United We Eat
FOOD | HEALTH | DEMOCRACY
United We Eat
FOOD | HEALTH | DEMOCRACY
Food Systems News
Reporting, research, policy and accountability across American and global food systems.
Scientific Review
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Biodiversity
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Other
Anthropocene Magazine
August 19, 2026
An analysis of 115 ancient and 97 modern bison genomes found that near-extinction fragmented once-connected herds without erasing their collective genetic diversity. Researchers say managers can restore gene flow among isolated herds while continuing to manage plains and wood bison separately.
Policy
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Investigative Journalism
The Washington Post
August 26, 2026
The Washington Post reports that prominent MAHA activists are opposing FDA nominee Heidi Overton over her perceived role in a Trump order supporting domestic glyphosate production. The White House says she joined the process late and sought MAHA-aligned changes; her Senate confirmation was already uncertain.
Policy
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Farm to School
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Press Release
U.S. Department of Agriculture
August 24, 2026
USDA and HHS launched Harvest to Hallways, including $50 million for school kitchen infrastructure, up to $25 million in additional Farm to School grants and $30 million for school-meal nutrition research. USDA will also promote an existing option that reimburses schools for locally produced food.
Policy
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Farm Safety Net
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Opinion or Analysis
Zachary Ducheneaux / LinkedIn
May 17, 2026
Former FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux argues that targeted disaster aid can preserve ranch herds and rural income during drought. Using an illustrative 2021 North Dakota ELAP example, he estimates $5,900 in freight assistance helped preserve $42,842 in producer income opportunity over five years.
Farm Economics
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Farm Inputs
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News Reporting
The Washington Post
August 25, 2026
The Washington Post reports U.S. farmers are being squeezed by weak crop prices and sharply higher fertilizer, fuel and machinery costs tied to tariffs and the Iran war. A proposed $12 billion emergency aid package is stalled in Congress, while many farmers say short-term payments will not solve deeper structural problems.
Policy
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Investigative Journalism
Inside Climate News
August 22, 2026
Inside Climate News reports that residents in Iowa’s Loess Hills stopped a plan to store and land-apply slaughterhouse waste after learning of it through complaints and rumors. Iowa law treated the material as an industrial byproduct, allowing fewer permitting and notification requirements than manure.