California becomes first state to ban unhealthy ultraprocessed foods in schools (CNN): California has passed a groundbreaking law to phase out the most harmful ultraprocessed foods from school meals by 2035. The “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act” targets products high in additives, sugar, salt, and fat, affecting over a billion meals served annually. While some processed foods will remain for safety and convenience, the law could shift demand toward less processed ingredients—something farmers and food producers should monitor closely.
This move highlights growing concerns about children’s nutrition and puts California ahead of federal efforts. For farmers, the change may influence the types of crops and products needed for school food programs, potentially increasing demand for fresher, less processed agricultural products over time.
Corteva’s split raises questions for farmers and innovation (Agri-Pulse): Agribusiness giant Corteva is planning to split its seed and crop protection businesses into two separate companies by 2026. This change comes amid rising farm input costs and uncertainty in the farm economy, with crop incomes expected to fall again next year. While Corteva has long promoted combining seeds and chemicals to give farmers complete solutions, the split has some worried it could slow innovation and make it harder for farmers to get the integrated products they rely on.
Corteva’s CEO says the move will allow more partnerships and flexibility, but analysts and industry experts worry that separating seeds from crop protection could reduce the financial support needed for new product development. With ongoing legal issues in the pesticide sector and a tough market ahead, farmers may face more complexity when choosing products in the years to come.