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Civil Eats

@civileats.com
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Award-winning news and commentary about the U.S. food system. Sign up for our weekly newsletter: civileats.com/newsletter

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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 3h
"Multinational corporate 'efficiency' is not the same thing as resilience, and consolidation is not inevitable,” writes Tim Gibbons, executive director of @familyfarmco.bsky.social , in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: Agricultural ‘Efficiency’ Is a False Promise
Democracy demands a thriving food system that supports not only our land, but our farmers and communities.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 18h
The Perilla People’s Garden at the Carnegie Museum of Art aims to bring people together and probe the deeper questions the herb presents about colonization and the movement of people and plants. The garden will be on display through January 3, 2027.
civileats.com
At This Public Garden, an Asian Herb Offers a Portal to the Past
The herb perilla raises questions about colonization and immigration.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 29/09/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture failed to distribute $12 million in funding allocated to support farmers in urban and suburban areas over the past two years.
civileats.com
Lawmakers Press USDA on Funding for Urban Ag
The agency has failed to make grant funds allocated by Congress for urban and suburban farmers available over the past two years.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 29/09/2026
We’ve updated our Crash Course: Climate Solutions in Food & Farming to include how the U.S. is addressing climate change. Stay up-to-date by signing up for our refreshed climate solutions course. 🌎️⬇️
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Courses
As part of our mission to help people get informed about critical issues in the food system, Civil Eats has developed an educational curriculum that we’re calling: Crash Courses. These email-based…
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 29/09/2026
Sunni Park, a Korean-American chef in Pittsburgh, says she has always viewed perilla as a steady companion and a “doorway” through which she could explore her own culture. “When I’m eating perilla, I’m thinking of all my ancestors.”
civileats.com
At This Public Garden, an Asian Herb Offers a Portal to the Past
The herb perilla raises questions about colonization and immigration.
031
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/09/2026
Trump’s latest pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration told senators the agency does not have the resources to implement a key food safety policy.
civileats.com
FDA Nominee Says Agency Needs More Resources for GRAS
Trump’s latest pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration told senators the agency does not have the resources to implement a key food safety policy.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/09/2026
The Perilla People’s Garden at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Art features more than a dozen perilla varieties and aims to bring people together to probe the deeper questions the herb presents about colonization and the movement of people and plants.
civileats.com
At This Public Garden, an Asian Herb Offers a Portal to the Past
The herb perilla raises questions about colonization and immigration.
033
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/09/2026
“I just feel like it’s my obligation to not degrade the soil.” Farmer Trey Hill runs a 3,000-acre commodity row crop operation where he pays close attention to the health of his soil. In order to do so, he’s adopted regenerative practices.
civileats.com
This Is What Regenerative Farming (Sometimes) Looks Like
Large and small, regenerative operations can deploy a range of options.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 27/09/2026
The Trump administration’s Regenerative Pilot Program shows promise with benefits that support practices with real environmental value, but the rollout has been hampered by USDA staffing cuts, and it doesn’t represent a new investment in better farming.
civileats.com
Inside the USDA’s New ‘Regenerative Pilot Program’
Experts say the program may be helpful—but it isn't new.
020
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 27/09/2026
Want to stay informed about the climate crisis? Our email-based course, Climate Solutions in Food & Farming, will take you on a deep dive into how climate change is being felt across the U.S. food system. ➡️ buff.ly/GEDhTcO
Civil Eats Crash Course, $20, An email-based course that explores how climate change is impacting the food system, and some of the solutions that can address those impacts.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 26/09/2026
Op-ed: Here’s What California’s Paraquat Ban Means for the Future of Pesticide Policy
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Op-ed: California's Paraquat Ban and the Future of Pesticides
Highly hazardous pesticides should be a thing of the past.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 26/09/2026
These two farmers say they use regenerative farming to keep their soil healthy, but their operations couldn’t be more different. We visited their farms to see how regenerative practices can be used.
civileats.com
This Is What Regenerative Farming (Sometimes) Looks Like
Large and small, regenerative operations can deploy a range of options.
021
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 25/09/2026
In dozens of conversations with Civil Eats, farmers and experts said the Regenerative Pilot Program has benefits, but that the rollout has been hampered by staffing cuts at local field offices, where USDA employees are overwhelmed.
civileats.com
Inside the USDA’s New ‘Regenerative Pilot Program’
Experts say the program may be helpful—but it isn't new.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 25/09/2026
In a new survey conducted by Consumer Reports, consumers named “reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides” as one of their top priorities when purchasing food. But that goal is not a focus of most companies’ regenerative agriculture commitments.
civileats.com
Can Big Food Make Good on Promises of Regenerative Agriculture?
A Consumer Reports survey shows awareness of the term is growing, but questions remain about standards, oversight, and greenwashing.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 25/09/2026
Ocean advocates and fishermen groups say that the super El Niño highlights the need to reform how disaster relief is delivered to fishers as climate-change impacts accelerate and small family businesses are forced to close.
civileats.com
As Super El Niño Approaches, Pacific Fisheries Demand Disaster Relief Reform
Fishers nationwide lack insurance protections, while late federal relief forces many of them out of business.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/09/2026
President Donald Trump’s latest pick to run the Food and Drug Administration told lawmakers that the agency likely does not have enough resources to follow through on proposed food ingredient reforms.
civileats.com
FDA Nominee Says Agency Needs More Resources for GRAS
Trump’s latest pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration told senators the agency does not have the resources to implement a key food safety policy.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/09/2026
“One day the use of paraquat, or any of the world’s most highly hazardous pesticides, on crops destined for our plates will seem as absurd as lighting a cigarette on a plane,” writes Anna Lappé, executive director of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: California's Paraquat Ban and the Future of Pesticides
Highly hazardous pesticides should be a thing of the past.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/09/2026
This Climate Week, take time to get informed on how climate change is affecting the U.S. food system. For $20, you’ll receive our Crash Course: Climate Solutions in Food & Farming while also supporting our independent journalism. 🌎️⬇️
civileats.com
Courses
As part of our mission to help people get informed about critical issues in the food system, Civil Eats has developed an educational curriculum that we’re calling: Crash Courses. These email-based…
000
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/09/2026
Unlike farmers, who have access to crop insurance that protects them when weather damages their fields, fishers don’t have access to government-supported insurance programs when their fisheries fail. Contributor @megwilcox.bsky.social reports. ⬇️
civileats.com
As Super El Niño Approaches, Pacific Fisheries Demand Disaster Relief Reform
Fishers nationwide lack insurance protections, while late federal relief forces many of them out of business.
012
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/09/2026
Op-ed: With some U.S. states joining global bans on one weedkiller, it’s time to keep the momentum going.
civileats.com
Op-ed: California's Paraquat Ban and the Future of Pesticides
Highly hazardous pesticides should be a thing of the past.
053
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 23/09/2026
The Department of Health and Human Services will collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency on glyphosate research, but pesticide critics are skeptical it will have far-reaching impacts.
civileats.com
HHS, EPA to Collaborate on Glyphosate Safety Research
Two federal agencies will work together as the federal government re-evaluates the safety of the controversial pesticide.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 23/09/2026
From a small, diversified farm to a 3,000-acre commodity row crop operation, regenerative practices can mean a range of options.
civileats.com
This Is What Regenerative Farming (Sometimes) Looks Like
Large and small, regenerative operations can deploy a range of options.
010
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 23/09/2026
"Last month, California became the second state, after Vermont, to ban the weedkiller and crop desiccant paraquat. The widely used pesticide is extremely toxic; a teaspoon of it can kill you. Needless to say, a ban is long overdue,” writes @futureoffood.bsky.social's Anna Lappé in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: California's Paraquat Ban and the Future of Pesticides
Highly hazardous pesticides should be a thing of the past.
032
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 23/09/2026
Two different farmers take monitoring the health of their soils seriously. One owns a small, diversified farm while the other owns a 3,000-acre commodity row crop operation. If asked to explain their approach, both would use the term, “regenerative farming.”
civileats.com
This Is What Regenerative Farming (Sometimes) Looks Like
Large and small, regenerative operations can deploy a range of options.
011
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 22/09/2026
President Trump issued an executive order in June that was dedicated to the advancement of regenerative practices. But experts say the administration has been making decisions that are “leading to less regenerative farming overall.”
civileats.com
Inside the USDA’s New ‘Regenerative Pilot Program’
Experts say the program may be helpful—but it isn't new.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 22/09/2026
To understand what "regenerative farming" can look like, Senior Staff Reporter @lisaelaineh.bsky.social visited both a small, diversified farm and a 3,000-acre commodity row crop operation. Read our 3-part series on regenerative agriculture. ➡️ civileats.com/2026/09/22/t...
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 22/09/2026
Farmers and experts say President Trump’s Regenerative Pilot Program supports practices with real environmental value, but the USDA already gave out more money for the same regenerative practices in past years.
civileats.com
Inside the USDA’s New ‘Regenerative Pilot Program’
Experts say the program may be helpful—but it isn't new.
001
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 22/09/2026
Our Crash Course on climate solutions in food & farming has been updated to show how climate change is being felt across the U.S. food system by including some of our latest reporting on climate solutions. Sign up today!
civileats.com
Courses
As part of our mission to help people get informed about critical issues in the food system, Civil Eats has developed an educational curriculum that we’re calling: Crash Courses. These email-based…
031
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 21/09/2026
Experts say the Regenerative Pilot Program could be beneficial, but it doesn’t represent a new investment in better farming, and staff cuts could hamper its impacts. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports in a three-part series examining the current state of regenerative agriculture. ⬇️
civileats.com
Inside the USDA’s New ‘Regenerative Pilot Program’
Experts say the program may be helpful—but it isn't new.
001
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 21/09/2026
For Climate Week, we’ve refreshed our Crash Course: Climate Solutions in Food & Farming, an email-based course that will explore how climate change is impacting the food system, and some of the solutions that can address those impacts. Sign up today! ➡️ buff.ly/GEDhTcO
Civil Eats Crash Course: Climate Solutions in Food & Farming, an email-based course that will explore how climate change is impacting the food system, and some of the solutions that can address those impacts. $20
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 21/09/2026
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
civileats.com
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
From lowering beef prices to boosting domestic cattle herds, the administration is facing considerable political headwinds before midterms.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 20/09/2026
“When the land beneath large-scale solar projects is managed like this, as a system of soil, plants, and water, the benefits compound: the soil becomes healthier, water movement improves, and reliable plants thrive,” writes soil scientist Emily Cole in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
Utility-scale solar doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 20/09/2026
States can qualify for federal programs that support more local beef processing, but say financial barriers have made it challenging to participate.
civileats.com
USDA Opens Funding for States to Bolster Local Meat Processing
States can qualify for federal programs that support more local beef processing, but say financial barriers have made it challenging to participate.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 19/09/2026
Regenerative farming is rooted in building and maintaining healthy soil, but the term is unregulated and undefined. As a result, it’s being used in different ways. Regenerative commitments made by big food companies may not be what consumers expect. ➡️ buff.ly/84YHP51
Can Big Food Make Good on Promises of Regenerative Agriculture?
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 18/09/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $50 million for states to start or expand meat-inspection programs with the aim of supporting small, local beef processing.
civileats.com
USDA Opens Funding for States to Bolster Local Meat Processing
States can qualify for federal programs that support more local beef processing, but say financial barriers have made it challenging to participate.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 18/09/2026
From lowering beef prices to boosting domestic cattle herds, the administration is facing considerable political headwinds before midterms.
civileats.com
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
From lowering beef prices to boosting domestic cattle herds, the administration is facing considerable political headwinds before midterms.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 18/09/2026
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
civileats.com
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
Utility-scale solar doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
054
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 18/09/2026
Experts say the Trump administration’s recent actions, aimed at lowering beef prices and boosting domestic cattle herds, are a good signal but unlikely to directly resolve issues facing ranchers, like transparency in beef labeling and competition in the marketplace.
civileats.com
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
From lowering beef prices to boosting domestic cattle herds, the administration is facing considerable political headwinds before midterms.
000
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 17/09/2026
"Developers who have embraced land as a living system below the panels are already seeing better outcomes,” writes soil scientist Emily Cole in an op-ed. "On the sites taking soil seriously, the land tells a different—a healthier and more productive—story.”
civileats.com
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
Utility-scale solar doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
053
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 17/09/2026
With midterms approaching, the president is caught between lowering persistently high beef prices for consumers and addressing issues ranchers have raised for years, like a lack of transparency in beef labeling and competition in the marketplace.
civileats.com
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
From lowering beef prices to boosting domestic cattle herds, the administration is facing considerable political headwinds before midterms.
020
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 17/09/2026
Op-ed: Utility-scale solar is one of the fastest-growing sources of farmland conversion in the U.S. It doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
civileats.com
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
Utility-scale solar doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
030
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 16/09/2026
BREAKING: The Senate Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill after a month-long recess, despite opposition from anti-hunger groups and Make America Healthy Again advocates.
civileats.com
After Long Delay, Senate Committee Advances Farm Bill
The Agriculture Committee failed to pass the same bill in August amid Democratic opposition over food-assistance provisions.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 16/09/2026
The Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the government’s workforce last year led to a sixfold increase in the money federal agencies paid employees not to work, a new report finds. Food and agriculture agencies were some of the top spenders.
civileats.com
Food and Ag Agencies Top List of Spending for Employees to Not Work
Driven by the Trump administration’s staff cuts, the federal government has spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave, a new report finds.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 16/09/2026
Pesticide companies like Bayer promote Roundup as a regenerative agriculture tool, but some say the use of pesticides is “fundamentally incompatible” with regenerative agriculture goals.
civileats.com
Can Big Food Make Good on Promises of Regenerative Agriculture?
A Consumer Reports survey shows awareness of the term is growing, but questions remain about standards, oversight, and greenwashing.
011
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 16/09/2026
"Rather than neglecting the land beneath the panels, ... solar developers need to treat it as a working agricultural system,” writes soil scientist Emily Cole in an op-ed. "This means seeking early advice from an agronomist, or a crop production and soil health expert, to help with site management.”
civileats.com
Op-ed: To Counter Farmland Loss, Solar Needs Soil Science
Utility-scale solar doesn’t have to eliminate productive land.
043
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 16/09/2026
"The country does have a small herd, the result of myriad factors, including drought, hay shortages, and an aging demographic of ranchers. That doesn’t mean we have a cattle shortage,” writes Kansas cattle rancher Katie Tonn in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: The U.S. Has Fewer Cows But We Don’t Have a Beef Shortage
A cattle rancher on a sixth-generation Kansas farm worries that consumers are blaming the wrong folks for high prices.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 15/09/2026
Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), an organic farmer who has long worked on food and agriculture issues in Congress, will soon launch a bipartisan “Fix Our Food Caucus” in the House of Representatives.
civileats.com
Democratic Representative to Launch a ‘Fix Our Food Caucus’
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives will work on policies that promote healthy, affordable food and protect people from chemical exposure.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 15/09/2026
In the world of Big Food, companies are primarily making “commitments” to helping farmers implement regenerative practices in their supply chains, without putting the word on a food label. Often, the case they’re making for the commitments is a business one.
civileats.com
Can Big Food Make Good on Promises of Regenerative Agriculture?
A Consumer Reports survey shows awareness of the term is growing, but questions remain about standards, oversight, and greenwashing.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 15/09/2026
"Soil degradation has undermined society after society around the world, but we have a practical opportunity, right now, to turn things around,” writes author and University of Washington professor David R. Montgomery in an op-ed.
civileats.com
Op-ed: Five Policy Changes to Save Agriculture from Itself
From reforming subsidies to treating ag policy as public health policy, here is roadmap for a regenerative, soil-health revolution.
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Civil Eats @civileats.com · 15/09/2026
“There are actors in the space who I think are doing a lot of good and moving forward regenerative projects,” says Friends of the Earth’s Sarah Starman. “There are also a lot of companies that are capitalizing on sort of the loosey-goosey nature of regenerative.”
civileats.com
Can Big Food Make Good on Promises of Regenerative Agriculture?
A Consumer Reports survey shows awareness of the term is growing, but questions remain about standards, oversight, and greenwashing.
031