US ramps up trade dispute with Mexico over genetically modified corn

A request for a settlement panel could pave the way for the United States to impose punitive tariffs. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 18, 2023

WTO backs US in challenge of China’s retaliatory tariffs

The ruling is a win for agricultural exporters who have seen their market share significantly shrink since the start of former President Donald Trump's 2018 trade war.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 17, 2023

USDA proposes higher fees for agricultural import inspections

The agency says it's struggling to make enough revenue to cover the cost of ensuring cargo is free of pests or diseases that could disrupt the U.S. food system.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 14, 2023

Democrats say far-right push to cut food assistance will ‘jeopardize’ the farm bill

A group of lawmakers wrote to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy that “playing partisan SNAP politics does nothing to address the needs of our farm and ranch families.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 9, 2023

Bayer CEO eyes structural changes as glyphosate sales fade

The biotech giant is grappling with growing debt, declining revenues and massive litigation overhang.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 9, 2023

Food bankruptcies surge as companies struggle with shift in consumer habits, access to cash

Tattooed Chef and Do Good Foods are just two of the highest-profile firms to file in 2023, with analysts predicting further bankruptcies in plant-based, sustainability and alternative agriculture.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 9, 2023

Farm bill to address pork industry’s Prop 12 concerns

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson said the Supreme Court left an opening for Congress to overturn the controversial animal welfare law and others like it.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 4, 2023

Pork producers sue Massachusetts over Question 3 animal housing law

Triumph Foods and a group of Midwest pork farmers are challenging the state’s updated requirements, set to take effect this month following the Supreme Court ruling on California's Prop 12.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 2, 2023

Fertilizer company JR Simplot reaches $150M deal with EPA to address plant waste

The manufacturer allegedly failed to manage hazardous materials from phosphate production.

By Sara Samora • Aug. 2, 2023

Biden admin takes steps to protect workers from extreme heat

The president unveiled a plan to ramp up enforcement of heat safety violations, increasing inspections in high-risk industries like agriculture.

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 1, 2023

US progressives want the farm bill to take on big food companies

A package of bills would halt mergers of large agriculture businesses and require corporations to provide strengthened pay and working conditions if they want USDA funds.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 31, 2023

USDA buys $68M of Alaska seafood to offset salmon glut

The purchases aim to support fisheries after a record sockeye salmon harvest last year depressed prices.

By Nathan Owens • July 31, 2023

SEC to overhaul disclosure rules for cybersecurity attacks

After a fierce debate, the agency voted to require companies to come clean on material breaches within four business days of determination.

By David Jones • July 27, 2023

Fed raises interest rates following June pause

Rate hikes may be pushing the agriculture industry to adjust operations as farm lending slows, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas.

By Grace Noto • July 27, 2023

Bayer braces for $2B loss as glyphosate demand declines

The biotech giant lowered its 2023 outlook after prices for the herbicide plummeted.

By Nathan Owens • July 26, 2023

Phthalates in food packaging: FDA declines to reconsider petition to ban

Health and environmental advocates are evaluating next steps as the agency continues to allow numerous plastic-softening chemicals that some companies are voluntarily phasing out.

By Maria Rachal • July 26, 2023

Biden threatens veto of House agriculture spending bill

The White House says a Republican-led measure would slash nutrition and climate programs, as well as hamstring the USDA’s ability to increase competition in the meat and poultry industries.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 25, 2023

India bans some rice exports, sparking inflation fears

U.S. rice farmers have called on the Biden administration to challenge the ban in front of the World Trade Organization.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 24, 2023

Amid race to finish farm bill, budget office declines request to add staff

House and Senate agriculture leaders have expressed concern about the "volume of outstanding requests" for financial estimates, which are needed to draft the legislation.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 21, 2023

USDA’s Foods in Schools program needs systematic improvements: GAO

Challenges faced by the program, which provides 15% to 20% of foods used in school lunches, include delivery issues and price fluctuations.

By Naaz Modan • July 21, 2023

Bipartisan effort grows to scrutinize foreign purchases of US farmland

Lawmakers have expressed national security concerns over agricultural acquisitions from companies in China and other countries considered adversaries.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 20, 2023

USDA teams with states to crack down on anti-competitiveness in food

The agency will work with more than 30 attorneys general to address anti-consumer practices, even as economists remain mixed on market consolidation’s effect on inflation. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 19, 2023

DOJ fails to block US Sugar’s $315M purchase of Imperial Sugar

An appeals court in Philadelphia said the government failed to prove the purchase, first announced in 2021, would raise prices for U.S. consumers and businesses.

By Chris Casey • July 17, 2023

USDA will invest $300M to monitor agriculture’s effect on climate

The funding will improve data collection and help verify emissions reductions from adopting climate-smart farming practices.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 13, 2023

Xochitl Torres Small confirmed as USDA deputy secretary

A former member of the House Agriculture Committee, Torres Small told the Senate she hopes to move the USDA away from a “get big or get out” mentality.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 12, 2023