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
Don’t miss the buzz of this episode of Where the Food Comes From, airing this Friday at 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. only on RFD-TV!
There is a wide assortment of beautiful trees (and tree-like species!) that can be enjoyed all across America. In honor of Arbor Day, here are seven amazing trees (and one that isn’t actually a tree!) found across the U.S., and the best places to take in their beauty!
Alaskan wildlife officials canceled the 2022-23 Bering Sea Snow Crab season for the first time ever. The Bristol Bay King Crab season is also canceled for the second consecutive year.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
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.