Environment

When Insuring Crops Ensures Climate Mistakes

Mark Schapiro / Capital & Main Jun 28, 2023 Crop insurance is one of many hidden ways the USDA has been masking the impact of climate change on farmers. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

White House Seeks to End Michelle Obama Guidelines on School Nutrition

CAROLE FELDMAN / The Associated Press Jan 17, 2020 The impact will be less fruit and vegetables and more foods like pizza and fries in the meal program that serves 30 million children. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Food Stamps Could Be Stripped From 3 Million Americans

Jake Johnson / Common Dreams Jul 23, 2019 Critics view the Department of Agriculture's proposal the latest effort by the Trump administration to bypass Congress to attack low-income families. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Trump Administration Wants to Make It Harder to Access Food Stamps

Ilana Novick Dec 20, 2018 The Agriculture Department proposes adding tougher work requirements. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

USDA Uses Algorithm to Target Small-Business Owners in Its Crusade Against SNAP

Ilana Novick Oct 8, 2018 Convenience stores and small groceries find themselves in the crosshairs; one New York grocer is losing over 35 percent of his business. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Drug Testing Plan Considered for Some Food Stamp Recipients

JULIET LINDERMAN and JONATHAN LEMIRE / The Associated Press Apr 11, 2018 If a plan allowing states to require certain food stamp recipients to undergo drug testing comes to fruition, it will be a win for conservatives seeking ways to curb the safety net program. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

A Wide-Open Door for Pesticide Lobbyists at the Agriculture Department

Robert Faturechi / ProPublica, and Danielle Ivory / The New York Times Nov 15, 2017 One former lobbyist now leads the department's deregulatory team, and visitor logs show old ties remain strong. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

Sam Clovis, a New Figure in Russia Probe, Withdraws as USDA Chief Scientist Nominee

Emily Wells / Truthdig Nov 7, 2017 Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee, called his withdrawal a "victory for science." Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

USDA Discourages Staff From Using the Term ‘Climate Change’

Emily Wells / Truthdig Aug 8, 2017 Though not requested by Trump administration, the change may reflect how some staff are reacting to its values. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Trump’s Expected Pick for Top USDA Scientist Is Not Even a Scientist

By Jessica Huseman / ProPublica May 15, 2017 Sam Clovis (pictured) is likely to be named the undersecretary of the section that manages research on everything from climate change to nutrition. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Cheap Chicken Is Making You Sick

Staff / Truthdig Dec 20, 2013 Chicken is a staple food in most American homes and is by far the most popular meat purchased in the country. And yet, when nearly 50 million people fall ill each year due to tainted food, poultry tends to be the main culprit. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Bird Is Not the Word in New USDA Rules

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Apr 25, 2013 The Obama administration is set to dramatically reduce the USDA's oversight of the nation's poultry slaughterhouses while allowing companies to speed up their kill lines. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )