Breaking down the farm support program from USDA

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue last Friday announced that another $19 billion of assistance will be given to the agriculture industry, $16 billion of which will be doled out in direct payments by the end of May. The Department of Agriculture plans on buying $100 million each month worth of meat products in addition to $100 million worth of a variety of dairy products; these will be sent out to wholesalers and distributors and packed in pre-approved boxes of produce, meat and dairy products to be given to food banks, community- and faith-based organizations and nonprofits. Read more at Beef Magazine…

Relying on 'local food' is a distant dream for most of the world

New findings show that relying on local food sources to fulfill one's dietary needs is only feasible for 27% of the world's population. And because food supply chain disruptions will only become more common as COVID-19 spreads, experts hope that countries can pivot to focus on self-sufficiency and promote domestic suppliers, in addition to reducing dependence on imported animal feed proteins, fertilizers and energy. Read more at Science Daily…

It's possible to cut cropland use in half and produce the same amount of food, says new study

Researchers have found that a farming technique known as "high-yield" farming would effectively bring the crop yields of farmers in poorer countries on par with those in more affluent countries. The kicker? This method would also greatly reduce the amount of cropland needed to maintain production, allowing for a significant amount of land worldwide to be restored to its natural state. Read more at Reason…

Tech startup wants to reinvent the bulk aisle

Despite its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature, the bulk food aisle has not typically been a moneymaker for those grocers who choose to implement one. But a new generation of food tech companies could change that. Some incorporate sensor-driven technology to elevate the average bulk food dispenser into modular shelving units "which can traverse the supply chain and make refilling dispensers a simple click-in process." Read more at The Counter…  

Here's why sauerkraut and kimchi sales have surged during the coronavirus

Sauerkraut and kimchi sales are booming amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with some attributing this to these products' immune-boosting properties coupled with the news of low death rates in both South Korea and Germany. Other health-boosting foods in their raw forms including turmeric and ginger are also in high demand among shoppers. Read more at New York Post…