HEALS Act fails on hunger: Seven anti-hunger groups said the coronavirus package proposed by Senate Republicans “is an unconscionable failure in our federal response to hunger” and called for Congress to increase SNAP benefits “to address food hardship and support economic recovery.” (Feeding America)
Synthetic hormones a boon: The use of synthetic and natural hormones in livestock production, a controversial practice in some countries, “has contributed significantly to providing a safe and low-cost food supply to American consumers,” said a commentary released by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. (CAST)
Dwindling numbers of western bumblebees: The number of western bumblebees has fallen by as much as 93 percent in the past two decades, says U.S. Geological Survey research that may play a role in a federal decision whether to list the pollinator as an endangered species. (Associated Press)
Genome of vineyard pest is mapped: In a decade-long project, scientists mapped the genome of an aphid-like pest that infests grape vines by creating tumor-like structures known as galls and in heavy infestations can cause the vines to lose their leaves or die. (UC-Riverside)
Yoho resigns from Bread board: At the organization’s request, House Agriculture Committee member Ted Yoho resigned from the board of the anti-hunger group Bread for the World in the wake of an incident in which the Florida Republican spoke crudely of a female House colleague. (Bread for the World)