BC Food Businesses: Food Safety Funding Reopens January 20, 2026

As I delve into the recent call for food safety reform by the USA Department of Agriculture, I am reminded of the critical role that agriculture plays in ensuring the well-being of our communities. The fact that food safety is a pressing concern in one of the world's most developed nations highlights the complexities of the issue and the need for a multifaceted approach. In Africa, where small-scale farmers are the backbone of our food systems, it is essential that we prioritize food safety and empower our farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to produce safe and healthy food. What measures can we take to support our farmers in this regard, and how can we work together to create a more resilient and sustainable food system? #abutispinach #Agvocate #AgroDiplomacy 🌾💡🌱

Grateful Agri-Pulse Communications ran our op-ed outlining the reasons why Food for Peace should be moved to USDA. "Throughout its history, the Food for Peace program has relied on U.S.-grown #commodities, American #supplychains, and the expertise of #farmers who produce the highest-quality #food in the world."

CPMA was pleased to see the announcement of federal government measures that aim to address food affordability and strengthen the Canadian food supply chain, including a new Food Security Fund, support for domestic production in our greenhouse sector and the development of a National Food Security Strategy, among others. CPMA has long been advocating for food production and access to food to be made a national priority and is looking forward to collaborating with the government on these new policies and programs as they are rolled out.  https://lnkd.in/eWysjm68 #Freshproduce #fruitsandveggies #HalfYourPlate #foodsecurity #supplychain

New Jersey continues to set the pace of progress when it comes to holistic food security work, and the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate is honored to do its part by announcing its first-ever funding opportunity: the $1M Public/Private Partnership Matching Grant program. Authorized under the FY26 State Budget appropriation for Regional Innovative Food Security Initiatives, this grant program is designed to activate a public/private-philanthropic partnership focused on bolstering local agricultural supply chains to advance food security. Through incredible champions in the legislature such as Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, New Jersey is leveraging the power of policy and partnerships and sharing the belief that food security work requires innovative and brave solutions that bring multiple sectors together. The Public/Private Matching Grant program supports the creation of one philanthropic collaborative that will match or exceed the state’s $1M investment. This will result in a minimum of $2M in combined resources for regional pilot activities that:   • Connect New Jersey-based agricultural producers with food assistance organizations or community distribution channels; • Improve aggregation, storage, processing, transportation, or distribution infrastructure; • Support coordinated regional models that reduce inefficiencies and improve food flow during both routine and disrupted conditions; • Advance equitable access to locally sourced food for residents experiencing food insecurity; and • Incorporate evaluation, data collection, and learning activities Applications are due Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Read the full notice and application supplement below. #FundingOpportunity

🌱 Across New Jersey, organizations, multi-sector coalitions, and community partners are advancing food security in meaningful and innovative ways. In 2025, we asked partners and colleagues registering for the annual Garden State Conference on Food Security to share reflections on their progress. 📈 See the graphic for Ty Blitstein's share on behalf of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). #ICYMI, an update is that in January, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) approved a second round of FEED NJ grants. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eJj9WDfi The highlights we received document only a portion of the work happening statewide, spanning efforts to expand food availability, strengthen local food systems, and improve connections to nutrition supports, social services, and locally sourced farm fresh food through institutional purchasing. Together, they offer a mosaic of the intentional and collective efforts underway to build a more equitable, resilient, and dignified food system for all New Jerseyans, and so, we'll amplify more shares from our statewide Food Security Community of Practice in the coming weeks.

Pennsylvania Issues: 4.2 Individuals have the inherent right to make decisions regarding the food they grow, purchase, sell, and consume. Small scale and local food producers play a vital role in providing diverse, high-quality food options to individuals. Government regulations on food production violate consumer choice, stifles innovation, and cartelizes food production. We support the deregulation of food markets, the lifting of anti-farming zoning restrictions, the repeal of ineffective and unnecessary food safety regulations, and the abolition of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Raising the standard for safe and sustainable food production! 🙌 Good Food Farm, owned and operated by Rise Against Hunger Philippines, has officially received its PhilGAP Certification! A significant milestone that strengthens our commitment to food safety, environmental protection, and responsible farming practices. ✨ The PhilGAP (Philippine Good Agricultural Practices) seal attests that agricultural commodities are safe for consumption and produced with the utmost care for the environment, as well as the health, safety, and welfare of workers. Led by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) with support from the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs), PhilGAP ensures that food quality and safety standards are consistently met across the agricultural value chain. Anchored on Republic Act No. 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013), PhilGAP strengthens the country’s food safety system, protects consumer health, and supports market access for farmers; reinforcing sustainable and ethical food production. For Good Food Farm, this certification reflects our continued advocacy for food systems that nourish lives, sustainable farming, and uphold dignity across communities. 💗 #NourishingLives #ZeroHunger #SocialImpact #ItStartsWithAMeal #SustainableFarming 

High-volume crate and container washing without the heavy labor. Sanicore systems help dairy, poultry, and meat processors reduce water use while maintaining strict sanitation standards. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eEPBj7iM

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is cutting jobs as part of an ongoing, government-wide expenditure review, according to the union representing CFIA employees. In a release, the Agriculture Union says it "categorically denounces" the cuts, which it says will lead to a "looming food safety crisis" in Canada. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaXk8QcA

NEW: Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its Household Food Security in the United States report, assessing that 13.7 percent of U.S. households were food insecure in 2024, marking the highest prevalence of U.S. food insecurity in nearly a decade.   According to the USDA, this household food security report will be its last. In a new Critical Questions, Director Caitlin Welsh unpacks what we lose with the termination of future reports. ➡️ Swipe below for key takeaways, and read the full analysis here: https://cs.is/4bkr4oQ