Despite federal, state efforts, dicamba complaints continue

2019 has seen record levels of crop damage caused by pesticide drift, and yet farmers continue to spray an increasing amount of them as crops become more and more resistant. As a result, harmful pesticides such as dicamba are drifting off-target and damaging “millions of acres of non-resistant soybeans, specialty crops and other plants.” And now, with record complaints rolling in from farmers and citizens alike, the pesticide industry is trying to improve the situation by 2020. Read more at New Food Economy …

Denmark just became the first country to ban a toxic lining common in food containers

As of Monday, Denmark is the first country to officially ban a class of chemicals known as PFAS, which are typically used as a nonstick coating for disposable containers and have been linked to cancer and endocrine disorders. A similar bill to ban PFAS in food packaging was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May. Read more at Quartz …

Beyond Meat uses climate change to market fake meat substitutes. Scientists are cautious

The environmental benefits of reducing the meat—particularly beef—in one’s diet are manifold. However, companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods may be misleading consumers when they imply that buying plant-based burgers is the most climate-friendly action consumers can take. Although these processed fake meat burger patties have a far lower carbon footprint, they are still far more carbon-intensive than, say, a bean patty would be. Read more at CNBC …

Here are the biggest agriculture issues in the upcoming election

Farm policy can be confusing: Big food monopolies, climate change innovation and land access are just some of the things voters should look for in their chosen candidate’s platform before heading to the polls. Here is a rundown of how the U.S. currently manages its food system in addition to the policy proposals on the table that could make it exponentially better. Read more at Medium …

Organic Valley becomes completely reliant on renewable power

Wisconsin-based organic dairy brand Organic Valley recently announced the completion of three solar sites that will produce enough energy to power the entire company—making it the biggest food company in the world to do so. The solar sites are part of a larger, 10-site project operated by Canadian company BluEarth Renewables. Read more at Wisconsin Public Radio …