The introduction to the agriculture chapter of the Fourth National Climate Assessment states: “Rising temperatures, extreme heat, drought, wildfire on rangelands, and heavy downpours are expected to increasingly disrupt agricultural productivity in the United States. Expected increases in challenges to livestock health, declines in crop yields and quality, and changes in extreme events in the […]
The Looming Collapse of American Farming
Back in April, we hosted food and agriculture writer Tom Philpott to talk about the impact of COVID-19 on our food supply. Today, he returns to the show to discuss his new book, Perilous Bounty, and the effects of climate change and farming practices on two major growing regions in the U.S.: California and the […]
Wisconsin Set Precedent for Federal SNAP Changes
Yesterday, Sonny Perdue, the head of the United States Department of Agriculture announced a final rule change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. That program provided food stamps to at least 39 million people in 2018, but Purdue says the system has gotten away from its original intent. “Our purpose is to restore […]
Some Wisconsinites Would Lose Food Stamps Under Federal Change
A proposed federal rule change would mean some Wisconsinites would no longer be eligible for food stamps if it takes effect. WORT producer Chali Pittman has the story.
Following the Money of the USDA Organic Label
Is your organic food really “organic?” Joining us by phone to talk about his ongoing investigations of organic agriculture is Washington Post reporter Peter Whoriskey. He works on projects in business, healthcare, and health. Farmers hoping to benefit from the advantages of being USDA-organic certified go through a long, costly process to become a certified […]
