California’s avocado industry questions a USDA decision, which would turn over inspections to Mexico. One of the country’s largest states offers major potential to investors in the cannabis industry. And small and medium-sized organic producers could get help convincing you to have a glass of their milk.
Avocado Inspections
After USDA inspectors received threats directed toward them and their families, they may no longer have to inspect avocados in Mexico before they get shipped to the United States. That decision has infuriated some producers in the United States.
Violence and threats from drug cartels in Mexico are well-documented and a long-standing source of angst for locals and visitors alike.
The Associated Press reported that only two Mexican states had been certified to export avocados to the United States: Michoacán and Jalisco.
For the past 17 years, USDA inspectors have checked Mexican avocados for pests and insects before they can be shipped to the U.S. But after continued threats against those inspectors, the USDA has turned over inspections to Mexico.
Pot Patience
Florida, a state of nearly 23 million residents and millions more tourists, could provide a massive opportunity for marijuana retailers. Voters in that state will decide this November whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
Attorney General Ashley Moody tried to stop the ballot initiative. She claimed in Supreme Court arguments that the initiative illegally tried to do things at once: decriminalize possession of marijuana for recreational use and allow its sales for recreational purposes.
The Florida Supreme Court disagreed in a ruling in April. Catch up on that ruling in this story from WUSF Public Radio in Tampa.
The possibility that Florida voters could approve the recreational use of cannabis is one reason why Seeking Alpha recommended that investors remain patient with the potential of marijuana’s long-term return. Read that here.
Dairy Support
Organic dairy producers could be eligible for additional support announced by the USDA. Producers have complained about increased operating and marketing costs, as well as supply challenges.
RELATED: In June, Organization Trade Association co-CEO Matthew Dillon explained to American Farmland Owner how his industry tried to overcome inflationary pressures and convince consumers to buy their products. Watch or listen to that conversation here.
The USDA recently announced $58 million in additional funding for marketing assistance through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The announcement from the USDA included this statement:
“The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program continues USDA’s commitment to keep the market for organic dairies sustainable as they weather challenges outside of their control,” said USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.
