The Surging H-2A Program: A Paradox of Growth, Labor Scarcity, and the Enduring Legacy of Exploitation in American Agriculture

In 2005, approximately 50,000 individuals entered the United States to fulfill agricultural labor needs through the federal guestworker visa program, H-2A. A decade later, government data revealed a dramatic increase,…

Brian Calvert Appointed Editorial Director of Civil Eats, Poised to Guide Vision for Future of Food Journalism

Civil Eats, the acclaimed nonprofit news organization dedicated to covering the American food system, has announced the promotion of Brian Calvert to the pivotal role of Editorial Director. This strategic…

Supreme Court Ruling Favors Pesticide Companies, Intensifying Scrutiny on EPA Oversight and Fueling Public Health Advocacy

A recent Supreme Court decision delivered a significant setback to individuals suffering from health problems linked to pesticides, effectively shielding companies like Bayer from numerous lawsuits. The ruling, handed down…

Trump Administration Declines Full USMCA Renewal, Sparking Uncertainty for North American Trade

President Donald Trump has opted against renewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for its full 16-year term, a decision announced on July 7, 2026, that has immediately drawn sharp criticism…

USDA Unveils $500 Million SPUR Program to Fortify Small and Mid-Sized Beef Processors Amidst Market Challenges

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant new initiative, the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program, committing up to $500 million to bolster the nation’s small…

EPA’s Pesticide Approvals Prompt Fears of PFAS Contamination on Farms

Less than a week after President Donald Trump signed an executive order ostensibly supporting regenerative agriculture practices, which he claimed would "reduce overall use" of chemical pesticides, his Environmental Protection…

From Hidden Heritage to Holistic Healing: Lucille Contreras Forges a Path of Lipan Apache Reclamation and Food Sovereignty

Lucille Contreras, founder of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, embarked on a profound journey of cultural discovery and community empowerment, transforming a deeply personal revelation into a beacon of Indigenous…

USDA Moves to Roll Back Key Protections for Poultry Farmers, Igniting Industry Controversy

Washington D.C., July 9, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to rescind three significant Biden-era regulations designed to empower poultry farmers in their dealings with…

Federal Antitrust Agencies Settle Cases on Farm Equipment Repair and Egg Prices

Federal agencies tasked with enforcing antitrust law have concluded two significant cases this week, addressing corporate control within the food and agriculture markets. One outcome grants farmers the long-sought "right…

The Golden Oyster Mushroom: A Culinary Delight Turned Ecological Invader Threatening North American Forests and Challenging Regulatory Frameworks

Mushroom foraging, a burgeoning hobby, carries inherent risks for the uninitiated, as underscored by this year’s alarming spate of poisonings, including significant outbreaks in California. While the vibrant golden oyster…