Walmart’s grocery power (Institute for Local Self-Reliance): Walmart controls more than 50 percent of grocery sales in 43 U.S. metropolitan areas, finds a new report. In some places, that share is more than 70 percent.
‘Discrimination’ by chicken processor (ProPublica): A USDA investigator found “evidence of unjustified discrimination” in Koch Foods’ dealings with black farmers in Mississippi. The company denies any wrongdoing.
Dairy farmers flock to new program (USDA Radio): Some 5,300 dairy farmers have enrolled in the new Dairy Margin Coverage program since signup opened on June 17, and half of them say they’ll stay in the program for five years, said Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Northey.
Former lobbyist to lead Iowa natural resources agency (Des Moines Register): Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed adviser Kayla Lyon, a former lobbyist who represented farmers and agribusinesses, as director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which oversees air, water, and land regulations.
Dairy coalition pushes for regenerative ag (Ag Funder News): A group of food and agriculture companies led by Danone is aiming to remake the dairy industry globally through the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
Bills would expand farm-to-school efforts (Leahy): Companion bills, filed in the House and Senate with bipartisan sponsorship, would triple, to $15 million, the authorized annual funding level of the Farm to School program, which encourages the use of fresh, local foods in school meals.