Today’s quick hits, May 20, 2019

Japan removes barrier to U.S. beef (USDA): Japan agreed, effective immediately, to remove mad-cow restrictions dating from 2003 on imported U.S. beef, creating the possibility of a $200-million-a-year increase in U.S. sales.

Amazon gets into food delivery (Verge): Amazon led a $575-million investment round for UK food delivery service Deliveroo, causing some to speculate that the company is planning to challenge Uber Eats in the food-delivery market.

Processed food may cause overeating (Science): A diet of ultra-processed food may cause us to eat more overall as compared to a diet of less-processed foods, a “landmark” study finds.

De Blasio goes to Iowa (Politico): New York City mayor and presidential candidate Bill de Blasio toured an ethanol facility with former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Iowa during his first campaign stop.

Canadian pork goes to Japan (Financial Post): Pork exports from Canada to Japan are nearly as large as those from the U.S., the longtime leader, in the first months of the TPP-11 pact that gives favorable terms to members, including Canada.

Trump’s winning offer to farmers (AP): Farmers are politically loyal to President Trump in the trade war because of this calculation: Trump will benefit if the United States wins concessions and also gains by providing trade aid to farmers in the meantime.