Comment on ways to advance racial justice at USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting input from the public on how it can advance racial justice and equity for underserved communities. USDA seeks to identify barriers that people of color and underserved communities and individuals may face in accessing, enrolling, and participating in USDA programs and services, and engaging with USDA staff. Comment by August 14 on docket number USDA-2021-0006.
 
FTC codifies penalties for breaking ‘Made in USA’ rules
In a final rule published July 14, The Federal Trade Commission may now seek civil penalties of up to $43,280 for each violation of its ‘Made in the USA’ labeling and advertising rules. Violators have not had to face civil penalties before. According to the rules, labeling any product as ‘Made in the United States’ is deceptive unless the final assembly or processing of the product occurs in the US, all significant processing that goes into the product occurs in the US and all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the US.
 
Congress moves climate change initiatives forward
On June 30, House Agriculture Appropriators advanced a $26.6 billion spending bill including over $347 million directly aimed at addressing climate change and how it affects US farmers and rural communities. Funding covers new USDA initiatives on climate change research and assessment; measurement and monitoring; greenhouse gas emissions mitigation; carbon sequestration; and clean energy technologies. In addition, the bill includes over $30 million for the Rural Energy for America Program, to provide loans and grants to assist farmers, ranchers and small businesses in making energy improvements. More.
 
Meanwhile, on June 24 the Senate passed by a vote of 92 to 8 the Growing Climate Solutions Act. The Act seeks to ease access to carbon markets, so farmers, ranchers and foresters can get credit for practices that offset carbon emissions.
 
In addition, bills in both the House and the Senate would offer significant improvements to the Rural Energy for America Program, including integrating greenhouse gas reduction into the program’s mission; expanding program eligibility to include agricultural producer cooperatives and rural electric cooperatives; increasing available cost share for REAP grants; establishing a study on dual use of farmland for both energy production and traditional farming; and increasing funding levels to an average of $250 million per year over 10 years. More.
 
House Republicans caucus on climate
Spearheaded by Utah Representative John Curtis, the House now has a Conservative Climate Caucus with 65 members. The group believes, among other things, that the climate is changing, reducing emissions is the goal, and private sector innovation and the free market are keys to practical and exportable answers to a global problem. The group includes House Organic Caucus members Representatives Newhouse (R-OR), Valadao (R-CA), Fortenberry (R-NE), and Thompson (R-PA). More.
 
International consumer research shows sustainability is a ‘must have’
Irish ingredient supplier Kerry surveyed more than 14,000 consumers in 18 countries to understand their expectations of sustainability in the food industry, and found that 49 percent of shoppers now consider sustainability when buying food and beverages. Furthermore, sustainability is a ‘must-have’ for consumers, and not a differentiator. Sustainable packaging and environmental preservation, for example, are now considered standard, and sustainably sourced products, food waste reduction, personal health and nutrition, and label claims such as ‘organic,’ ‘locally sourced,’  and ‘no artificial ingredients’ are all relevant. Although 84 percent of shoppers believe everyone can contribute to sustainability, three in four consumers feel the primary responsibility for change lies with industry. More.
 
Maine will require manufacturers to pay for packaging waste
Maine is the first state in the nation to require producers of packaged consumers goods sold in the state to pay to maintain and expand municipal recycling programs. The Extended Producer Responsibility bill will require brand owners to pay fees, set by the Department of Environmental Protection, on packaging materials. The fee schedule will include financial incentives for recyclable packaging. There are exemptions for those companies that create less than one ton of waste per year, or makes under $2 million in gross revenue per year. 
 
You’ll reduce dietary pesticide risks by choosing organic, confirms new study
A new report published in the peer-reviewed journal Agronomy shows organic farming systems reduce risks from pesticide use and the risks stemming from pesticide residues on food. “Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks” by the Heartland Health Research Alliance’s Executive Director Chuck Benbrook, and research partners Susan Kegley and Brian Baker provides detailed comparisons of pesticide use on organic farms and nearby non-organic farms growing the same crop. Along with the comparisons, the report provides an assessment of dietary risks of the pesticides used in each farming system. Researchers found that converting the 1.2% of US cropland growing fruits and vegetables to organic production would dramatically reduce pesticide dietary exposures and risk. Of the over 1200 pesticide active ingredients approved for use on farms in the United States, only 91 are allowed for use on organic farms. Many of these are common household products, such as rubbing alcohol, soap, vinegar, and clove oil. More.
 
Climate Collaborative names new Executive Director
Courtney Pineau will take the helm of the Climate Collaborate as its new Executive Director in September.  Pineau joins the Climate Collaborative from Green America’s Center for Sustainable Solutions where she led their Climate and Agriculture Networks. She will oversee the Collaborative’s work in nine key areas including climate policy, regenerative agriculture, packaging, and food waste, and will also be responsible for working with the climate justice community.