The big business behind local food

Responding to consumer demand, big-box retailers are offering (and marketing) more "locally grown" food. The question is, what exactly does that mean? The lack of a standard definition could make the "local" label just as controversial as "all-natural." Read more at Fortune...

Plant-based ingredients challenge the status quo

Plant protein is booming, but taste, texture and ingredient challenges remain for manufacturers. Here's a look at where the category is and where it's going. Read more at Food Dive...

Big Food's natural brand acquisitions prosper best when left alone

"If we understand what they want and we give them what they want, we're fine," General Mills CEO Ken Powell says. "We leave them alone and let them chart the course for the brand." Read more at Reuters...

Watchdog group formally challenges allegedly illegal agribusiness appointments to USDA organic governing board

The Cornucopia Institute has asked the USDA to review the appointment of Ashley Swaffar to the National Organic Standards Board, claiming she does not meet the legal qualifications for the position because she neither owns nor operates an organic farm. Read more at Mother Earth News...

At test Target cafes, hot dogs out, salads in

Target's new cafe concept rolling out this October will be replacing hot dogs and nachos with Freshii, Pizza Hut and D'Amicao & Sons. Read more at USA Today...