Federal Agencies & Regulators
USDA encouragement of small-scale producers worries production agriculture proponents
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2010-03-07
As TVA coal ash spill cleanup drags on in Tennessee, other states find tainted water seeping from landfills holding dumped residue
By Bill Poovey
The Associated Press; The New York Times 2010-03-05
Opinion: As Congress weighs options for child nutrition, it must guarantee implementation of Institute of Medicine school food guidelines
By Ann Cooper
The Washington Post 2010-03-05
International Oversight
Special fund to aid Mexico's poorest, smallest-scale farmers now subsidizing families of notorious drug traffickers, agriculture minister, other officials
By Tracy Wilkinson
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-07
Hope rises for endangered bluefin tuna with Obama's support of ban on international trade, but Japan is against measure
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2010-03-04
In Chile, most earthquake-ready country, growing desperation over slow delivery of emergency water, food
By Alexei Barrionuevo and Marc Lacey
The New York Times 2010-03-02
"Food-integrity and humane-handling whistleblowers should not have to rely on an undercover video investigation in order for USDA supervisors to take their disclosures seriously."
Judicial & Prisons
Fearing cross pollination, organic farmers file suit to halt planting, sugar production of genetically modified sugar beets
By Jeff Barnard
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2010-03-01
Agribusiness executive pleads not guilty in tomato racketeering case dubbed Operation Rotten Tomato by FBI
By Marc Lifsher and P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2010-02-27
Two-part tomato scheme included bribes that likely pushed ingredient prices up and shipping of tainted products to Kraft, others
By William Neuman
The New York Times 2010-02-25
Local Government
Concerned for their child's future, California couple replaces water-guzzling grass with wood chips, drought-tolerant plants - and is sued by city
By Amina Khan
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-02
Industrial agriculture fights as rural Americans band together, use "local control" ordinances, historic designations to limit big pig farms
By Lauren Etter
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-03-03
"Blue Zones" project persuades town to make sidewalks, dig gardens, ban school snacking - and see health-care claims for city, school employees fall by 32 percent over 10 months
By Walter C. Willett and Anne Underwood
Newsweek magazine 2010-02-05
State Government
Deal to save Everglades more about benefits for U.S. Sugar after state officials make decisions against needs of Everglades, taxpayers
By Don Van Natta Jr. and Damien Cave
The New York Times 2010-03-07
After advocates switch from animal welfare to invasive species argument, California decides to ban importing of non-native turtles, frogs for food
By Carla Hall
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-04
Opinion: Starbucks should pay attention to thousands signing petitions against allowing gun-flaunting customers in its stores
The editors
The New York Times 2010-02-20
U.S. Legislation
Though lawmakers claim independent judgment, campaign donors expect return on investments, and experience makes outcome a good bet
By R. Jeffrey Smith
The Washington Post 2010-03-07
Salmonella fears prompt recalls of thousands of processed foods; officials say recall could be largest in history
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2010-03-05
Opinion: With destructive rider to federal jobs bill, California senator's attempt to divert water to farmers risks delicate compromise
The editors
Los Angeles Times 2010-02-17