food, according to American Farmland Trust. The organization Wednesday released its new report, Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future and the accompanying web mapping tool. AFT research shows Americans are paving over agricultural land at a rapid pace. From 2001-16, the nation lost or compromised 2,000 acres of farmland and ranchland every day. The report shows the U.S. is on track to convert 18 million acres of farmland and ranchland from 2016-40—an area the size of South Carolina. And it could get worse. If rural sprawl accelerates, America could squander one million acres of agricultural land every year and over 24 million by 2040. But if Americans choose a better path—embrace smart growth and minimize sprawl—they can save up to 13.5 million acres of the nation’s farmland. Find the full report at farmland.org.