For the first time since 1973, the Farm Bill will not include food stamps: Republicans muscled a pared-back version through the House yesterday, ending the political marriage between urban concerns about nutrition and rural areas who depend on farm subsidies: (New York Times)

A coalition of farm, rural and consumer organizations is trying to thwart a proposed acquisition of Smithfield Foods (the world's largest pork producer), as the gargantuan corporate consolidation would mean lack of markets for independent producers and damaging effects on our rural economies: (Food & Water Watch)

Chinese food imports to the U.S. are continuing to rise, but inspections in both China and the U.S. aren't keeping pace; to keep consumers safe, should American agencies explore the possibility of funding Chinese NGOs that focus on improving food safety in China? (Wall Street Journal)

On a far more trivial--but tastier--note, I tried to resist the absurd cronut craze but this article presents an interesting analysis of the "self-signaling" that may explain hundreds of people lining up daily for a donut-croissant hybrid! (Fast Company)

From Jarritos Mexican sodas to Miso Ginger vinaigrettes, the growing buying power of Latino and Asian consumers means that more exotic fruit flavors, hotter spices, and new grains are being manufactured by big food companies trying to appeal to diverse appetites: (New York Times)