FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 13, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on California’s proposal for a $20-per-hour minimum wage for most fast-food workers.

Free-Range Eggs to Return Soon

Free-range eggs returned to store shelves in the U.K., a sign that the bird flu outbreak has abated enough for the government to reduce the risk level to medium.

California Strawberry Crop “at the Mercy of Mother Nature”

The California strawberry crop is “at the mercy of Mother Nature” this year, but production should reach normal levels by the summer. That’s according to Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute Sector Manager Brad Rubin, who noted …

Another City Bans Junk Food at Supermarket Checkout

Perris, California has become the second U.S. city to ban junk food at supermarket checkouts, replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives.

Atmospheric Rivers Deluge California, Yet Drought Persists

Atmospheric rivers have deluged California in recent weeks, dumping 8.61 inches on the San Francisco area since December 26, yet drought persists.

NY, Calif. Poised to Ban PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

New York and California are the first of more than a dozen states banning or considering bans on poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) ‘forever chemicals.’

FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 7, 2022

This week’s FI news podcast touches on the latest innovative plant-based product, along with the recent rise in-store bakery products.

Hurricane Ian Takes Toll on Florida Agriculture

Florida’s citrus industry appears to have borne the brunt of Hurricane Ian. Reports from the region indicate that the damage could potentially be worse than after Hurricane Irma, which cut Florida citrus production by a …

Dissecting the FAST Recovery Act

California’s recently passed FAST Recovery Act is causing waves in the industry, but what will the real impacts be?

Breaking Down Calif.’s Controversial FAST Act Bill

California’s FAST Recovery Act – the first bill of its kind to take on the fast-food industry – could prove a boon for workers and labor unions but a burden to the mom-and-pop restaurants that …

UPDATE: The Latest Regenerative Ag Trend: Criollo Cattle

Criollo cattle have adapted to dry rangelands and could help regenerate soil while needing less water and feed than other cattle.

Weather Researchers Warn of Pending Megafloods, Megaheat

California could experience “megafloods” as a large portion of the country experiences “megaheat,” according to a UCLA study.

No End in Sight for California Drought

Though drought conditions have improved in the Pacific Northwest and areas of the Midwest, parts of California and the Southwest have seen no relief from dry weather.

What Are the Prospects for California’s New Animal Welfare Rules?

New rules on animal welfare are slated to take effect Jan. 1 in California, but a coalition of restaurants and grocery stores have filed suit to block implementation for more than two years, arguing they …

UPDATE: Historic Drought Taking Toll on Western Farmers

The historic drought in the U.S. West is hitting California’s top agricultural export especially hard. The state’s $6 billion almond industry produces approximately 80% of the world’s almonds, but more and more growers are expected …

Wild, Wild West: Why Water Theft is Now Rampant in California

As an unrelenting drought torments California’s farmers, many of them are now dealing with an additional concern: water theft. With water increasingly scarce in California in recent months, thieves have stolen several millions of gallons …

Two Forms of ID, Please: Vaccination Cards Required in San Fran. Bars

Starting Thursday, hundreds of San Francisco bars will require patrons to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test before they can drink inside. The decision was made by the San Francisco Bar Owner …

Avocado Volumes on the Rise While Prices Decline

While Americans are paying more for everything from lumber to computer parts, and with most of the food industry contending with price increases, one surprising exception can be found: avocados. While often considered one of …

PORK UPDATE: Hog Prices Drop, Iowa Pig Farms Sue, Mexico Rejects Shipments

Pork has been making headlines of late, with one of the most notable updates being that prices for U.S. hogs have slipped since the Chinese government said its supplies have nearly fully recovered from African …

Worsening Drought Envelopes Much of Western U.S.

Dangerous heat waves in much of the western U.S. could soon break all-time temperature records. And, those temperatures are worsening drought conditions that were already plenty worrisome. The latest drought monitor released June 10 categorizes a …

Drought Update: West Coast, Midwest Water Supplies Dwindle

Editor’s Note: This is an update to The Food Institute’s April article “Is the U.S. Facing a Megadrought?” Central Valley Farmers to Get No Allocation Farmers in California’s Central Valley Project will get none of …

Analysts: CBD-Infused Food, Beverage Market Poised for ‘Aggressive Expansion’

Matt Thomas didn’t found his company, Brew Dr., thinking he would someday sell kombucha that’s infused with hemp derived CBD. In fact, in 2021, CBD-infused products still only make up roughly one-tenth of 1% of …

Cinco de Mayo 2021 Highlights Thriving Avocado Market

Nothing says Cinco de Mayo like tacos and guacamole, and this year avocados appear to be plentiful – at least in the near term. Some 100 million Americans are expected to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, …

Supply Chain Update: California Shipping Logjam Finally Easing

A persistent kink in the global supply chain is getting straightened out – slowly, but relatively surely. The backlog at southern California ports appears to finally be easing, even as imports continue to flood into …

UPDATE: Shipping Logjams Have West Coast Ports Scrambling

Congested ports in the U.S. continue to cause major supply chain disruptions. The California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — which together handle more than a third of U.S. container imports — are …

California School District Shifts to Serve 100% Organic Meals

Non-profit organization Conscious Kitchen recently shifted an entire California school district’s food supply chain to 100% organic. The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and Conscious Kitchen provided their first 100% USDA-certified organic weekly …

2020 Referendums Backed by Big Money Deliver Victory and Loss for Food Industry

In 2020 election referendums, voters approved two milestone initiatives that amount to a win and loss for food-industry companies in two states. California workers with app-based ride-hailing and delivery services will remain independent contractors after …

California Wildfires Ruin Wine, Grapes

California wildfires mean Napa area wine producers are losing stored wine and warehouses, reported The New York Times (Oct. 5). Damage to vineyards has been less severe in the fires in the last weekend of …

Key Crops Impacted by Extreme Weather

Several crops are suffering from the effects of severe weather over the last month or so. Rice Arkansas’ rice harvest is off to a slow start because of weather not conductive to drying grain and …

Weekend Takeout Surges as More Indoor Dining Opens

Friday and Saturday night takeout is emerging as a lasting trend during the pandemic, according to Technomic. Research found that off-premise meals on Friday and Saturday nights accounted for 24% of overall sales in the …