A foam container ban could be coming (CNBC): In Maryland, a bill that would make it the first state to ban foam takeout containers awaits Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature.
African swine fever in Vietnam (FAO): Since its first case of African swine fever was reported on Feb. 19, 221 outbreaks have been reported in 17 provinces and cities, prompting the government to restrict movement of hogs and pig products in affected communities.
Flood aid possible in disaster bill (FERN’s Ag Insider): Senate Finance chairman Chuck Grassley said federal aid to flood-hit parts of the Plains might be included in a disaster bill awaiting a vote in the Senate if damage figures can be compiled quickly.
Beard names five food leaders (JBF): The winners of the James Beard Foundation annual Leadership Awards are Pioneer Valley Workers’ Center in western Massachusetts, Cornelius Blanding of Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, co-founder Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm, founder Sean Sherman of The Sioux Chef and co-founder Anim Steel of Real Food Generation.
Flood losses in hundreds of millions (AP): Farmers and ranchers could see damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars, possibly topping $1 billion, from storms and flooding in Nebraska, said the president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.