Governor ends Covid-19 reporting (News Channel Nebraska): Gov. Pete Ricketts said the state will no longer report on specific numbers of cases of Covid-19 at meat processing plants, describing the move as a matter of privacy.
World food prices drop 3 percent (FAO): The Food Price Index fell for the third month in a row, this time by 3 percent, with declines in all five of its components — sugar, vegetable oils, dairy, meat, and cereal grains — as the coronavirus pandemic caused significant contractions in food demand.
Pelosi backs SNAP increase (Speaker Pelosi): “We have to have SNAP” in the next coronavirus bill, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a news conference, referring to previous proposals for a temporary 15 percent increase in benefits.
Seventh death at Greeley plant (CPR): A seventh worker at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado, has died of Covid-19, and Gov. Jared Polis announced the state is offering free coronavirus tests to all employees at the plant.
Farm bankruptcies on the rise (AFBF): Some 627 farm bankruptcies were filed in the 12 months ending in March, up 23 percent from the previous year, said the Farm Bureau, and the coronavirus pandemic, by reducing farm income, “could increase farm bankruptcies.”
Correction: Pence to Iowa today (FERN’s Ag Insider): Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to travel to Des Moines today to “discuss steps being taken to ensure the food supply remains secure” with ag and food leaders. On Thursday, Ag Insider incorrectly reported the date of the visit.