ABAWD rule is dead: With permission from the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., the USDA withdrew an appeal in support of a Trump-era proposal for stricter time limits on SNAP benefits to able-bodied adults without dependents who don’t work at least 20 hours a week. (USDA)
Water shortages loom: California appears to be headed into drought after scanty precipitation during its usual rainy season, meaning farmers and cities should prepare for potential water shortages this summer, said state and federal officials. (Sacramento Bee)
Hunger threat rises: Acute hunger could soar in 20 countries, mostly in Africa but stretching from the Caribbean to Asia, without international food aid to offset the effects of war and the pandemic. (FAO)
Milk plants sold: Dairy Farmers of America, the country’s largest dairy cooperative, sold two milk processing plants, in Illinois and Wisconsin, formerly owned by Dean Foods, to a partnership of New Borden and Select Milk Producers. (Capstone Headwaters)
Meat competition intensifies: Plant-based meats will be price-competitive with animal products by 2023, and alternative proteins could capture 11 percent of the global protein market by 2035, said analysts. (Guardian)