PCC rebrands to emphasize its local roots

With a nod to its local history, PCC Natural Markets has changed its name to PCC Community Markets. The co-op decided to make the move as traditional grocers, e-commerce and Amazon are moving in on the company’s Seattle-based territory. Read more at The Seattle Times …

Nestlé targets high-end coffee by taking majority stake in Blue Bottle

Fifteen years after James Freeman began roasting his artisanal coffee in Oakland, California, Blue Bottle coffee is being taken over by a behemoth traditional food company: Nestlé. The deal—largely lamented Thursday on social media—means Blue Bottle can expand its retail locations as well as create a presence on grocery shelves. Read more at The New York Times …

Farm technology startups raise $1.13 billion in first half of 2017

Farm technology startups are hot, and venture capitalists know it. In the first half of 2017, the startups raised 56 percent more money than they did in the same period a year ago. The sector represents about 25 percent of all ag tech funding. Read more at AgFunderNews …

Gut germs play role in multiple sclerosis, studies show

As we continue to learn the effects of the gut biome on our overall health, two studies have found that intestinal bacteria might be involved in multiple sclerosis, an incurable autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin coating on our nerve cells. One study involved transplanting gut microbes from twins, but of course, more research is needed. Read more at STAT News …

Why you should be buying air-chilled chicken

Have you heard about air-chilled chicken? Neither had we. In fact, we had visions of butchered poultry sitting in a basement like mushrooms. But, it turns out, blasting chickens with cold, purified air reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses. And they taste better, as well. Read more at Delish …