Michoacán to Main Street

Politics may be local, but food supply chains span the globe. Developments over the past fortnight illustrate how trends in agriculture, food and beverage production are influenced by events near and far:

• Policies and policing problems shaped imports and exports.
• U.S. politicians searched for sound bites on food and farm policy.
• Friends and families gathered for summer holidays.

Worldly Affairs

Global food production depends on imports and exports of consumable foods, agricultural products and, occasionally, even policy. Here are some recent developments on those three fronts:

• The United States halted inspections of avocados in Mexico after two USDA employees were assaulted, prompting fears of another avocado shortage. The Associated Press covered the situation after U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar traveled to Michoacán to try to smooth things over  with Mexican officials. 
• The Wall Street Journal detailed complications in ocean shipping worldwide that will cause higher prices in everything from consumer goods to agricultural products. 
• The American Farm Bureau Federation summarized the U.S. ag trade deficit, the fourth in six years. The $32 billion deficit is due in part to an increase in importing fresh fruits and vegetables, which are cheaper elsewhere due to labor costs.  
• Reuters explained the tax on livestock carbon emissions in Denmark, which will help the EU’s major exporter of pork and dairy reach its 2030 GHG emissions goals. 
• With a broader European perspective, Agri-Pulse reported on the recent EU elections and their potential worldwide impact. “Left-wing losses in elections for the European Parliament have boosted conservative political clout and signaled a potential shift away from the European Union’s climate and energy policy goals.”

Money Talks

Leaders in both chambers of Congress have proposed versions of the farm bill, setting up debates around hunger relief, climate policy, crop insurance and states’ influence on out-of-state farming practices, all while striving for good sound bites.

• On June 12, Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) released farm bill priorities for Republicans in the U.S. Senate. Boozman stated, “We believe that our framework reflects the chamber’s shared commitments across all twelve titles while putting more farm in the farm bill.” Optimistic.
• Organizations representing commodity farmers thanked Boozman for “moving the farm bill forward,” with the National Association of Wheat Growers, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council and Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance all issuing supportive statements. Grateful.
• The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition objected that the Senate Republicans’ framework removed support for “local and regional food systems, and … climate-focused conservation resources.” Environmentalist groups, such as Earthjustice, echoed these complaints. No-nonsense.
• The following week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) updated its projections of several portions of the farm bill. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) touted the report as proof that Republicans’ bill is based on “magic math and wishful thinking.” Meanwhile, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) told The Fence Post: “There are still clear discrepancies between [CBO’s] forecasts and historic realities.” Pithy.
• In a Farm Journal interview, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented: “I think we have to lower people’s expectations and we have to really take a look at what is absolutely necessary.” Too honest.

Our Takeaway: Now that everyone has had a chance to get their political zingers in, the actual negotiations can begin. Given Congress’ track record, the process is likely to continue right up to (and beyond) the September 30 deadline.

Dishes & Deals

Holidays are great opportunities for friends and families to share culinary traditions and for food makers to offer promotions.  Here’s a sample plate of what’s been happening around summer holidays.

• Six ways restaurants can commemorate Juneteenth | National Restaurant Association 
• Fast food Pride Month menu items you need to try | Mashed
• The best Father’s Day food deals of 2024 | Delish
• Best 4th of July food deals 2024: Dunkin’, Sonic, & more | Dextero
• 5 festive Juneteenth dishes | The New York Times
• How on-site dining is celebrating Juneteenth through food | Foodservice Director
• What is queer hospitality? | Eater
• Here’s what Americans are buying most for their July 4th cookouts | Food & Wine
• Fourth of July cookout costs in US rise by 5% this year, survey finds | Reuters