5@5: White House OKs new animal welfare rules for organic | Vilsack reflects on USDA's past 8 years

White House signs off on new organic standards

The White House Office of Management and Budget completed its review of proposed rules that would require producers of livestock and poultry raised to be sold as certified organic meat to allow the animals specific minimum amounts of indoor and outdoor space, and live in conditions where they can exhibit certain natural behaviors. In order for the rules to become the last agriculture regulation from this administration, the USDA must get them published in the Federal Register by Friday. Read more at The Hill...

The exit interview: Ag Secretary Vilsack on Obama's food legacy

The head of the USDA since President Obama's first day in office in January 2008 left the position a week before the end of his term—though the agency says it's unrelated to frustration over the incoming administration's delay in choice for his successor, and the reported lack of attention Trump's transition team has given the USDA. But in reviewing the Obama administration's work in farm and ag, Vilsack said it's made progress in creating new markets for rural sectors, setting up 12 climate hubs across the country and bringing more healthy food to people in food deserts through the SNAP program. Read more at Grist...

Specialty coffee on the rise

Retail sales of ground and instant coffee fell over 2016, while sales of refrigerated ready-to-drink and iced coffee beverages both jumped more than 16 percent. Read more at Supermarket News...

This Finnish entrepreneur and chocolatier wants food businesses to be accountable for public health

A health food enthusiast and former game developer has found a new career developing products that use ethically sourced cacao but aren't packed with sugar. Goodio launched in the U.S., UK an Hong Kong last year. Read more at Forbes...

Aldi plans for natural food expansion

Introducing healthier items to checkout lanes and expanding its selection of organic products are part of the 1,500 store retail chain's efforts to draw natural food shoppers to its stores. Read more at Whole Foods magazine...