Environment

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Representatives of the United States, Mexico and Canada sit down to hash out trade disagreements this week, while President Joe Biden continues discussions with Republicans on an infrastructure package.

A federal appeals court has upheld $25 million in damages awarded to a California man who contracted non-Hodgkin lymphoma after decades of exposure to Roundup.

Some conservation and environmentalists say the new Civilian Climate Corps should create private landowner partnerships with the Agriculture Department to protect soil, both to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect water quality.

Florida has expanded its right-to-farm law by making it more difficult for residents to sue over the impacts of agricultural operations, adding a slew of conditions designed to discourage lawsuits.

Companies that make plant-based meat, egg and dairy alternatives have been heavily relying on imported crops for the ingredients they need and hope to convince more U.S. farmers to start growing peas, beans and other commodities.

The Organic Trade Association is both pleased and disappointed with USDA’s decision to reopen the comment period on a long-delayed proposed rule regulating when livestock can be considered organic.

President Joe Biden tries this week to sell congressional Republicans on his massive spending plans and tax proposals, while his nominee for the No. 2 position at the Agriculture Department moves closer to a final Senate vote.

Conservation groups praised the Biden administration’s first step in conserving 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030, but the nation’s largest farm group said the initiative still lacks specifics, and a key farm-state senator said he was worried about removing too much land from production.

Voluntary conservation efforts by farmers and ranchers play a central role in the Biden administration’s strategy for conserving 30% of the nation’s land and marine waters by 2030.

Farm and environmental groups that often disagree on ag policy are urging the Agriculture Department to prioritize climate change in conservation programs and to consider changes to crop insurance that would promote the use of cover crops and other carbon-conserving practices.