Today’s quick hits, July 27, 2023

Six practices to cut GHGs: If corn farmers in the Midwest adopted six practices — including crop rotations, cover crops, and selective planting of grasses and trees — on a large scale, they could reduce emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, by 4 million metric tonnes. (EWG)

Biotech farm bill wish list: The farm bill should support the bioeconomy through such steps as increased funding to build facilities that make advanced biofuels and a “more efficient, science-based regulatory system” for bringing innovations to market. (Biotechnology Innovation Organization)

Black Sea blockade: The British Defense Ministry said Russia has altered its naval activities in the Black Sea following its withdrawal from an agreement allowing Ukrainian grain exports and could be preparing “to enforce a blockade of Ukraine.” (VOA News)

Farmworkers demand heat relief: The United Farm Workers and its allies are urging the Department of Labor to adopt a nationwide, permanent heat protection standard after two farmworkers were killed by extreme heat earlier this month. (UFW)

Canadian cabinet moves: As part of a cabinet shakeup, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Lawrence MacAuley to be agriculture minister, a post he held from 2015 to 2019. Mary Ng will continue as minister of international trade. (CBC)

Insurance for small farms: Companion bills in the House and Senate would revise crop insurance rules to encourage agents to sell policies to small farmers and specialty crop growers. (Rep. Salinas)