Urgent Call for Progress on Next Farm Bill by US Representative Zach Nunn

US Representative Zach Nunn from Iowa has emphasised the urgent need for lawmakers to expedite work on the upcoming farm bill. With 2024 being a presidential election year, Nunn, a Republican, expressed to Brownfield Ag News that completing the farm bill sooner rather than later is crucial. He highlighted that an early placement in the […]
Court Upholds USDA’s New Swine Inspection System Amid Legal Challenge

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has emerged victorious in a legal battle concerning the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), implemented in 2019. The NSIS, which introduced several changes to pork processing protocols, including trials of increased line speeds, faced a legal challenge from groups including the Animal Legal […]
Ongoing Struggle with Avian Influenza in Poultry Despite Strengthened Measures

The poultry sector is persistently grappling with the challenges posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), even amidst enhanced protective measures. The recent increase in HPAI cases and the subsequent culling of numerous hens have sparked concerns. However, the effect on egg product prices has not been as severe as the record highs of […]
Advancements in Food Processing Technologies: Insights from IFT’s Latest White Paper

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a globally recognised non-profit scientific body, has recently unveiled a comprehensive white paper. This document, entitled “Food Science and Technology Solutions to Improve Food and Nutrition Security: Sustainable Production of Nutritious Foods Through Processing Technology,” emerged from a virtual roundtable discussion steered by the IFT’s Food & Nutrition Security […]
New Legal Challenges for ‘Big Four’ Beef Packers Over Price Fixing Allegations

The ‘Big Four’ beef packing companies in the United States are now facing four additional lawsuits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. These suits allege that the companies have been conspiring to manipulate the price of beef sold to retailers since 2015. These New York cases are consistent […]
Spore.Bio: Revolutionising Food Safety with AI Technology

In a significant development for the food and beverage industry, Paris-based startup Spore. Bio is set to transform how manufacturers ensure product safety. The company, still in the early stages of development, is working on an innovative artificial intelligence technology, with plans for deployment by mid-2025. Founded by Amine Raji, who serves as the chief […]
Impossible Foods Presents New Plant-Based Hot Dog at New York Event

Impossible Foods, renowned for its plant-based meat alternatives, recently showcased its newest creation, the Impossible Beef Hot Dog, at a tasting event held in New York City on December 16. This event marked the debut of the company’s latest innovation, which is anticipated to hit the shelves in restaurants and grocery stores by 2024. The […]
Organisations Appeal to Biden for Swift Action on Packers and Stockyards Act Revisions

In a concerted effort, over 60 organisations have reached out to President Biden through a letter, expressing their concerns regarding the slow progress of the USDA’s rulemaking under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). Recently, the USDA declared its intention to launch its poultry contract transparency initiative as planned in early 2024. This decision […]
Florida Legislators Propose Bills Targeting Cultivated Meat, Bolstering Agricultural Protections

In a significant move, Florida State lawmakers, State Sen. Jay Collins and State Rep. Danny Alvarez, have introduced legislative proposals (SB 1084 and HB 1071) aimed at reinforcing the state’s agricultural sector. A key focus of these bills is the regulation of cultivated meat. The proposed legislation would render the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or […]
2023 U.S. Farm Income: A Shift from Peak Levels

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service has released a forecast indicating a downturn in the U.S. farm sector’s financial outlook for 2023. Despite this, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has pointed out that the sector is still faring relatively well. The projected net farm income stands at $151.1 billion, which, although lower than […]