Impact of H5N1 on Dairies and Food & Ag Lobbying Report
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**As the number of California dairy farms outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu grows, industry experts remain unclear just how the disease may affect the nation’s milk supply or pricing.
As of October 9, California had reported 93 bird flu outbreaks in dairy herds, nearly doubling in a week’s time.
Authorities insist H5N1 poses little threat to humans and that it’s safe to drink milk that’s been pasteurized.
**The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a report analyzing the influence of lobbying on food and agriculture systems.
The report finds agribusinesses, industry associations, and other interest groups have spent more than $500 million to influence legislation, including the twice expired Farm Bill, from 2019 to 23.
UCS Deputy Director, Karen Stillerman emphasized the responsibility of legislators to uphold the needs of small to midsize farms, marginalized farmers, food workers, and consumers.
**A federal judge rejected a petition from environmental activists for more strict regulation of large livestock operations.
The Ninth Circuit Court lawsuit, filed by Food & Water Watch, challenged the EPA’s decision last year to deny a petition to require all farms to obtain permits to operate their CAFOs unless they could prove they’re not a source of pollution.
Activists argued livestock operations are releasing pollution into waterways in violation of the Clean Water Act.
