USDA Announces $180 Million Seed Sovereignty Initiative to Strengthen US Agricultural Security

(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a $180 million investment to launch the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Seed Sovereignty Initiative, a major effort to both strengthen U.S. agricultural security by protecting the plant genetic resources that underpin American agriculture and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agricultural innovation.

FMI Applauds the Administration’s Announcement on Diesel Prices

The Food Industry Association welcomed the White House announcement yesterday evening regarding actions to address diesel prices. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Harris offered the following statement.

“FMI appreciates efforts by the White House to lower diesel prices and address cost pressures in the supply chain. Diesel fuel is the lifeblood of food production and distribution and impacts every step of the process from field to shelf. Any relief from the pressures associated with getting food to store shelves is welcome as our members remain focused on delivering...

OpenTable and Visa Extend Their Agreement in the US, Mexico and Canada

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, and Visa, a world leader in digital payments, today announced a renewed agreement across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The next phase will broaden the Visa Dining Collection in Mexico and Canada and deliver an expanded events program, giving eligible Visa cardholders more ways to discover and book memorable dining experiences across the three countries.

The Visa Dining Collection Grows Across Canada and Mexico

The Visa Dining Collection will continue as part of a new...

McLane Fresh Foodservice Programs Win Two Major Industry Awards

McLane Company Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors and an industry-leading partner to retail and restaurant brands nationwide, was recently named a winner in two 2026 best new product competitions. CSP and Convenience Store News recognized McLane Fresh foodservice programs Prendisimo with Duo Slice Pizza and HiBird chicken strips.

Prendisimo Duo Slice Pizza, which McLane unveiled at CSP’s Convenience Retailing University in February, won the Foodservice: Pizza category of CSP’s 2026 Retailer’s Choice Best New Products Contest. Designed for convenience retail, Duo...

KFC® Puts a Snackable Spin on its Iconic Bucket with $3.49* Go Buckets

KFC is introducing Go Buckets, a new way to KFC that brings its signature Finger Lickin' Good® chicken to snacking occasions and moments beyond the traditional meal. Designed for on-the-go occasions, Go Buckets pair a choice of KFC chicken with fries or wedges, starting at just $3.49.

The new menu addition comes as snacking plays a bigger role in how Americans eat throughout the day. In fact, 87% of consumers reported snacking outside traditional mealtimes, according...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know

The New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has re-emerged as a major animal-health threat in the Americas after spreading northward through Central America and Mexico.

Federal and state authorities have expanded surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly releases in an effort to prevent the pest from becoming re-established in the country.

Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of Poultry Meat and Products from Areas in US and UK Suspended

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 190 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 20.2 million poultry eggs from the US, and about 340 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat from the UK in the first six months of this year.

"The CFS has contacted the American and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said...

Farmers Grateful for Diesel Tax Relief 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tonight applauded the executive order signed by President Trump to ease limits on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel to give farmers a break.

"We thank President Trump for recognizing that what happens at the fuel pump directly affects what happens on the farm and therefore at dinner tables across America. Allowing dyed diesel fuel to be used over-the-road will bring welcome relief for farmers because every cent per gallon matters when you're running a fleet of grain trucks or hauling cattle hundreds...

Secretary Rollins Release Statement on President Trump Dyed-Diesel EO Signing

Today [October 5, 2026], U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a statement on President Trump’s new executive order to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers by lifting taxes on dyed-diesel. Today’s action expected to represent approximately $640 million in combined federal and state savings across about 224.6 million harvested acres.

“President Trump is the most pro ranching and farming president in our lifetime. Energy dominance is at the core of putting farmers and ranchers first. This administration has unleashed American energy dominance, and we are now the largest energy producer...

Global Fast Food Market Seen Reaching $2.57 Trillion by 2031, Report Says

The global fast food market is projected to reach $2.57 trillion by 2031, up from $1.78 trillion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Its latest research report points to convenience, digital ordering and changing consumer preferences as key growth drivers.

The study shows that technology is playing a bigger role in restaurant operations. Mordor Intelligence cited Domino's March update to its Tracker, which added an AI-powered system designed to provide more accurate ready-time estimates and better order visibility. Domino’s said the...

Albertsons Names Cody Perdue Interim CFO

Albertsons Companies has appointed Cody Perdue as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Oct. 5, as the company searches for a permanent successor.

Perdue, who currently serves as Senior Vice President (VP) of Treasury, Investor Relations and Risk Management, will continue overseeing those functions while serving as interim CFO.

He succeeds Sharon McCollam, who previously announced plans to retire. McCollam will remain with Albertsons in an advisory capacity through the end of the company’s fiscal year on Feb. 27, 2027, to support the transition...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Completes Refinancing to Strengthen Financial Foundation

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a casual dining restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced it completed the refinancing of its secured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") on October 2, 2026. The new facility replaces the Company's prior credit agreement and follows the substantial completion of its refranchising transactions, the first step in strengthening the balance sheet under the First Choice Plan.

As announced on September 1, 2026, Red Robin completed...

Freddy's Announces First Southeast Asia Development Agreement with Five-Unit Deal in the Philippines

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the fast-casual restaurant concept, has signed a five-unit development agreement to bring the brand to the Philippines, marking Freddy's first development agreement in Southeast Asia.

OMG Holdings OPC will lead the expansion, establishing a new foothold for Freddy's as the brand expands its international presence. Through the five-unit agreement, the group will introduce Freddy's signature menu and hospitality-driven experience to consumers in the Philippines, with the first restaurant anticipated to...

ANALYSIS: Mexico Cattle Trade Continues to Rebuild as Border Flows Expand

US cattle imports from Mexico continued to increase through September as the phased reopening allowed additional cattle to move through the border. Weekly volume reached 6,984 head for the week of September 25, nearly 80% above the 3,922 head reported in the first full week of the month...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Energy markets, supply constraints and shifting trade dynamics are creating new pressures across food and agriculture. This week’s Top Ten brings together key developments affecting global commodities, supply chains and the broader market outlook, along with insights from Expana’s analysts and contributors.

Global Markets & Supply Chains

10. A Chatham House/FSC study warns that higher oil prices are accelerating biofuel mandates and tightening global food supplies, with Expana analysts highlighting record corn use for ethanol and biofuels as a major driver of oilseed acreage growth. While electrification, advanced biofuels and deforestation...

Meat Institute Supports Nomination of Greg Ibach to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs

The Meat Institute today issued the following statement in support of the nomination of Greg Ibach to be the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the US Department of Agriculture:

“Greg Ibach is a committed public servant with deep knowledge of agricultural markets, and he understands that access to new markets is especially critical to beef and pork producers and processors,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Ibach’s appointment will advance the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to break down tariff and non-tariff barriers in global markets to enable the...

TAHC Establishes New World Screwworm Requirements for Animals Moving from Affected States

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director issued entry requirements for all livestock, exotic livestock, fowl, and exotic fowl from New World screwworm (NWS) affected states outside of Texas. These additional movement requirements are placed to prevent potential introduction or spread of NWS to new areas of the state. The executive director order applies to a state where NWS has been detected and a NWS infested zone, quarantine area, or control area remains active.

In addition to all existing and applicable Texas entry...

ANALYSIS: August Pork Cold Storage Stocks Buck Seasonal Trend

US pork in cold storage volumes remains among the lowest in the last 10-years, as the recently released report showed frozen stocks totaling 436.3 million lbs. at the end of August, down 0.8% from July, but 12% above August 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The modest monthly decline masked some differences among individual pork items. Ham inventories increased 3.2% from July and 26.4% year over year (YOY), while loins climbed 12.7% month over month (MOM) and...

ANALYSIS: Weak Demand Pressures Tallow and Grease Markets

The tallow and grease markets continued to exhibit weaker tones through late September, with pressure developing as spot availability increased and demand from both the oleochemical and renewable fuel sectors remained subdued...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending October 2, 2026

Iran is preparing a stronger response if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, including potentially expanding targets beyond US-linked assets and involving allied groups in the region.

Tehran continues diplomatic efforts, though Iranian officials say an agreement with Washington appears unlikely. The prolonged war and economic pressure are raising concerns about Iran’s economy and possible domestic unrest.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s closely contested election between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro is drawing attention over fiscal policy and market impacts, alongside upcoming elections in other countries, including the US.

Below is Expana’s...

ANALYSIS: French Poultry Industry Calls for Tighter Controls on Thai Imports

In September 2026, the French poultry industry association has called on the European Union to suspend poultry imports from Thailand and halt the introduction of new preferential tariff quotas until Thai authorities can demonstrate full compliance with EU sanitary requirements.

The call follows the publication of a European Commission audit on September 10, 2026, which identified significant shortcomings in Thailand’s animal health and food safety control systems. Despite the concerns raised by the audit, the French poultry association said that no formal measures to suspend Thai poultry imports had...

Smashburger Gives Its Signature Smash the New York Deli Treatment with New Pastrami Lineup

Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.

The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to...

Taco Bell, Duolingo Take National Taco Day Gwith Limited-Time Sauce

Taco Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.

The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to connect the brands through the word “taco,”...

Marco's Pizza Celebrates National Pizza Month with Chef-Curated Pairings Built for Real Cravings

October is National Pizza Month, and Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, is marking the occasion the way it knows best, by tapping Director of Culinary Innovation Chef Kathleen Kennedy to build five complete, craveable pairings that turn a Marco's order into a full flavor experience - pizza, apps, salads, dip cups, and dessert included.

With more than 40 years of culinary experience in both high-end restaurants and across brands like Kraft, Starbucks, and Walmart...

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Enters Canada with 5-Unit Franchise Agreement

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Hawai'i-based restaurant concept known for its authentic plate lunches with more than 240 locations across the U.S. and Japan, will make its debut in Canada in 2027 through a five-unit franchise agreement with locally based Edmonton Ice District Ltd.

The agreement will bring L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to the province of Alberta, with its first restaurant planned for Edmonton.

"This milestone expansion reflects our confidence in bringing our aloha spirit and made-to-order comfort food of Hawai'i to new...

US Beef, Pork Cuts Introduced to Upscale Restaurants in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

USMEF’s mobile grill and kitchen provides great flexibility for introducing targeted cuts of U.S. red meat to new regions, new markets and new customers in Mexico. In partnership with importers and distributors, USMEF identifies cuts and variety meat items that have local potential and promotes those items by bringing the mobile kitchen directly to end-user customers, typically in locations that can accommodate large groups such as parking lots or open areas.

One such training and promotional event was held recently in Cancún, where 100 regional customers of Sigma Foodservice learned about alternative cuts of U.S. beef and....

Meat Institute Celebrates 120th Anniversary of Serving the US Meat and Poultry Industry

Milestone marks more than a century of advocacy, food safety leadership and member service

The Meat Institute this month will celebrate its 120th anniversary, marking 12 decades of representing and serving the meat and poultry industry. Several of its members recognized the historic milestone in a celebratory video.

"For 120 years, the Meat Institute has stood alongside the men and women who feed this country and the world,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO. “This anniversary is a celebration of their work...

Farmers Call on President Trump to Provide Diesel Price Relief

As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today [October 1, 2026] called on the president to take several steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.

“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year – harvest,” wrote Mr. Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops...

USMEF Statement on Nomination of Greg Ibach for USDA Under Secretary for Trade

President Trump has nominated Greg Ibach to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Ibach is a former director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and was USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during the first Trump administration.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

USMEF has been honored to work closely with Greg Ibach for many years, when he was a true champion for agricultural trade at both the state and federal levels. He has seen firsthand the returns...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Clears Key EU Audit, Potentially Paving Way for Poultry and Honey Exports

Consignments from Brazil covered by the new requirements and certified from September 3, 2026, were temporarily halted. The suspension relates to EU rules on antimicrobial use in products of animal origin.

An on-site audit by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) found that Brazil’s antimicrobial control systems meet EU requirements for broiler poultry meat and apiculture products. The mission took place from August 24 to September 4, 2026. It assessed Brazil’s competent authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). State veterinary agencies...

ANALYSIS: Four Months Below 47%, Female Slaughter Signals a Shift Toward Herd Rebuilding

The percentage of weekly cattle slaughter accounted for by females (cows & heifers) broke below the 47% mark in late May, dipping to 46.3% the week of May 23 after opening the period near 49%. Since briefly testing 47% again in mid-June, female slaughter has stayed under that threshold for essentially the entire summer, drifting through the mid-to-high 44% range with a low of 43.6% the week of August 29. The pattern has held for roughly four consecutive... 

ANALYSIS: US Harvest Pace Slows, Winter Wheat Seeding Lags as Storm Remnants Soak the Plains

US farmers hit a speed bump last week after weeks of running ahead of schedule, as the USDA's latest Crop Progress report showed corn and soybean harvest advancing more slowly than the prior pace amid widespread Midwest rainfall. Corn harvest reached 18% complete nationally as of September 27, matching the five-year average, while soybean harvest stood at 17%, also in line with historical norms. Crop conditions told a more cautious story: 57% of corn was rated good to excellent, unchanged from the previous...

ANALYSIS: A Widening Price Gap Between GB and Irish Cattle Prices

Difficult grazing conditions due to heatwave and low rainfall have been adding to the longer-term contraction in Irish cattle supplies. This is reflected in slaughter volumes. In 2026 to date, up to the week ending August 24, prime cattle slaughter in Ireland totalled 802,000 head according to some industry reports. This was 4% below the same period last year and well below the five-year average. Despite low cattle supplies Irish cattle prices have been trending downwards since the start of 2026.

Since December 2025, Irish and GB cattle prices have increasingly diverged. Irish prices have fallen faster than those...

President Trump Eliminates Disease-Carrying Pests and Restores Enjoyment of The Great Outdoors

ELIMINATING INVASIVE TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate invasive ticks and mosquitoes in the Federal jurisdiction of Washington, D.C. through safe and effective, non-chemical, and technology-enabled methods, and invest in pioneering approaches to eliminate these pests throughout the country.

* The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Administrator of General Services, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop and implement a campaign across Washington, D.C. to reduce...

NestFresh Reaches Major Humanely Hatched™ Milestone, Sparing 1.2 Million Male Chicks

NestFresh, a leading humane egg producer in the U.S., today announced a major milestone in its Humanely Hatched™ program: 1.2 million chicks have now been successfully hatched using in-ovo sexing technology, helping spare 1.2 million male chicks from being euthanized after birth. The company expects that number to reach 1.5 million by the end of 2026.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in NestFresh's effort to bring in-ovo sexing to commercial scale in the U.S. egg industry. While more egg companies are beginning to announce commitments to in-ovo technology, NestFresh has been actively...

California Cold Chain Laws Set to Add Costs for Industry

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law that the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) says will add financial and regulatory burdens to the state’s food and pharmaceutical cold storage industry. Assembly Bill 817 (AB 817) and Senate Bill 716 (SB 716), signed Sept. 30, take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The measures were introduced following a June 17 industrial fire in Los Angeles that affected the Boyle Heights community and surrounding areas.

GCCA opposed both bills, saying they fall short of strengthening emergency preparedness...

USMEF Partners with Importer to Launch US Pork Boston Butt in Chile

Throughout Latin America, USMEF is enhancing market development efforts for the U.S. pork Boston butt. In Colombia, USMEF markets the Boston butt as an “opportunity cut” to the trade. In Mexico, Boston butt is the “U.S. pork cut of the year.”

The Boston butt’s versatility and flavor are suited to a great variety of menu applications and presents new opportunities to get U.S. pork on menus in the region. A recent target market for the Boston butt is Chile, where USMEF promoted it at a product launch event in Santiago. USMEF partnered with Chilean importer Almakila to introduce the Boston butt to its end-user customers...

Meat Institute Issues Statement on Pork and Beef Trade Opportunities with China

Following the announcement that beef and pork were included in the list of goods qualifying for better trade treatment as a result of ongoing negotiations with China, the Meat Institute released the following statement:

“The Meat Institute is appreciative of Ambassador Greer’s ongoing efforts to secure greater access to Chinese markets for US pork and beef,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “It was great to see the inclusion of beef and pork on the list of non-sensitive goods, which will set the foundation...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Fully Exhausts 1.106M MT China Beef Safeguard Quota in 272 Days

On September 29, China's General Administration of Customs, as published via the China International Trade Single Window, has confirmed that Brazil has reached 100% of the quantity stipulated under China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Announcement No. 87 of 2025, exhausting the full 1.106 million metric ton (MT) annual safeguard allocation.

Under the terms of Announcement No. 87 of 2025, an additional tariff of 55% is imposed on top of the existing...

ANALYSIS: Japan's August 2026 Beef Imports Slide as Inventory Pressure Persists

Japan's beef imports totaled 38,686 MT in August 2026, down 10.9% month-on-month (MOM), or 4,755 MT, and 10.5% year-on-year (YOY), or 4,536 MT, according to Trade Statistics of Japan data.

The August result extended the slowdown in Japan's beef imports, with YOY volumes falling in three of the four months from May through August. The contraction also deepened from July, when imports were down 7.5% YOY.

Year-to-date (YTD) imports through August reached 329,588 MT, up...

ANALYSIS: Grinding Substitution Fades as Peeled Knuckles Trade at a Premium to Fresh 90s Trim 

The peeled knuckles market runs close to that of the 90s trim market due to the ability to grind this cut into 90% lean material. During periods when 90s trim is at a premium to peeled knuckles, some market participants opt to shift peeled knuckles into grinding material. So far this year, the weekly average peeled knuckles value has only crossed below the 90s price once, but it remained below for roughly a month. Looking to 2025, peeled knuckles dipped below only twice, once for...

ANALYSIS: Quotas, Bans, and Tariffs - The New Rules Reshaping Global Beef Trade

Global beef trade flows are undergoing significant changes as import policies evolve across the EU, China and the US, according to industry reports.

China, the world’s largest beef importer, has introduced new country-specific beef quotas. Imports outside these quotas will be subject to a 55% tariff, while quota allowances are expected to increase gradually each year. The policy is likely to have a material impact on exporters and could further reshape global beef trade flows as suppliers adjust to changing market access and tariff conditions...

Value, Convenience Drive Restaurant Choice as Consumers Pull Back on Spending

Restaurant operators may be seeing modest improvement in consumer spending, but diners remain highly price-conscious and increasingly selective about where and how they spend. A new report from Popmenu found U.S. consumers are spending an average of $100 per week on restaurants, up from earlier in 2026 but still $15 below June 2025 levels.

The report underscores a key challenge for operators: consumers still want to dine out, but they are actively looking for ways to spend less. According to Popmenu...

Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Giving Restaurants a Federal Cash-Rounding Framework

The penny’s days as a working part of the US cash register are nearing an end, and restaurants are getting a clearer set of rules for dealing with the change.

The Senate passed H.R. 10167, the “Common Cents Act,” on Sept. 28, sending the legislation to President Trump for his signature. The bill would formally end production of pennies for general circulation and establish a federal framework for rounding cash transactions when exact change is unavailable.

For restaurant operators, the legislation provides some...

The Retail Rundown: Pork Finds Its October Opportunity

October is National Pork Month, and this year’s celebration comes at an important time for the pork industry. While the fall buying period provides a marketing hook, tighter hog supplies may be an even more important factor shaping the market.

A smaller hog inventory, steady-to-lower slaughter levels, and attractive prices on select cuts give retailers several reasons to feature pork.

The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs report puts the September 1 US hog and pig inventory at 74.3 million head, about 2% below a year earlier. Market hog inventories were also down about 2%, while the breeding herd was smaller. 

The industry enters the fall with a smaller supply base and limited signs of near-term expansion. While pork remains readily...

Expana Exclusive: Supplying 46,000+ Restaurants in Complex Context - McDonald's Supply Chain Leader

Darcy Gilbert, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Sourcing at McDonald's, leads a global team accountable for overseeing approximately $30 billion in annual spend across 46,000+ restaurants in 100+ markets, and a global network of supplier partners. At its heart, the team’s job is making sure the food customers love shows up in every restaurant, every day. Yet navigating such a vast system in a fast-changing world requires far more than simply leveraging scale.

In an exclusive interview ahead of her appearance...

Hormel Foods Announces Definitive Agreement To Acquire Brakebush, A Value-Added Chicken Company

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Brakebush Brothers, LLC, a leading value-added chicken company, from the Brakebush family.

The purchase price is approximately $1.055 billion, and the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of Hormel Foods' fiscal 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

The acquisition advances Hormel Foods' strategy of investing in growing protein categories, will meaningfully expand the company's position in value-added chicken and is expected to strengthen its leading Foodservice platform through...

USDA Increases Investment in Regenerative Pilot Program to Lower Farmer Production Costs 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced increased financial assistance for the Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion in fiscal year 2027, providing more producers with the opportunity to adopt conservation systems that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term farm resilience. Producers can now apply for assistance with regenerative practices.

Additionally, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making improvements to the program, including using NRCS’s locally led conservation model to allow State Technical Advisory Committees to add conservation practices that reflect local...

Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Delivering Key Victory for Restaurant Operators

Last night, the Senate passed the Common Cents Act, sending the bill to President Trump for his signature. The vote follows months of advocacy by the National Restaurant Association to address concerns about impact the penny phaseout was having on consumers and business owners.

The Association worked closely with both houses of Congress on the bill that establishes a set of rounding principles for when exact change isn't available in a cash transaction and provides a safe harbor from liability for business owners who follow those principles...

Secretary Rollins Congratulates Luke Lindberg on World Food Programme Appointment

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins congratulated Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg on his appointment as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to serve as the next Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

“Luke Lindberg has been a tremendous friend and partner in our mission to deliver for America’s farmers and ranchers. With his help, the Trump Administration had cut the agricultural trade deficit by 51%, helped deliver...

OpenTable's Inaugural US Restaurant Impact Report Reveals Why Restaurants Matter More Than Ever

For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.

With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can...

Cargill Invests USD 130 Million To Expand Poultry Operations in Asia

As global protein demand and consumer appetite for high-quality cooked poultry products continues to accelerate, Cargill is investing over USD 130 million over next two years to expand its poultry operations across Asia. The investment encompasses capacity and efficiency enhancements across Cargill’s entire poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines and will help strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance food safety, quality and innovation for its foodservice and retail customers globally.

A key component of the investment is the deployment of advanced technologies to optimize both production processes and...

Four Weeks In: Assessing the Market Response to the Expanded Beef Tariff-Rate Quota

Four weeks after the September 1 launch of the United States’ temporary 300,000 metric ton (MT) beef tariff-rate quota expansion, market data have so far provided limited evidence of a broad consumer-price response associated with the additional tariff-free import volume.

Below, Expana examines the market’s reaction to date and highlights key watchpoints for the weeks ahead.

Wholesale and Producer Prices Move Modestly Lower

The US boxed beef cutout (Choice, 600/900 total carcass value) has traded in a narrow band since the September 1 effective date, moving from $3.70/lb to $3.66/lb as of September 25...

ANALYSIS: October Seasonality—US Domestic Boneless Beef vs. Imported Beef

Over ten years, the pattern is that October prices the domestic lean market below September without exception, while fat trim recovers within the month from a depressed base, and imported lean does very little at all. October is a weaker month than September for domestic 90s on the measure that matters most for cost, and a far more volatile one for fats. 

Throughout this report the four series are referred to by name: fresh 90s and fresh 50s for the two US domestic chemical lean items, Aust/NZ blend cow 90% and Brazil 90% for the two imported items. Codes appear...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Production Shifts at Different Speeds Across Member States

The EU’s egg sector is steadily moving away from caged production, but the pace of the transition varies considerably between major producing countries. For the market, this means that the availability of different egg categories is changing at different rates, while producers face decisions over investment and future production capacity.

France is relatively advanced, SNIPO reports cages accounted for under 25% of laying hens in 2025, down from more than 68% a decade earlier, with 52% now in free-range or organic systems— well above the EU’s 23%...