Expect to see more eco-friendly food packaging this year

Several countries are looking at banning single-use plastics for produce, and it is a move that USDA warns could come to the states.

“We could see dozens of more states adopting sustainable packaging laws in the next few years. We’re going to see broader regulations that will require packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by the end of the decade,” said Andrew Stephens.

The move was met with opposition in the European Union. Fresh produce growers and exporters said the rules will have great consequences on food safety and waste, with some calling for the policies to be scaled back.

Related Stories
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.