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Lisa Elaine Held

@lisaelaineh.bsky.social
352 followers 205 following 68 posts

Journalist: Food/ag/environment/health. Currently: Senior staff reporter + contributing editor @CivilEats, lisa@civileats.com. Secure: Signal/@lisaelaineh.47, lisaelaineh@protonmail.com

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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
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.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 14/09/2026
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. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports. ⬇️
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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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Looking for farmers who have enrolled in USDA’s ‘Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program’ to share what their experiences have been like. Email me! Lisa [at] civileats.com
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/08/2026
A federal judge in California struck down drastic cuts to the minimum wage paid to farmworkers on H-2A guestworker visas, put in place by the Trump administration last year.
civileats.com
Federal Court Strikes Down Wage Cut for Guestworkers on Farms
Worker advocacy groups celebrated the ruling against the Department of Labor, while agricultural employer groups called the decision an ‘existential threat’ to farmers.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 30/07/2026
Zach Lahn, a Republican candidate in Iowa’s gubernatorial election, has ties to the Koch family, one of the country’s most powerful pro-industry forces. With so much at stake in Iowa, farmers and other voters are considering his record. Read more from @lisaelaineh.bsky.social. ⬇️
civileats.com
Will MAHA Candidate Zach Lahn Stand Up to Big Ag in Iowa?
The Republican candidate for governor has ties to the Koch family, one of the country’s most powerful pro-industry forces.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The U.S. continues to be in the middle of an unprecedented food safety disaster with reported cyclospora cases nearing 12,000 nationwide. foodfix.co/rfk-jr-says-...
foodfix.co
RFK Jr. says the cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control.’ It’s not.
The U.S. continues to be in the middle of an unprecedented food safety disaster with reported cyclospora cases nearing 12,000 nationwide.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 08/07/2026
EPA regulators recently approved four new pesticides—three of which qualify as PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” based on an international definition—and expanded the use of two other chemicals. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports. ⬇️
civileats.com
EPA’s Pesticide Approvals Prompt Fears of PFAS on Farms
The agency’s actions come amid anger over a Supreme Court decision in a glyphosate case and an executive order over regenerative agriculture.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Breaking…. civileats.com/2026/06/25/s...
civileats.com
Supreme Court Sides With Bayer in Glyphosate Cancer-Risk Case
The court’s decision will make it much harder for individuals to sue pesticide companies over claims the companies failed to warn them about health risks.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The reporters covering MAHA compare notes, with @talkopan.bsky.social, @deenashanker.bsky.social, and @lisaelaineh.bsky.social. Catch the newest episode of American Dish, and all previous episodes, wherever you get your podcasts. 🍴
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Tal Kopan @talkopan.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
I joined @hbottemiller.bsky.social / @foodfixco.bsky.social's podcast American Dish this week with two other awesome reporters @deenashanker.bsky.social & @lisaelaineh.bsky.social to talk about covering MAHA. Check it out: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m... www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Zt...
podcasts.apple.com
Media roundtable: Covering MAHA with Tal Kopan, Deena Shanker, and Lisa Held
Podcast Episode · American Dish · June 10 · 1h 9m
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 03/06/2026
Regional Food Business Centers were working to rebuild local supply chains that had been lost to consolidation. After the USDA cut millions of dollars in support, that progress was halted. Read the latest installment of our series, Losing Ground by @lisaelaineh.bsky.social. ⬇️
civileats.com
USDA Cuts Dismantled a Program Helping Local Food Economies
Without federal support, a nascent regional network that was building businesses and consumer support has collapsed.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 02/06/2026
The USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program “fulfilled its purpose,” according to Secretary Rollins, but U.S. farmers want it to be permanent. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports in the latest installment of our series, Losing Ground. ⬇️
civileats.com
This USDA Program Transformed Food Systems. Now It’s Gone.
‘We will survive, but we’re not going to thrive.’
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 01/06/2026
Introducing our latest series, Losing Ground: Local Food and Farming Under Trump. In this series, Senior Staff Reporter @lisaelaineh.bsky.social offers a big-picture look at the Trump administration's impact on small farms and food producers. ➡️ buff.ly/ucNLxFP
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Democrats and USDA employees are none too pleased with a Trump administration plan to move FNS outside of Washington. Plus, is Cory Booker pitching Blue MAHA? foodfix.co/trump-plan-t...
foodfix.co
Trump plan to move FNS out of D.C. faces growing opposition
Democrats and USDA employees are none too pleased with a Trump administration plan to move FNS outside of Washington. Plus, is Cory Booker pitching Blue MAHA?
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
A Public Affair @apublicaffair.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
🎙️What's in the House version of the Farm Bill? What could it mean for the US food system and future of SNAP? We're joined by @lisaelaineh.bsky.social of @civileats.com to learn more. Listen here: www.wortfm.org/the-farm-bil...
wortfm.org
The Farm Bill Rides Again! - WORT-FM 89.9
Douglas Haynes is joined by journalist Lisa Held to talk about what’s in the farm bill, the controversy it sparked, and what it could mean for the US food system.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 06/05/2026
We are thrilled to announce that Civil Eats has been nominated 5 times in 4 different categories for the 2026 James Beard Foundation Media Awards! 🎉
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Civil Eats Nominated for a Record 5 James Beard Media Awards
We are finalists in four categories, including Health and Wellness, Columns and Newsletters, Profile, and Narrative Photography.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 06/05/2026
Watch as Senior Staff Reporter @lisaelaineh.bsky.social and pesticide health expert Nathan Donley unpack the Supreme Court’s hearing of 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘷. 𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭, a case centered on whether pesticide giant Bayer should have included a warning label on Roundup, the world’s most widely used weedkiller.
civileats.com
Inside a Historic Supreme Court Case on Pesticide Risks
We break down the most recent case against the weedkiller Roundup.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
New angle in the BARC closing story…embroidery!
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/04/2026
Demonstrators gathered in front of the Supreme Court Monday morning to call attention to a case with far-reaching implications for public health and the use of pesticides in agriculture. Read the full story ➡️ buff.ly/T1gf5M7
youtube.com
Supreme Court Weighs in on Weedkiller, Spurring MAHA Protest
YouTube video by Civil Eats
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/04/2026
The Supreme Court’s decision will affect what kind of legal recourse is available to individuals harmed by pesticide exposure, and because the issue is also important to supporters of the Trump administration’s MAHA agenda, it could also impact the upcoming midterm elections.
civileats.com
Supreme Court Weighs in on Weedkiller, Spurring MAHA Protest
As justices consider pesticide warnings, activists demand accountability.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 08/04/2026
As evidence of pesticide risks increases, a new report finds that the food industry is "actively reversing progress" on lowering their use in supply chains. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports ⬇️
civileats.com
Food Companies Backslide on Promises to Reduce Pesticides
As evidence of pesticide risks increases, a new report finds that the food industry is 'actively reversing progress.'
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Operation Warp Speed may have been remarkably quick, but Operation Stork Speed is on a slower track. foodfix.co/we-are-one-y...
foodfix.co
We are one year into Operation Stork Speed. Where do things stand?
Operation Warp Speed may have been remarkably quick, but Operation Stork Speed is on a slower track.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 19/03/2026
As the federal farm bill stalls and programs become less reliable, Pennsylvania may provide a model for a resilient, localized farm future. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports ⬇️
civileats.com
Should Every State Have Its Own Farm Bill?
As the federal farm bill stalls and programs become less reliable, Pennsylvania may provide a model for a resilient, localized farm future.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Richard Waite @waiterich.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The “eat more protein!!!” message is popping up all over, usually in the context of encouraging more meat. This could have huge impacts on land use requirements, water use & pollution, emissions etc. Americans consume >200 pounds of meat/person/year. We should eat more plants/less meat instead.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 10/03/2026
As the midterms approach, Trump is touting lower prices, but Democrats say his policies favor corporations over consumers and farmers. Read more from @lisaelaineh.bsky.social. ⬇️
civileats.com
Democrats Tie High Food Prices to Corporate Consolidation
As the midterms approach, Trump is touting lower prices, but Democrats say his policies favor corporations over consumers and farmers.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
civileats.com/2026/02/24/e... @civileats.com
civileats.com
EPA Repeals Power Plant Regulations That Reduce Mercury in Fish
Emissions from coal-fired power plants are a primary source of the mercury that accumulates in the fish Americans eat.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
I talked to @artcullen.bsky.social for @civileats.com about Iowans’ concerns around water quality, cancer, and other issues related to agriculture and how those might impact upcoming elections. Read it here: civileats.com/2026/02/24/h...
civileats.com
How Agricultural Concerns Are Shifting Iowa’s Political Landscape
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Art Cullen says agricultural issues like water pollution and cancer risk could sway the midterm elections.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
New report finds "2.19 million children under age 18—including 569,231 children younger than age 5" live within 3 miles of an industrial plant invited by the EPA to apply for exemptions from toxic air pollution limits under the Trump administration. www.americanprogress.org/article/how-...
americanprogress.org
How the Trump Administration’s Embrace of Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industry Interests Will Endanger Children’s Health
The Trump administration’s actions to eliminate lifesaving environmental protections would allow corporate polluters to emit more toxins and chemicals, exposing more than 2 million kids to pollutants ...
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 09/02/2026
Farm and meatpacking workers are going to court seeking justice, even as the Trump administration’s deportation efforts threaten their status. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports. ⬇️ civileats.com/2026/02/09/d...
civileats.com
Despite Federal Immigrant Crackdown, Food Workers Sue Over Workplace Abuses
Farm and meatpacking workers are going to court seeking justice, even as the Trump administration's deportation efforts threaten their status.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Kennedy’s MAHA tour goes to Nashville on the heels of a fight over pesticides. Consumer Brands Association touts economic heft in new ads. Food safety caucus to hold formula event. Plus, Tom Vilsack has a podcast. foodfix.co/robert-f-ken...
foodfix.co
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes MAHA road show to Tennessee
Kennedy’s MAHA tour goes to Nashville on the heels of a fight over pesticides. Consumer Brands Association touts economic heft in new ads. Food safety caucus to hold formula event. Plus, Tom Vilsack h...
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Some news updates from me in the @civileats.com food policy tracker so far this week…. civileats.com/2026/02/04/u...
civileats.com
USDA Takes Over Food for Peace
The agency is starting to roll out more than a billion dollars of food aid funding that went unspent after the dismantling of USAID last year.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Marcia Brown @marciabrown.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Earlier this month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said his agency was newly reviewing the safety of the weedkiller paraquat. But the new review is really just an ongoing review started under the Biden admin and stemming from lawsuits. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social has the details for @civileats.com:
civileats.com
The EPA Is Not Starting a New Review of Paraquat
Despite claims the EPA is ‘reassessing’ a controversial weedkiller, the Trump administration is not reevaluating its link to Parkinson’s.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/01/2026
Despite claims that the EPA is "reassessing" the controversial weedkiller paraquat, the Trump administration is simply continuing work started by the Biden administration—but not reevaluating the science on the herbicide’s link to Parkinson’s. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports. ⬇️
civileats.com
The EPA Is Not Starting a New Review of Paraquat
Despite claims the EPA is ‘reassessing’ a controversial weedkiller, the Trump administration is not reevaluating its link to Parkinson’s.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
civileats.com/2026/01/15/i... “We’re talking grocery stores, we’re talking food processing facilities, we’re talking meat processors, we’re talking about dairy farms,” said Minnesota’s dep comm of ag. “The food supply will be significantly affected if this continues like this.” @civileats.com
civileats.com
ICE Crackdown Is Impacting Minnesota’s Farms and Food System, Officials Say
A state official warned of ‘serious ripple effects’ from immigration operations that are impacting farms, restaurants, and the food supply.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Climate One @climateone.org · 16/01/2026
Farmers face growing #climate impacts every day, making it harder to grow food. Yet the Trump admin. is slashing programs that reduce emissions, feed people, & protect farmers. Tariffs & trade wars have increased costs & hurt crop sales. What does this mean for our food system? 🎧 Listen now:
play.megaphone.fm
Crop Shoot: Farmers Caught Up In Policy Turmoil
Agriculture is directly responsible for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and farmers and ranchers face growi
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Ben Lilliston @benlilliston.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
The loss of TPS status for workers is already affecting agbiz and particularly meat/poultry companies. And they are worried. Some great reporting by @lisaelaineh.bsky.social
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
My latest…
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
My latest for @civileats: civileats.com/2026/01/06/l...
civileats.com
Legal Immunity for Pesticide Companies Removed From EPA Funding Bill
In an exclusive interview, Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, said she pushed hard to fight the proposal, and it’s likely to come up again in the farm bill.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 01/12/2025
Experts say the shutdown provided new insights into the Trump administration’s priorities on food and agriculture and resulted in changes that will likely have long-lasting consequences. Staff reporters Rebekah Alvey and @lisaelaineh.bsky.social report. ⬇️
civileats.com
What the Shutdown Revealed About Food and Agriculture Policy
Experts warn that the longest government shutdown in history will continue to impact how the country farms and eats.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 24/11/2025
In a Q&A with @lisaelaineh.bsky.social, @marionnestle.bsky.social discusses what went into developing her latest book, “What to Eat Now,” how the grocery industry has changed over the past 20 years, and why she hopes MAHA moms will read it.
civileats.com
Marion Nestle Tells Us ‘What to Eat Now’
The renowned nutritionist’s new book helps readers navigate a food system designed for profit over health.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 12/11/2025
#COP30, the 30th United Nations climate summit, kicked off this week in Brazil. The global food industry has been working to bring “a private sector voice” to the event. JBS, the world’s largest meat company, is at the forefront of those efforts. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports ⬇️
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At COP30, Brazilian Meat Giant JBS Recommends Climate Policy
The world's biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts in global climate talks.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Also new this week, my @civileats.com reporting on salmonella in major poultry plants: civileats.com/2025/11/03/p...
civileats.com
Poultry Plants Consistently Violate Salmonella Standards, Report Finds
Perdue, Butterball, and Costco are among the companies that break food safety rules. Industry reps say contaminated chicken is not a danger.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
New on @civileats.com yesterday morning: civileats.com/2025/11/03/u...
civileats.com
USDA Warns Retailers Not to Give Discounts to SNAP Recipients
Farms and grocery stores complied, scrapping plans to reduce prices for food-insecure families.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 28/10/2025
According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, atrazine use poses little to no risk to endangered species if farmers follow EPA rules. But multiple assessments by the EPA detail the common herbicide’s environmental risks. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports ⬇️
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Trump Administration Dismisses Risks of Atrazine, a Farm Herbicide
Experts say the chemical’s continued use will likely harm hundreds of endangered species, rendering some extinct.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Core CDC functions threatened by mass layoffs during the government shutdown. Plus, MAHA is setting its sights on next year’s midterms. foodfix.co/making-sense...
foodfix.co
Making sense of the mass, mid-shutdown CDC layoffs
Core CDC functions threatened by mass layoffs during the government shutdown. Plus, MAHA is setting its sights on next year’s midterms.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 15/10/2025
@willienelsonmusic.bsky.social launched @farmaid.org in 1985 as a fundraiser to save family farms. With corporate consolidation a continuing threat to farms, it’s now a platform for populist organizing, too. Read more from Senior Staff Reporter @lisaelaineh.bsky.social. ⬇️
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At 40, Farm Aid Is Still About Music. It’s Also a Movement.
Willie Nelson launched the festival in 1985 to save family farms. Amid corporate consolidation, it’s now a platform for populist organizing.
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Lisa Elaine Held @lisaelaineh.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
My latest news story for @civileats.com civileats.com/2025/10/06/l...
civileats.com
Trump Administration Eases Application Process and Lowers Wages for Guest Farmworkers
United Farm Workers said the shifts will hurt both migrant and domestic farmworkers. Farm groups praised the changes.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 07/10/2025
During his first term, President Trump appointed leaders to the government’s food and farm departments that had strong industry ties. This time, many top officials at the USDA, EPA, and FDA have connections to chemical, agribusiness, or fossil fuel interests. @lisaelaineh.bsky.social reports ⬇️
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The Industry Ties Within Trump’s Food and Ag Leadership
Many of the president’s top officials at USDA, EPA, HHS, and FDA have connections to chemical, agribusiness, or fossil fuel interests.
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Civil Eats @civileats.com · 01/10/2025
"We believe everyone who eats should know how policy decisions shape their food options." Hear from our Operations Director @mattwheeland.bsky.social and Senior Staff Reporter and Contributing Editor @lisaelaineh.bsky.social in a Q&A interview with @npcinstitute.bsky.social. ⬇️
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How Civil Eats helps reporters and audiences understand federal food policy - Journalism Institute
As government cuts and the current shutdown threaten food safety and food access across the country, journalists need timely information about how communities may be affected. To connect federal food…
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Reposted by Lisa Elaine Held
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Why our agriculture secretary sees growing demand for beef (and whole milk) even amid high prices. Ben Carson dings processed foods, touting SNAP stocking rule. Plus, a new documentary turns up the heat on Big Food. foodfix.co/booming-beef...
foodfix.co
Booming beef demand could get a boost from dietary guidelines
Why our agriculture secretary sees growing demand for beef (and whole milk) even amid high prices. Ben Carson dings processed foods, touting SNAP stocking rule. Plus, a new documentary turns up the he...
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