New FDA labeling rule factors value of “lost pleasure”
In news first reported by Reuters, the FDA has placed a value of $5.27 billion on the “lost pleasure” consumers will experience when calorie counts go into effect under new …
USDA: $10M for minority, tribal and veteran producers
The USDA has announced nearly $10M in new funding to support minority, tribal and veteran agricultural producers, through its 2501 program. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition reports: “For decades, the …
LA Times: Mexican farm workers live in “bleak conditions”
The Los Angeles Times ran a front-page article on Sunday that provides a sobering view of life for some farm laborers in Mexico. It is the first of a four-part …
United Nations suspends food aid to Syrian refugees
The United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) announced the suspension of its food aid program to Syrian refugees who have fled their war-torn nation. More than 1.7 million refugees …
2015 food trends: what to watch
Each year, the National Restaurant Association produces a “Culinary Forecast”. It gathers and analyzes data and identifies trends for the upcoming year. Read the organization’s one-page executive summary. Environmental sustainability …
Heritage wheat makes small revival in California
In Tehachapi, a small California community tucked away in southeastern Kern County, a young farmer named Jon Hammond is reviving a family tradition of growing wheat. He’s working closely with …
Ancient commercial farm site unearthed in Rome
The Associated Press is reporting that a commercial farm site dating back to Rome’s Imperial era has been unearthed in the city, as a result of subway construction. Archaeologists took …
Will calorie counts on menus change eating habits?
Americans consume approximately 1/3 of their daily calories away from home; many are consumed in restaurants and at fast-food chains. In recent years, policymakers have focused on menu calorie labeling …
Coca Cola to enter milk market
Beverage giant Coca-Cola is launching a brand-name, premium milk called “Fairlife.” The product contains more protein, more calcium and less sugar than other milk, and is also lactose-free. Consumption of …
USDA funding connects more farmers with schools
In a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening community food systems, the USDA announced more than $5M in funding for 82 projects linking farmers with school cafeterias. The Farm …