The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working urgently to reinstate key employees who were mistakenly dismissed as part of a federal workforce reduction effort. These employees played a crucial role in managing the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, which has led to the culling of over 160 million birds since 2022. The layoffs, part of a government efficiency initiative, have raised concerns among lawmakers and industry experts, as the outbreak continues to drive up egg prices and threaten poultry farmers nationwide.

Researchers at the John Innes Centre in Norwich have identified a genetic mutation that enhances the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil microbes, potentially reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. This discovery could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by improving nutrient uptake in crops like wheat.

The European Union has introduced a major overhaul of its farming strategy, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, increase financial support for farmers, and enforce stricter import standards. While the move has been welcomed by the agricultural sector, environmental groups warn that it neglects critical green reforms. Key proposals, such as shifting subsidies away from large-scale farms and funding pollution cleanup, were excluded. Campaigners argue that without stronger sustainability measures, Europe’s food security and climate resilience remain at risk.