An executive department steering U.S. farming, food safety, and rural policy.
Inflation in food at home and for prepared meals has accelerated in April, reaching 2.9% year over year for groceries and 3.2% for total food. Energy costs and supply disruptions are shaping prices, with experts warning that the full impact may appear in coming months.
Drought and heat have deepened losses for U.S. wheat farmers as irrigation and drought conditions worsen. Growers report sharply lower yields and higher input costs, with USDA data forecasting a historically small crop and insurance considerations shaping farmer decisions.
The UN World Food Programme has intensified emergency food and nutrition aid as hunger risks rise amid conflict, climate shocks, and funding shortfalls across multiple regions, including Sudan and South Sudan. Delivery faces security and transport hurdles with the rainy season approaching.
A series of policy changes and local actions across the US and Hawaii are threatening tax credits, farm and rooftop solar projects, and small-business solar adoption. While some communities push for faster rooftop and street-level solar deployments, lawmakers are revisiting credits and funding rules, risking delays for ongoing installations and new deployments.
McDonald’s has announced its global growth strategy, dubbed McDonald’s > NEXT, to enhance restaurant design, menu quality, customer service and automation. Details and financial targets are to be shared at an investor day in September, as the chain seeks to defend market share amid new rivals and cautious consumer spending.
The New World screwworm re-emerged in Texas after decades of eradication, with a calf found in La Pryor marking the first U.S. cattle case since the 1960s. Authorities are deploying sterile flies, expanding production, and tightening cross-border controls as Canada imposes imports limits and additional cases emerge in Texas.
The New World screwworm has re-emerged in the U.S., with cases detected in Texas and New Mexico, triggering cross-border restrictions and a major USDA response. Authorities are deploying sterile flies to suppress the pest while preparing additional facilities, amid high beef prices and a fragile cattle herd.
A Foot-and-Mouth outbreak in Uganda has triggered calls for intensified vaccination and stricter movement checks as farmers in Lyengoma Village blame contested grazing land, while authorities push to prevent wider spread.
Whey protein prices have surged to record levels as demand from GLP-1 weight‑loss drug users and the food industry outpaces supply. Prices for concentrate and 80% whey protein are at records, pushing costs for small brands higher while producers explore blends to ease shortages.
Scotland’s ski season has defied expectations, with 2025/26 marking the best skier-days tally since 2017/18, at 139,445 across five resorts. Snowfall and weather variability complicate the picture, but the skier-days metric shows more people choosing Scotland’s hills despite conditions.
Gasoline costs have fallen below the $4 threshold as the Strait of Hormuz reopens under a U.S.–Iran accord. Prices remain volatile and relief is slow to reach all regions; flows are still normalizing and broader inflation remains a concern.
The US Farm Bill is considering tighter Buy American rules, with a cap on non-US foods for school meals rising concern among nutrition directors about banana imports and the availability of healthy options.
Danone has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court alleging Chobani inflates protein claims on multiple-serving tubs of Chobani 20G Protein, a rival to Danone’s Oikos Pro. The case underscores how protein claims are shaping competition in the US amid rising GLP-1 weight-loss drug use. Danone says Chobani’s labeling misleads consumers and undercuts its pricing. Chobani rejects the allegations; analysts note concerns over capacity and competitive dynamics.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in U.S. cattle, expanding from initial detections in June. Officials are deploying sterile-fly programs, traps, and close herd checks to curb spread. The outbreak risks the $113 billion cattle industry and can affect pets and wildlife; rapid veterinary treatment remains crucial.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has expanded its animal cruelty and fraud investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. Since January 2025, about 900 dogs were transferred to the sanctuary, but only 116 have been adopted, leaving over 700 unaccounted for. Ground-penetrating radar and excavations have uncovered dozens of dog remains, a horse, and hundreds of bones. Authorities describe the scene as a mass grave and are examining potential fraud and mismanagement.
Google has released a stand-alone Google Finance app for Android, bringing the AI-powered web facelift to mobile. The app mirrors the updated Finance web experience, including AI-generated key moments, an AI research tool, and chat-based insights tied to users’ portfolios and watchlists. An iOS version is planned for later, with more features rolling out over time.
California has moved to standardize consumer-facing food date labels, banning “sell by” dates and introducing two main labels: “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety. The change aims to reduce food waste and climate-warming emissions, with New York pursuing a similar path. Implementation begins July 1, 2026, with some older stock remaining in stores during the transition.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
Maryland County's new superintendent has vowed to push an agriculture-focused development plan, prioritizing education, local land use, and inclusive governance, as he tours communities in Harper and Pleebo. The plan includes processing equipment for farmers and reforms to land practices, with an emphasis on locally benefiting the county and sustainable development ahead of Liberia's bicentennial.
Walmart has announced price cuts on summer barbecue essentials, including ground beef, chips and drinks, with a 12% drop on a one-pound beef patty. The move follows White House pressure claims and comes as beef prices hit record highs due to drought and rising feed costs. Trump has praised the retailer, while the White House says it is taking steps to reduce costs for working families.
Chipotle has removed jalapeños from restaurants after public health officials have linked a Salmonella Javiana outbreak to jalapeños served at multiple Mexican‑style restaurants. Minnesota has identified 110 cases tied to the outbreak; the FDA has opened an active investigation and has started sampling but has not issued a recall. Chipotle says it has replaced the peppers from different growers.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.
Public health officials report rising cyclospora infections linked to contaminated produce. Authorities urge thorough washing and cooking to kill the parasite, advise peeling where possible, and caution against household cleaners on produce. New numbers reflect updates since yesterday’s briefing.
A set of developments across researchers and private firms are advancing biological control methods. BBC reports on Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes being released for pest control, while Independent outlines NovoFly, a gene-edited male fly, and UK/US efforts to test sterile-insect releases. The Guardian covers tick prevention and bite risk amid rising Lyme disease cases.
Federal SNAP reform has tightened eligibility and shifted costs to states, triggering a sharp drop in participation and putting pressure on food banks. Arizona records the largest decline, with state processes becoming more burdensome and delivery times longer as programs adjust. Projections warn of continued reductions without congressional action.
California has enacted a law requiring two standardized labels for food dating—one for quality and one for safety—aimed at reducing consumer confusion and food waste. Other states are watching as federal rules remain limited to baby formula. The shift comes amid widespread use of more than 50 date labels in the US and consumer behavior that discards food approaching those dates.
Canada-sourced bacon is being recalled after U.S. regulators found it bypassed import reinspection. About 12,000 pounds of Royale Natural Applewood Smoked uncured bacon and Top Valu uncured hardwood smoked bacon were shipped to Idaho, Oregon and Washington, with sell-by dates in September. No illnesses have been reported.
A wave of government-backed shows and dietary guidance has proponents arguing nutritious, affordable meals can beat fast food. Kennedy-led initiatives are highlighting home cooking as a public-health strategy amid rising costs and chronic disease concerns.
The government has ordered a halt to drilling new wells in New Mexico while a groundwater strategy is developed with state and federal agencies. Ranchers warn that pumping could threaten livestock and livelihoods as drought presses on; officials say all non-tribal wells require permits, and eight wells have been found drilled without authorization along the Roosevelt Reservation.
Authorities have paused inspections for Mexican avocado exports to the United States from Michoacán amid arrests tied to extortion schemes. The move risks disrupting the vast U.S. avocado supply which relies on Mexican shipments. Officials say the suspension is preventive and security forces are being deployed to restore normal operations.
The GAO has found that DOGE’s Wall of Receipts savings claims are not reliably supported by the data. Audits show many terminated contracts and leases were not actually terminated, and the methodology behind grant savings remains unverified. The watchdog report covers January 2025 to July 2026.