Today’s quick hits, March 14, 2023

China seeks larger grain output: China’s “support of grain production will only increase” and the government will beef up production through a focus on arable lands and seeds to assure self-sufficiency in food, said Premier Li Qiang. (China Daily)

Lab-grown dairy is here: Dozens of companies went into business in recent months to develop animal-free dairy protein from yeasts and fungi and their products already are on grocery shelves as ingredients in cream cheese, ice cream and other products. (Washington Post)

New Democrat farm bill panel: The New Democrat Coalition, looking for areas where bipartisan agreement is possible in a closely divided House, named Rep. Kim Schrier of Washington State as chair of its farm bill task force with Reps. Jim Costa of California and Don Davis of North Carolina as vice chairs. (New Democrat Coalition)

New food fraud charges: Ten additional people have been charged in the federal investigation of an alleged $240 million in food aid fraud by the nonprofit group Feeding Our Future in Minnesota; a total of 60 people face charges. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Black Sea grain proposal: Russia proposed a 60-day extension of the Black Sea grain initiative, half the lifespan of the current agreement that allows Ukraine to export grain by ship and which expires on Saturday. (Reuters)