Your pea protein primer
Peas have been around forever, but their protein content has nudged them into the spotlight lately as Americans turn to alternative sources for the macronutrient. That’s so much true that big names are pouring money into pea protein ingredient companies like Puris, Ripple and Verdient Foods. While finished goods companies are putting it in everything from snack bars and cookies to burgers, pea protein is perhaps making the biggest splash in the dairy alternative aisle. But for all the hype, the ingredient has surprisingly little peer-reviewed health research around it. However, it's known to build nitrogen in soil and function as a good rotational crop for grain farmers. Read more at Civil Eats…
Backed by $4M round, Hilary’s Eat Well expanding organic food line, hiring 10-15 workers
With the nearly $4 million funding round it closed in August, plant-based food company Hilary’s Eat Well is buying new equipment to scale up production and diversify its offerings. Hilary’s makes a variety of gluten-free, vegan products that are from the top eight allergens, including salad dressings, veggie bites and grain-based sausage substitutes, but its veggie burgers continue to be most popular. It manufactures all of its products in-house to maintain control over allergens and is a certified B Corp. Read more at Startland News…
U.S. farmers likely to be among hardest hit by Chinese tariffs
China’s rebuttal to the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods is to threaten tariffs on many U.S. goods, including some of the U.S.’s biggest agricultural exports, like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and beef. Read more at NPR…
Why is Patagonia now selling food?
Why is an outdoor retailer side-hustling with jerky, dehydrated soups, snacks and smoked salmon? It’s all focused around a solution to climate change—something that both outdoor and food enthusiasts alike can get behind. Patagonia works with cotton and hemp farmers for their fabrics, and thought working with food producers was a next logical step, as food production is one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gases. The ancient grains the company uses, for example, are grown as cover crops that replenish the soil. Read more at Tree Hugger…
Steps and best practices for creating an employee suggestion program
Employee suggestion programs can foster better morale, engagement and performance—but only if they’re done right. Follow these nine steps to build an effective program. Read more at Forbes…
