Food

Thousands of USDA employees are planning to leave the agency through a deferred resignation program that could challenge the department’s ability to fulfill critical functions such as food import and export inspections. According to one report, 16,000 USDA employees have opted for buyouts over two rounds. 

A federal judge has ordered the Agriculture Department to temporarily release nutrition program funding it was withholding from the state of Maines amid a dispute over transgender athlete policies.

Farmers and 401(k) holders are certainly breathing a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump paused his reciprocal tariffs. But two steep tariff increases on China in the last two days will still deal a huge blow to some ag sectors.

The cost of groceries jumped in March on higher prices for meat, eggs and milk, despite an overall decline in the cost of living. The overall Consumer Price Index fell 0.1% last month.

President Donald Trump says prospects of a deal with South Korea over new U.S. tariffs are “looking good,” as officials fanned out across Washington to tout potential dealmaking. 

Statehouses across the country are going “MAHA” and considering dozens of bills that would limit food dyes, seed oils, ultraprocessed foods and soft drinks in federal nutrition programs. 

As Republicans struggle to meet budget goals, Democrats highlight the prospect of tighter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that GOP lawmakers propose.

Removing soybean oil and other seed oils from the food supply would force the food industry to rely heavily on imported palm oil to fill the gap, driving up consumer prices, according to a study funded by the United Soybean Board.

It’s a packed day on Capitol Hill: The House Agriculture Committee is examining the always-thorny issue of helping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients find work and the Senate Ag Committee holds a confirmation hearing for two important nominees.