A new report highlights the alarming reality that over 20% of North American pollinator species face extinction. This significant threat impacts food production and overall ecosystem health. The research, involving a Canadian scientist, underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. These pollinators, vital for plant reproduction, are facing unprecedented challenges.
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Despite a stated focus on combating fentanyl, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a significant increase in egg seizures, rising 116 percent between January and February 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge coincides with record-high U.S. egg prices due to avian flu impacting supply. While fentanyl seizures decreased by 32 percent during the same period, the majority of egg seizures involved travelers voluntarily declaring the product. Increased egg interceptions are particularly notable at the northern border with Canada and along the southwest border with Mexico.
A new study reveals that microplastics significantly reduce photosynthesis in various plant species, impacting crop yields by 4-13.5% annually over the next 25 years. This reduction in photosynthesis, averaging 7-12%, could severely impact global food security and exacerbate climate change by hindering carbon sequestration. The study underscores the urgent need for a global treaty on plastic pollution, as even a 13% reduction in environmental microplastics could mitigate photosynthesis loss by 30%. Failure to act will lead to far-reaching ecological damage.
Soaring egg prices in the U.S., driven by the culling of over 166 million birds due to avian flu, have led to a nearly 40% increase in egg seizures at the U.S. border. This surge is attributed to both individuals and potentially businesses attempting to circumvent U.S. purchase limits and high prices (currently averaging $4.95 USD per dozen, exceeding $12 in some areas). The illegal importation of eggs poses a biosecurity risk due to the potential spread of avian flu. Consequently, border agents are intensifying efforts to intercept smuggled eggs, with penalties of up to $300 for undeclared goods.
Farmers are suing the government over the deletion of climate data from government websites. This action highlights a significant concern: the loss of crucial information impacting agricultural planning and future food security. The removal of this data, seemingly done intentionally, has left farmers without access to vital historical climate records needed for informed decision-making about planting, harvesting, and overall farm management. This data loss is particularly alarming given the already unpredictable nature of weather patterns due to climate change. The implications extend far beyond individual farmers, potentially affecting the nation’s food supply and economic stability.
The lack of readily available climate data severely hampers farmers’ ability to adapt to changing weather patterns.… Continue reading
To alleviate the U.S. egg shortage caused by a widespread avian influenza outbreak affecting nearly 129 million birds, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. This shipment, lasting until July 2025, is a temporary measure supported by U.S. egg producers to stabilize prices and supply. While vaccination research is underway, widespread vaccination of poultry is currently infeasible. The agreement provides a crucial short-term solution to the ongoing crisis.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has resulted in the culling of nearly 1.8 million farmed birds in the UK over the past three months, stemming from 33 confirmed outbreaks. While the risk to humans remains low, the government acknowledges the significant emotional and financial toll on affected farmers. Although the culled birds represent a small percentage of overall poultry production, concerns persist regarding the long-term mental health impact on the farming community. New housing orders have been implemented in several English counties to mitigate further spread.
The situation facing farmers is dire, with millions potentially on the hook due to a freeze on USDA funds imposed during a previous administration. The White House’s repeated assurances that the freeze wouldn’t affect individual benefits ring hollow now that the reality is setting in. This isn’t just about direct payments; the way agricultural funding is structured means a significant disruption at the top level cascades down to impact farmers at every level.
The freeze significantly impacts the ability of farmers to access essential funding. The implication isn’t merely about a delayed payment; it’s about ongoing projects grinding to a halt, jeopardizing investments already made.… Continue reading
Mass deportations would be an unmitigated disaster for American agriculture, a fact starkly illustrated by the concerns of a Florida tomato farmer who voted for Trump. He supports tariffs against Mexican farmers who undercut his business by employing cheaper labor, and he agrees with deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes. However, the prospect of expelling all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country fills him with dread. His family’s 4,000-acre tomato farm, like countless others, relies heavily on a workforce largely composed of undocumented workers.
The sheer scale of the proposed deportations is staggering, surpassing even the notorious 1954 operation that forced over a million people back to Mexico.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood