The department has yet to implement a rule requiring its contractors to obey labor laws.
USDA
Posted inEconomic Policy
Fertilizer Firms Spread Wealth to Shareholders as Farmers Weather Extreme Prices
U.S. officials have banned fertilizer imports from key overseas competitors while domestic firms fork over billions in stock buybacks.
Posted inEnergy and the Environment
USDA Wants to Make Farms Climate-Friendly. Will It Work?
The Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers to leave land uncultivated. But critical flaws in the program may significantly limit its climate benefit.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
‘Big Four’ Meatpackers Are Crushing Small Ranchers
The JBS cyber attack caused only a hiccup in meatpacking operations. But for legislators, the security scare was a sign that it might be time to break up the industry.
Posted inCabinet Watch
A Democratic Party With Tom Vilsack at Ag Is Not Serious About Winning Elections
Joe Biden’s Cabinet pick scorns powerful rural voters.
Posted inHealth and Social Policy
Monopolists Spying on Food Stamp Recipients
A Department of Agriculture pilot program allowing online grocery sales through the food stamp program exposes users to surveillance and predatory marketing, a study finds.