Groundwater conservation: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed two bills this week that direct $60 million of federal Covid-19 relief money to groundwater conservation projects in agricultural regions including the Republican River basin, which extends from eastern Colorado into Kansas and Nebraska. (Colorado Newsline).
Microplastics in fertilizers: One of the major but least-known sources of microplastic pollution is synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in industrial agriculture. (Center for International Environmental Law)
Runoff to challenge Bishop: Real estate developer Chris West and political commentator Jeremy Hunt advanced to the Republican runoff election on June 21 for the GOP nomination to run against Rep. Sanford Bishop, a 15-term Democrat, in southwestern Georgia. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
India wheat crop falters: A long-running heat wave will lower India’s wheat crop to 99 million tonnes in 2022/23, down from the previously expected 110 million tonnes, reducing the chances that India could help offset the loss of exports from Ukraine. (USDA)
Infant formula assistance: To ease the infant formula shortage, the USDA said it would pay the difference in price if WIC participants buy an alternative — such as Gerber or Rickett Mead Johnson — when the state-contracted size, form, or brand is not available. (USDA)