Big Tech’s Deepening Grip: How AI is Reshaping U.S. Federal Policy and Transforming Global Food Systems
The pervasive influence of major technology corporations on the current federal administration is becoming increasingly undeniable, manifesting profoundly in policy-making and, subsequently, in the fundamental sectors of agriculture and aquaculture.…
Federal Aid Program for Farmers Faces Scrutiny as Specialty Crop Growers Encounter Significant Barriers to Access
In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a substantial $12 billion economic aid package for American farmers, channeling support through the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. This initiative…
Art Cullen: Chronicling Iowa’s Agricultural Crossroads and the Fight for Rural America
It’s often challenging for the general public to grasp the intricate corporate, political, and cultural forces dictating the crops farmers cultivate, their cultivation methods, or the proliferation of industrial hog…
EPA Repeals Stricter Mercury Emission Limits, Igniting Health and Environmental Concerns
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week, on February 24, 2026, the repeal of a 2024 rule that had imposed more stringent limits on mercury emissions from coal-fired power…
Oregon’s Winter Waters Initiative Champions Local Seafood Amidst Import Dominance
On a blustery Saturday in early February, a small but determined group gathered on a dock at the Port of Newport, a vital hub on Oregon’s central coast. Dressed in…
How to Start a Seed and Plant Swap
As the morning progressed, the quiet anticipation of the organizers was met with a steady influx of attendees. Farmers, eager young children, seasoned plant enthusiasts, and novice community gardeners tromped…
Casey Means’ Surgeon General Confirmation Hearing Sparks Debate on Diet, Vaccines, and Public Health Direction
February 26, 2026 – President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, Casey Means, appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on Wednesday, signaling a…
USDA Approves More SNAP Waivers, Limiting Soda and Candy Purchases in Four Additional States
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted waivers to four more states, allowing them to restrict the purchase of certain food items, including candy, soda, and…
The Unsung Architects of Our Food System: A Decade of Women’s Indispensable Contributions to Agriculture and Food Justice
Civil Eats has consistently championed the narratives of individuals whose profound contributions to the global food system frequently go unacknowledged. As the world marked International Women’s Day, and during the…
Federal Agencies Signal Sweeping Reforms for School Meals Amidst Expert Calls for Increased Support
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is poised to introduce significant modifications to federal school meal programs, emphasizing "real foods" and a reduction in ultra-processed items, a move that comes…
















