Easier access to healthy food for those enrolled in SNAP. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Online purchasing using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is now available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The expansion represents a major milestone in the history of SNAP and continues to provide greater convenience and access to healthy …
IFPA Wants Equity in Farm Bill
by Sabrina Halvorson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) wants to see more funding for specialty crops in the farm bill. In an interview, IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, Rebeckah Adcock pointed out the differences in funding for things like fresh produce versus row crops. “All parts of agriculture are important. But since USDA says fruits and vegetables …
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Moves Out of Committee
A push for whole milk in schools moves forward. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Committee on Education and the Workforce last week voted to advance a bill restoring whole milk in schools. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 highlights milk’s health benefits and nutrients to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood …
AgNet Weekly: Rebeckah Adcock, VP of US Government Relations, IFPA
The Senate Ag Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research held a hearing June 7 on how the farm bill works for Specialty Crop producers. The Vice President of U.S. Government Relations at the International Fresh Produce Association, Rebeckah Adcock, was in attendance. She joined Sabrina Halvorson afterward to discuss the association’s message to lawmakers about the …
Grocery Inflation Cooling
A little relief at the grocery store. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After two years of climbing grocery bills, things are starting to cool off. “In April grocery inflation on a three-month annualized basis, which is just saying if the three months we’re looking at stayed that way all year, inflation was actually negative,” Joelle Gamble, Deputy …
Peanuts Pack a Punch Against Alzheimer’s
How peanuts pack a punch in the fight against Alzheimer’s. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than six million Americans. There’s now growing evidence that peanuts can help address this disease by supporting brain health. The Peanut Institute says it boils down to the nutritional makeup of peanuts. First, peanuts have high levels of niacin …
How Important is the “Natural” Label on Food?
How important is that “natural” label on our groceries? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A new report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) says food labeled as “natural” may not be worth its higher cost. The USDA says numerous consumer food choice studies have found that the “natural” label on food is often equated with healthier food choices …
Expert Says Innovation Crucial for the Future of Ag
The future of ag relies on innovation. That message came from Dr. Daniel Sumner, from the Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Davis. He was speaking at the Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues Summit West, held in Sacramento, California on Monday. The event pulled together agricultural leaders to discuss the industry from several different angles. …
National Dairy FARM Excellence Award Nominations Open
An award for dairy producers returns this year. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program Excellence Awards are back for a third year. The awards recognize farms and evaluators who demonstrate excellence in the FARM Program. Awards are given in four categories, including Animal Care and Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce …
Beagle Brigade Act Gaining Support
by Sabrina Halvorson Support is growing for the Beagle Brigade Act. Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI-08) introduced the bill in the House and says it’s a vital act for agriculture. “It’s an act with a cute name but a very important purpose. The Beagle Brigade Act helps protect America’s food supply from foreign pests from diseases that come in through …