Newsom signs union law: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Wednesday that makes it easier for farmworkers to join unions, a victory for the United Farm Workers. (Los Angeles Times)
EPA rejects pesticide petition: The EPA denied a petition by environmental groups demanding that it regulate pesticide-coated seeds in a way that would protect bees and other pollinators. (Center for Food Safety)
Storm imperils crops: Hurricane Ian could damage orange and sugarcane crops in Florida, and food processors in the Southeast took steps to protect meat production plants and the farms that supply them with chickens, hogs, and cattle. (Reuters)
‘Ag-gag’ unlawful — again: A U.S. district court judge ruled that Iowa’s latest attempt to criminalize the use of cameras in agricultural facilities and other businesses is unconstitutional. It’s the third adverse decision in five years for the state’s so-called ag-gag law. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Smithfield settles suit: Smithfield Foods has agreed to pay $75 million to settle a price-fixing lawsuit that plaintiffs claimed had affected 17.6 million consumer purchases of pork products. (Food Dive)