Organic farming has a plastic problem. One solution is controversial

The organic farming practice of avoiding chemical weed killers has created a different problem: an abundance of plastic mulch that ends up in landfills after harvest is over. Besides weed control, the plastic covers help organic farms save water and increase yields. But finding an alternative to plastic mulch is proving difficult. Read more at NPR …

Walmart launches in-fridge delivery, will shoppers let them in?

Beginning this fall, 1 million Walmart customers in Kansas City, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Vero Beach, Florida, will have a chance to let grocery-delivery people into their refrigerators. The InHome delivery workers will access the home through smart locks and wear connected cameras that allow customers to view a livestream of the delivery. But how many people really want strangers inside their homes, no matter what they are bringing in? Read more at The Spoon …

Dairy Protein Messaging Initiative kicks off

Americans want to consume more protein and fewer animal products, creating a boom in plant-based foods and beverages. But the American Dairy Products Institute, located in in Elmhurst, Illinois, is getting ready to counter that with a consumer-facing pro-dairy campaign. The promotions will be aimed at younger consumers, flexitarians and women, with the goal of increasing sales of mild-based proteins. Read more at Dairy Foods …

International honey bee colonies down 16%, study finds

A university in Scotland has found that the number of honey bee colonies fell by more than 89,000 or 16% during the 2017-2018 winter. The University of Strathclyde surveyed beekeepers in the United Kingdom, Europe, Algeria, Israel and Mexico. The largest colony losses occurred in Portugal, Northern Ireland, Italy and England. Read more at the Evening Express …

A desire to start a business and a love of kombucha led to Health-Ade

Health-Ade Kombucha, founded in 2012, offers 12 flavors in stores across the country and is nearing profitability, according to its chief executive officer. Daina Trout recalls how she, her husband and her best friend got the itch to start a business and, without intending to, started a kombucha company. Read more at Inc. …