Swarms of drones: The FAA has approved the agricultural use of drone swarms of up to three unmanned aircraft flown by the same pilot, potentially improving productivity for a technology that is used on a relatively small amount of land. (Ambrook Research)
Free meals reduced food insufficiency: Among school-aged children, food insufficiency rates were 1.5 percentage points higher in states that did not offer free meals to all pupils during the 2022-23 school year than in the six states that offered universal free meals. (USDA)
Legal cannabis, alarming residues: An investigation found that 25 out of 42 cannabis products purchased at California dispensaries, including some of the most popular brands of vapes and pre-rolled weed, carried pesticide residues that exceeded the levels allowed by state or federal law in tobacco. (Los Angeles Times)
USDA farmworker grants: The USDA awarded a combined $50 million to 141 farms and businesses through its Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program to address labor challenges and strengthen farmworker protections. (USDA)