‘A pretty robust response’: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said there was “a pretty robust response” among USDA employees to a requirement they be vaccinated by Nov. 22 against Covid-19 or to request an exemption. “We’re confident … that most of the folks at USDA will be vaccinated.” (FERN’s Ag Insider)
Wojciechowski confirmed for USDA: The Senate confirmed Biden nominee Adrienne Wojciechowski, a veteran Senate staff worker, as USDA assistant secretary of congressional relations. (Senate Ag)
Vote set on Bonnie: The Senate majority leader filed a cloture motion to force a vote on the nomination of Robert Bonnie, the USDA climate adviser, for undersecretary for farm production and conservation. (Senate)
‘Encouraged’ on SREs: Biofuel groups Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association said they were encouraged by the EPA’s rejection of an oil industry request for a hardship exemption from the ethanol mandate. (RFA)
Tracking cell-cultured meat: By one estimate, more than 70 startup companies around the world are working on cell-cultured meat, seafood and related products. (Food Dive)