Costa’s prospects improve: With the likelihood of a GOP mega-wave fading, the seat of Rep. Jim Costa of California, second in seniority among Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee, was upgraded to “safe” for the midterm elections. (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
Farm bill wish list: State agriculture directors said at their annual meeting that for the 2023 farm bill, they support “continued and increased investments in nutrition and food assistance programs,” the creation of water-quality improvement programs to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and “comprehensive and reliable disaster assistance programs that cover all segments of agriculture.” (NASDA)
Zero emissions in New York: State officials will write regulations to require that by 2035, all new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York be zero-emissions vehicles. California announced a similar plan a month ago. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)
Family affair: John R. Tyson, the 32-year-old great-grandson of the founder of Tyson Foods and son of board chair John H. Tyson, will become chief financial officer of the Arkansas-based meat processor. (Talk Business & Politics)
Boost for biofuels?: The EPA updated its regulations to include three additional ways for ethanol plants that co-process corn kernel fiber and corn starch to prove how much cellulosic biofuel they produce, potentially aiding second-generation renewable fuels. (Ethanol Producer)